Wax candles: what are they and how to use them?
Earlier, wax candles were used to illuminate rooms, but today they are more often used for decorative purposes. They create a romantic and cozy atmosphere, and also perfectly calm the nervous system. Moreover, such lighting will allow your eyes to rest.
Peculiarities
Candles have traditionally been used to illuminate homes. Moreover, they are still used for various ritual ceremonies. Religious literature contains a wealth of information on how to properly use wax candles.
With the development of modern technology, the composition of the candles, as well as their shape and design, have gradually changed. In addition, depending on the composition, the melting point of the wax changes, as well as the duration of the candle burning.
All wax options have a pleasant scent that can be enhanced with the addition of natural oils.
They will create a fabulous atmosphere, highlight the excellent taste of the home owners and complement even the most modest interior. Moreover, such decorative lighting will be a great surprise that any connoisseur of comfort and warmth will appreciate. It would be a great idea to use this kind of lighting when congratulating the birthday people.
Making wax candles is gaining popularity as a hobby and a small additional income. You can also have an exciting lesson on making them with your children.
What are they made of?
The modern market offers a wide selection of materials used for the production of candles. In addition to the traditional wax, stearin and paraffin wax are used, which have their own advantages over the classic wax versions.
Wax candles are usually natural options that are made from a variety of raw materials. The most popular are candles made from beeswax, soybean and coconut wax.
Let's consider the main compositions and their characteristics.
- Beeswax. It is a natural and environmentally friendly product that has a long and bright burning and a pleasant smell. Interestingly, these varieties smell even unlit, and if you are sensitive to odors, you will notice their light honey aroma. In addition, such lighting is beneficial to health.
- Made from soy and palm wax. These are natural candles that, when burned, do not emit harmful substances and do not create soot. This wax is often used as a massage wax because it has a low melting point compared to beeswax. Moreover, in the manufacture of candles, they can be easily supplemented with aromatic oils, which manufacturers often do.
- Made from coconut wax. Such options are most often made by hand, so they are expensive. When burned, coconut products give off a pleasant coconut scent, making them a great option for aromatherapy. Coconut oil is taken as the basis for the production of such candles, so they are environmentally friendly.
- Made of artificial foundation. This material is usually made from paraffin wax and similar compounds. However, artificial wax emits a large amount of carbon dioxide when burned, which makes such products hazardous to human health and the environment.The candles themselves are small in size, so they do not have a large negative impact on the person. But it is better to refuse from the regular use of such decorative lighting in favor of natural counterparts.
Advantages and disadvantages
All types of candles have their pros and cons.
Consider the benefits of wax products.
- High melting point and bright burning.
- A wide selection of wax types and its environmental friendliness.
- A pleasant smell, as wax candles can be supplemented with various aromatic additives.
- Good for health, but this applies exclusively to natural wax.
- They have a calming and pacifying appearance.
- Wide range of colors.
- Original design. Today it is easy to choose a candle for every taste. On the modern market, both laconic options and products of non-standard shapes with various decorative elements are presented.
- Affordable price. Thanks to mass production, everyone can purchase the wax version, only handcrafted candles with a unique design have a high price.
As for the shortcomings, there are few of them and most of them are paraffin options. When they burn, benzene and taulol are released, which enter the human body through the respiratory system. These substances adversely affect the nervous and circulatory systems, destroying them and causing the development of various diseases.
You can distinguish natural wax candles from paraffin candles by smell, since paraffin has a pungent aroma. Another way is to cut the candle: the natural version will be easy to cut, and the paraffin will crumble.
You can try to bend the candle, with such a check, the paraffin product will break.
Sizes and shapes
Manufacturers today create candles in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Depending on your personal preferences and purpose, you can easily find the best option.
The largest candle in the world was created specifically for the Muslim holiday in 2005 in Bahrain. Its height is 73 meters, it had about 14 thousand wicks. This candle was listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Conventional candles are most often made with a diameter of up to 10 cm, but there are also larger decorative options. Shelves, cabinets, tables and other surfaces are decorated with candles of the usual sizes. And larger specimens are usually used as floor decor.
