Sometimes life can be really busy and logging off from the blue light from screens can be a challenge. In these cases, candles my help you. Candles have been used for thousands of years and in many cases was used as a way to recharge, like for example in connection to different religious ceremonies or in meditation. It can also help the modern workaholic to wind down.
Type of candles for relaxation
There are many types of candles that exist on the market. Some of them are made for more practical use while others can be used for more decorative or as a mood creator. Before, all candles were mainly made of tallow (animal fats) or of beeswax. But over the last 200 years candles have been made out of more chemical compounds like stearin for practical use, wax and wax blends like soy, palm and flax-seed oil. When it comes to using candles for relaxation all types of candle types can be used. But scented and organic candles can sometimes be a better option to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Candle room by room
Candles can create a different atmosphere with their light and unique scents. Therefore, below is a guide of how you can use them in different rooms in your home.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the room in your home that should really be the place to relax. A candle in your bedroom can create a softer ambiance that can help you to switch off and get ready for bed. Make sure that the candle light in the bedroom is the only source of light to be able to relax. Do not bring in screens like a laptop, iPad or a phone. Try to listen to music or journal in the bedroom with candle light. Use lavender, jasmine or rose for late afternoons and evenings to smooth your nerves. In the morning, try to use more of an uplifting scent like citrus and eucyptalypctus. Vanilla can also be a scent that is uplifting and can get you more productive.
Bathroom
It’s definitely a good idea to have candles in the bathroom. If you have a bathtub, try to create clusters of candles in the bathtub corner. You can also try floating tea lights for a more of a zen vibe. When it comes to candle sent in the bathroom, try to go for scents that make an intimate atmosphere, this can for example be cinnamon or rose. You can also try to go for scents in the bathroom that remind you of tropical destinations like coconut or mango. You could also make your bathroom into a spa with sea-realted scents or mineral springs.
Living room
The living room should be a place that feels warm both for you and for your guests. Try to go for candles that give off warm light. If you have a fireplace but cannot use it, try to add some candles in clusters around it. This will imitate a fire that you can group around. When it comes to scented candles in the living room, you can either go for a fresh scent that is more woody, like a forest scent. Or you can go for a more relaxing scent like vanilla or honey. The living room is also a place where you can vary the candles and the scent with the seasons. It could be spice for Christmas, baked apples or cinnamon for autumn, citron for spring or flowers for summer. If you are having guests over, try to light the candles before they arrive so you can see how it looks and potentially smells.
Kitchen
Candles with scent can be a great way to remove smells from the kitchen after cooking. This can be done with smells like cotton, linen or citrus. These scents can make your brain relax more and avoid stress. Other smells like coffee and vanilla can also work well in the kitchen. When it comes to the evening, try to start your relaxation before bed in the evening in the kitchen with some lavender scent. Make sure that you only burn one scent if you have an open plan kitchen and living area so different scents do not overpower each other.
Dining room
The dining room is the perfect room for having candles if you have guests. A candle lit room can make the atmosphere more relaxed and more intimate than lighting the room with lamps. I believe that you open up to more personal conversations when candles are lit. Try to go for tall unscented candles to light up the dining table then scented candles when the dinner is over to be used like a palate cleanser. Try to use scents that go with the season and are rich in scent. This can for example be chocolate, cinnamon, honey or jasmine.
Entryway
Placing candles in the hallway is the perfect way from switching from a busy life outside to a relaxing home inside. It’s also a great way to greet your guests into your home. Try to go for scented candles in the hallway that smell fresh and reminds you of a garden. Try to avoid a too strong scent. Floral scents like rose, violets, lily or jasmine work well. But you can also go for a citrus or a wooden smell that is a bit more fresher and natural.
Have you ever used candles to relax you in your home?
