Candles are the flames of life that dance and make life merry. That is why any festival of joy and happiness is always filled with candles or ‘deepas’. X’mas, Deepawali or name it, they decorate the home with that thrill,” opines Jaisim, Jaisim Fountainhead Projects Private Limited. Diptyque candles are made special by their unique method of preparation from natural fragrances, extracted from essential oils and essences. These candles are made from ‘secret recipes’ of mixed scents to make them as evocative as possible. All candles are fragranced with a range of special perfumes covering a multitude of scents, ranging from wood, spice and floral. Says Radhika Gupta, Creative Director, MoonRiver, and the driving force behind the concept, “We are committed to present people with discreet means to remain true to their inner spirit while they decorate their homes.“

Multipurpose beauties

Candles can be used in most places around a home. The myriad colour, design and fragrances available, ensure that they enliven any space. If your home has low seating, you can opt for a deep dish placed on the centre table with water and a few floating candles. If you have a more casual, bohemian theme, opt for more colourful candles with contemporary designs. Candles can also be placed on your bedside table teamed with wrought iron stands, decorative stained glass, crystal and the like. Pillar candles of varying heights can help create a great focus wall. “The candles we do, are sculptured as well as textured candles. Sculptured candles can be used to create light as well as be a part of the decor as they are pieces of art on their own. If the decor of the house is oriental, we do a range of bamboo, Buddha and rope candles that go with the decor. In other words, they become permanent sculptures that can be lit as well. Apart from that, our candles are usually designed according to the look of the house, or the theme of the party. For evenings where one basically wants a dim lit, very cozy feel, candles help in bringing warmth without bright lights in your eyes. In other words, giving the space a very soft and comfy feel,” say Vernaz Mittal, and Divya Burman, CEO of Wax Works. Candles are also gaining popularity as they are available in lots of scents.

Stress busters

And if you are thinking jasmine, vanilla and lavender, think again. Aromatherapy to cure common ailments through scents like bergamot and mandarin, are gaining popularity. Scents like cinnamon, ginger, apple, pine,etc, are also in. Arun Naikar, Head of Ecommerce, Sify Mall, says, "Candles are used for simple decorations to create spiritual ambience and which may enhance the overall environment of the place. Certain light effects and scented candles may also act as stress relievers, which relax and gives peace of mind."

"In fact, we do not want UPS (uninterruptible power supply), at home so that we can enjoy candlelight during 'no power' situations! We feel the tranquillity at once as the quality of space, faces and objects, transform with the light quality, accent and the shadow patterns!" says Anant, D+A architects. Explains Rajiv Nair, Business Head, General Merchandise, Hypercity Retail Limited & Hypercity Argos, ” Cluster several candles on a shelf in front of a wall mirror, or use a small mirror as the candle tray. The mirror doubles the glow. Put a few floating candles in a bowl filled with water. Place pillar candles in pretty bowls filled with greenery, nuts, fruit or coffee beans. Small terracotta pots, special teacups, colourful bottles, make for great candleholders.  If you buy scented candles, always smell the bottom of the candle. If you only get a strong scent from the top, they have probably been dipped in scent, and you will be disappointed.”Our offerings also involve sea shell candles which enhance the beauty of a home aesthetically,” says Kiran Ranga, Managing Partner, Ripple Fragrances.

 Get the most of your candles

Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 of an inch so that the candle
   burns steadily and does not emanate smoke.
Burn aroma candles in a well-ventilated room and keep
    them away from drafts and vents.
Refrigerate candles as they will burn slower if they are cold.
To clean spilled wax, use a hot iron and paper towel.
Floating candles in a clear bowl with fresh flowers, creates
   a special lighting effect.
Extinguish candles when they get within 2 inches of their
  holders or decorations.