Products vary in height. For decoration, they can use both flat versions of a small height, and thin or thick tall candles.
As for the form, then the choice is varied. Classic candles are round, square or tapered. Such options look stylish and perfectly complement any interior.
But modern ones did not stop there and created a large number of options for non-standard shapes. Today you can find models in the form of silhouettes of people, animals, buildings, dishes and other shapes. These are not only things and objects that exist in our world, but also all kinds of abstract figures and fictional plots. Curly candles will be the perfect decoration for modern interiors as they look bright and original.
Design
New unexpected design solutions appear every year. Candles have become not only an integral part of the decor, but also the decoration of the interiors of restaurants, halls for photo shoots and various celebrations.
An unusual design can be achieved by using several colors in the candle, which form an interesting abstraction. The multi-colored options look bright and fun. Often, plain candles are decorated with original designs that are applied directly to them.
Another interesting solution would be to use wax, which was added with leaves, grass or flowers. Moreover, when burned, such dried flowers will create a pleasant aroma.
For eco-style, options decorated with burlap are perfect.It can be tied around a candle and secured with ribbons, bows, buttons, flowers, or a small clock.
The candlestick can be decorated with salt, sugar or other materials. Dried flowers or small shells are perfect for this.
The candles themselves are often decorated with sparkles. They are easy to apply to them at home with a simple glue. Black or white options with bright sparkles will look great.
Candles with various inscriptions that can be made to order are no less common. This solution will be a great gift.
Decoupage is another decorating technique that can help you create a variation in any style and color.
Natural cinnamon sticks, which can be used to decorate a candle or candlestick, will not only create an original decoration, but also act as a room fragrance.
For coffee lovers, products decorated with coffee beans will be an excellent option. They can be poured into a container or pasted over a candlestick.
You can buy handmade candles made from natural citrus fruits. Wax is poured into peels from lemons, oranges and other fruits, creating a stylish solution for a vibrant kitchen.
Incense candles tend to have a discreet design. They differ in different diameters and heights.
Burning time
For wax candles, a long burning process is characteristic, as a result of which carbon dioxide is released in small volumes. Therefore, wax versions are safe for human health and the environment. However, depending on the material chosen, the melting point of the wax and the composition of the components released into the air change.
Besides, all options burn brightly compared to paraffin candles and artificial stearin products... After the candles are completely burned out, they become unusable and lose their attractiveness.
It is important to remember that all wax products should not be left in the sun as they can melt and lose their attractive appearance.
How to use it correctly?
All wax candles have the same use. The wick is ignited with a lighter or matches, which burns by slowly melting the wax.
To use candles as safe as possible, you should follow simple rules:
- you can not install candles on uneven and wobbly surfaces;
- no open fire should be left near curtains, curtains and other flammable items;
- you must not leave the fire unattended and let children play with it;
- you should not take the flame out into the street or terrace in windy weather, but if you nevertheless did it, you need to carefully monitor it.
By following these simple guidelines, you can protect yourself and your family from the risk of fire or burns.
Beautiful examples
- Wax options in tall flasks decorated with snow-white rose petals will help to create a unique track at a wedding or other celebration.
- To create a romantic atmosphere on the terrace, different sizes and diameters are perfect.
- Natural candles in unusual candlesticks with stones and flowers will become a stylish and original addition to the interior.
- The use of a large number of wax candles will create a unique design for a walk-through room in a restaurant or hotel.
- Wax lighting will adorn any fireplace.
Natural candles of different diameters installed in stylish tall candlesticks are perfect for a stylish white interior.
- With the help of a vase, candlesticks and wax candles, it will be possible to create a delicate decoration of the table in the living room.
- With the help of such unique products, you can diversify your interior.
For information on how to make a wax candle with your own hands, see the next video.
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