Candles have been around for thousands of years and are still used today. While we may not use candles for their original purpose - being the only accessible source of light at night - we do use them for a multitude of other uses:
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Setting a specific mood
- Make a space cozier
- And many more
Whether you’ve been using candles for ages or want to start incorporating them into your home decor and daily life, here are a few different ideas on how to use them in your home!
Carve It
Tired of plain, normal candles? Add some personality to your candle by carving it! The art of carving candles is an old German craft and it is slowly becoming more and more popular among homeowners. You can make exclusive designs to use on special occasions or even to give to your loved ones as gifts. If you have the time, you can make detailed, elaborate designs by changing the shape of the candle and painting it. Or, you can design simpler ones by writing or drawing something small on it.
Use Wine Glasses as Candle Holders
Don’t have any cool candle holders? Or are you just tired of those old candlesticks? You can try using upside down wine glasses or champagne flutes to hold candles. This is an effortless and modern way to use candles and change the look of the decor without spending a penny. It’s great for an intimate dinner with friends!
Floating Candles
Another interesting idea for the dining table is making a floating candle inside a wine glass: fill half of the glass with water and place a small candle inside it. You can also make a stunning centerpiece for your living room by using a clear glass bowl, place various small candles on the water inside it and leave them floating. The result is stunning and will blow away the guests.
Candle Lanterns
A different way to use candles around your house is by using them as lanterns. You can place some in the living room to cozy up the space or even in the backyard for an intimate night with friends. Try using mason jars as holders or any other glass container you may have laying around for a more modern and unique look. Also, to light the candle when it’s hard to reach, you can use spaghetti sticks and avoid having your fingers burned.
For Romantic Dates
Don’t underestimate the power of a romantic night. Ok, we are all happy eating pizza while watching tv with our loved ones, but how about trying something different? Choose a good wine, a home cooked meal, and set up some tall candles on the dining table. The effort is worth it: it can re-affirm your relationship and turn the night into a special and unforgettable evening.
Candle Therapy
Candles are known to bring benefits for those who take the time to meditate in a tranquil atmosphere. The different essential oils and botanicals present in it can bring you fundamental energies and help you in different aspects of your life. Below is a list of different scents you can use that can bring you benefits:
- Relaxation: Lavender, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Geranium.
- Headache: Cedar, Peppermint, Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender and Marjoram.
- Romance: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang.
- Energy: Eucalyptus, Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary and Bergamot.
- Slimming: Melissa, Patchouli, Fennel, Juniper, Geranium and Rosemary.
- Congestion: Peppermint, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Marjoram.
- Menstrual Pain and Tension: Chamomile, Marjoram, Cypress, Jasmine, Melissa and Juniper.
For Life Hacks
Candles are not just useful for relaxing, meditating, setting mood, and all those other benefits mentioned above. They’re also for completely unrelated things. Here are a few different ideas you can use candles for:
- Zipper fixer: Rub a candle gently along the teeth on both sides of a stubborn zipper, to smooth the way.
- Tear prevention: Light a candle before you start chopping onions: the flame burns off some of the fumes and can carry away the rest.
- Drawer opener: To make a hard-to-open drawer slide more smoothly, you can rub a candle along the drawer’s bottom outer edges.
- Fire igniter: Use leftover candle wax to easily start an open fire at a camping trip or to ignite a wood-burning stove up from a cold start.
- Recipe card protector: Rub a thin coat of wax over your recipe cards so they become spill-proof and you can cook without worrying about it.
Candles as Gifts
Candles still make great gifts, it doesn’t matter if it’s for your coworker or your best friend. If you want something more personal, you can make your own candle from scratch and personalize it, making it unique and original, or maybe carve one, making designs and writing small words or phrases.
What do you think of these ideas? Do you have any other different way you like to use candles? Comment below and check out our Facebook for more interesting posts!
