Article by Thomas Freeman

The scented candle is a product which has remained a popular gift over many years. With more and more increased competition internally and externally, this method of home fragrance is under pressure, and it is within this article that these pressures are questioned – why should the scented candle be defended against such pressures and why the scented candle will continue to be just simply a perfect gift.

Interior design is a continually evolving business; new trends, new styles, new products. I present one example of this. With the ascension of the fragrance diffuser in recent years, the scented candle has suffered. The fragrance diffuser, which is also known as the reed diffuser, is marketed as a safer way to provide luxury household scenting, eliminating the fire hazard which candles present. The fragrance diffuser does provide varied advantage; aromas through this means can be deployed anywhere, in places where scented candles simply cannot reasonably be used; diffusers rule the workplace. But there is still a place for the scented candle in our homes. Any worries and fears over the use of candles in the home can easily be allayed. Most candles now come in non-flammable holders which do not fall over easily, and if used sensibly by keeping the flame away from anything particularly flammable, such as curtains, can be as safe as any other household object. When used properly candles can be a safe addition to the look and feel of your house – there is something unmistakably atmospheric about the glow of a scented candle as it fills the room with its essence.

A scented candle is another of those products which can be called a perfect gift; the appeal is universal. Such candles are atmospheric, soothing, the ideal gift for ‘her’. There is a reason why ‘smelly candles’ are at the top of many women’s lists this year. But scented candles are not restricted to personal presents, and hold as a successful home gift. From an interior design point of view, scented candles can be instrumental. The scented candle can provide the finishing touches, or can equally dominating the focus of a room depending on Candle styles and positioning. Fronting duel properties as a room scenting and supplementary lighting device, the scented candle already notches an advantage over other means of home fragrance. It should be noted of course that the scented candles main aim is that of fragrancing, not lighting, but the comforting glow of such a product really contributes towards a feeling of warmth and comfort and always needs to be considered. Another overlooked advantage includes the stylistic merits of the candle itself. The candle holder is an opportunity for designers to create something which can perform as a stylish home accessory, added flair to the design of the candle in a way which the fragrance diffuser is limited in – there are only so many ways fragrance oil diffusers can be visually displayed. For scented candles the possibilities are endless; candles in gorgeous glass holders, crafted ceramic bowls, modern designed flasks, an opportunity is given for the candle to become more a piece of art than simply a means of home fragrance.

Most importantly however, luxury candles cannot be beaten when it comes to inventive and specialist scents, the main reason why scented candles are used in the first place. Smell is a very powerful sense, strongly connected with subconscious feelings and memories. Room scents can help reaffirm such connections with your own home, or even to bring back pleasant memories from long before. Room fragrance is not just a pleasant aroma, or means to clear undesirable odours, but has a much firmer connection to the overall design and feel of a home. One particular brand which I would like to mention in this case is the Baobab Collection, which began operating in 2002. Tracing its roots back to Tanzania, this brand has selected scents which bring you straight into the African heartland. Exotic aromas such as Serengeti Plains, White Rhino and Madagascar Vanilla are truly unique, making a huge difference to the atmosphere of a room. These scents succeed in transporting you to the African plains, and physically look great in transparent glass containers. But this is just one example of the carefully crafted scent ranges available across the market, an illustration of how much choice is available in this highly competitive area. There is a reason why, even through increased competition in the home fragrance market in general, that the scented candles market remains strong, and it is the sheer quality of the goods out there.

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