Decor Ready Candles
The first candle in written history was said to come from the ancient Egyptians in as early as 3000 BC. They were simply reeds soaked in animal fat made for the sole purpose of providing light during the nighttime. The first recorded wicked candle as we know today came thousands of years later with the ancient Romans in around 500 BC. Throughout time, the purpose of candles has evolved — from the sole purpose of light, to warmth, to battle. But today, we’re at the apex. In modernity, we find candles as part of the cultural zeitgist in both function and design across cultures. Candles are beloved for the scents they diffuse, the warmth they exude, and the calm they portray. But now, with the advent of 3D-printing and modern sculptural techniques, some candles can do all that and more. These candles function as a multifunctional, independent sculptural art pieces, completing a space and then some. I’ve looked far and near to find and test the best candles that both smell and look good. Check out some of the top contenders below.
The Først Candle
by House of Good
$150
Beyond the lovely pink pepper and clove smell, this candle is great because of its modularity. Made of black ceramic, you begin by burning the candle up right. Once the wax finishes, you can choose to purchase a refillable half-sphere or use it as a mini bowl (shown left). Alternatively, you can opt to turn the ceramic piece upside down and use it as a candle holder (shown right). Because the ceramic is also porous, it absorbs the fragrance oils from the wax to continue emitting the fresh spice scent even after the wax is gone.
Sculptural Scented Candle No. 35
by The Very Good Candle Company
$99
In terms of uniqueness, this sculpted candle is second to none as each is hand sculpted, making every rendition one-of-a-kind. The inside is beautifully glazed and smooth in case you choose to use the holder as a jar of sorts afterwards. The design of the candle holder offers contemporary elevation to a space, which is amplified by the smell of the wax itself. The wax is an all natural yet potent formulation that is delightfully fresh and woody. If you like a santal, evergreen, or balsam tree smell, you’ll love this candle which features a woody base of cedarwood and birch and middle notes of spiced patchouli and bergamot topped with fir needle and blood orange.
Sculptural Candle Set
by Mulier Studio
$185
Handcrafted by Madrid-based artist Silvia Duran Plana, these statement candles were designed with the intention of creating a holistic, ‘contemplative experience’ within the home. Each candle radiates an earthy, neutral pastel that allows the set to subtley bring color and focus into a room. Each candle has the same calming and slightly sweet amber and sandalwood scent. While you can purchase each individually for $36-$42, I found the power of these candles is as a set. The first reason is that when all six candles are burning, amber and cedarwood fill the room in a delicious but still understated way that embodies sophisitication. The second reason regards the visual nature of the candles themselves when lit simultaneously. Given their varying heights and shapes, they create an ever-changing art piece as they burn.
