The Appeal and Necessity of Candles: Why I and Many Others Love Them

Why do many people, including myself who have a special affection for candles, choose to incorporate candles into their homes?

Candles do a lot more than just light up a room. They make a house feel homely. As a pet owner, candles serve as perfect decor. Their weight makes them sturdy, which is great to avoid the frustration of spilling their contents everywhere. Additionally, for interior decorators like me, candles play a pivotal role in shaping the aroma of a space – or more specifically, as I'm a perfumer, the myrrh and cherry bakewell scented candles create the perfect ambiance.

Personal Experiences and Preferences

I've accumulated a vast collection of candles and scented candles, my favorite being the floral cherry bakewell scent. The joy of buying these is in the process of selecting a scent that will elevate the mood of a room. For long, I didn't buy candles too often, but the Yankee scented candles in a jar once brought a pleasant, orange freshening up scent to my room, helping lift my mood.

These days, I primarily buy candles as gifts. However, because of frequent power blackouts in my area, I opted for a more practical solution than a generator. Choosing candles as a lighting alternative is not only quiet but also pleasant under such conditions.

Candles: A Versatile Decorative and Functional Item

During Christmas time, I make a deliberate choice to buy scented candles in glass jars, which can last for months while diffusing a delightful aroma into my home. Occasionally, I also purchase tea lights and place them in Moroccan lanterns to add a touch of illumination. Despite the availability of efficient generators, I keep a few candles for emergencies, just in case the battery backup starts to deplete.

Few of you might wonder, why do I carry candles at all? Well, they provide a diffuse light that makes everyone look their best, aside from the mood they create which is hard to put into words. However, for those who find my passion for candles puzzling, my reasoning is simple – they serve as a safety and mood enhancer. It's rare, but during a power cut, candles can be a lifesaver. My current generator is a 1.4 metric tons, 50kwh one, and my long run diesel generator is a 6kw model. If all else fails, I have a smaller petrol generator to rely on. So, while candles are not an absolute necessity, they still hold a special place in my home.

The Multi-Faceted Benefits of Candles

Candles not only contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere but also have multifaceted benefits. They provide a stress-relieving ambiance. The act of lighting a candle and the atmosphere it creates helps in setting a relaxed and pleasant mood. It is especially helpful for those who want to immerse themselves in a calming atmosphere, whether for relaxation, meditation, or simply to enjoy a romantic or cozy evening. Moreover, candles make everyone look their best, enhancing the overall appearance of the room due to the soft, warm light they emit.

As a perfumer, candles are also an opportunity to indulge in crafting unique and delightful scents. For me, the process of selecting and blending these scents can be as enjoyable as the bedtime ritual that follows, with scents like cherry bakewell, orange, and so many more options available to choose from. Each candle is a tiny temple of scent, carrying the promise of a fragrance that can transform a space and the people in it.

The Contrarian Viewpoint

While the benefits of candles are undeniable, there are those, like the person who has not had the need to buy candles for 17 years, who may question their value. They see candles as a waste of money and potentially dangerous. However, for those who enjoy the warmth and fragrance of candles, the benefits far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. The ability to create a personal environment where everyone can look their best and feel relaxed and happy is a luxury that cannot be easily dismissed.

Conclusion

Whether for their aesthetic appeal, their mood-enhancing properties, their practicality during power outages, or their ability to create a homely and luxurious atmosphere, candles remain a beloved fixture in homes around the world. While there is a spectrum of opinions on their value, for those who choose to use them, the benefits are clear and the appeal undeniable. So, if you find yourself intrigued by the allure of candles, perhaps it's time to explore the rich and diverse world of candle scents and styles.