Candles and Holders

The role of candles and holders in home decor

Candles and holders have been used by human beings for thousands of years. While the first ones were made of clay, today they come in various materials and designs, adding warmth and sophistication to home decor.

They can enhance a mood and atmosphere through scent and be a fantastic decorative feature in their own right in any home in New Zealand.

Types of candles

Tea light candles

Tea lights are small and extremely versatile, often encased in a round metal container with cotton wicks. They create an intimate environment when placed in glass holders and can also be used to heat an oil diffuser. 

Votive candles

Votives are slightly larger than tea lights. Their size typically measures up to 6cm in height and up to 5 cm in diameter. They can burn up to 20 hours in a container and rarely produce any smoke until they quietly burn themselves out.

Taper candles

Classic and elegant, taper candles will instantly breathe a dash of refinement into a room. They are tall and slender, ideal for placing into candelabras to light up a festive dinner or elevate the mood and the ambience. They can burn for up to 10 hours.

Candle jars

Jars are great safety and decorative holders that are used in many different situations by homeowners in New Zealand. Many models feature a lid for easy storage and scent preservation.

Pillar candles

Pillars are an excellent solution for everyone who wants to enjoy the elegance of taper models without candelabras. They are available in various heights, widths, and scents, while some models also feature more than one wick.

Floating candles

Floating candles produce a lovely light while floating on water. Apart from looking fabulous when grouped inside a wide bowl, they are incredibly safe and leave no trace of wax on the table. 

Scented candles

Fragrant versions appear in many sizes, shapes and designs and scents. They add atmosphere, highlight the mood and build character in a room. Scented hand poured candles can also be found in New Zealand for an artisan twist. 

Flameless candles

LEDs are usually battery or solar-powered and resemble them in appearance and effect. Due to their safety and absence of open flame, they are great to use in a flammable environment or the company of kids. Some models even come with a remote controller. 

Types of candle wax 

You should also take the type of candle wax into consideration before making your purchase. There are many available in New Zealand and each has its own unique traits and qualities some of which may suit your taste and needs better than others. 

• Beeswax: Traditional beeswax come with benefits, such as longevity and the ability to purify the air while burning.
• Paraffin Wax: The most popular type of wax in New Zealand it is rigid and robust, ideal for taper and pillar types.
• Palm Wax: Thick and long-lasting, palm wax is also biodegradable.
• Soy Wax: Natural and long-lasting, soy candles produce no petrol-carbon byproducts while burning. 
• Bayberry Wax: Another eco-friendly plant-based solution, it produces a light scent and works best when mixed with beeswax.
• Liquid Wax: So-called oil candles are typically made of paraffin or mineral oil and produce more smoke, but less mess and wax melts than other materials. 

Types of candle holders

Tea light candle holders

This type of holder is typically made of glass, shallow, convenient to use and excellent for providing mood lighting. They are also affordable, and ideal for creative home decor solutions and arrangements with photo frames, flower bouquets in vases and similar items. 

Candelabras

Candelabras are the most traditional types of holders that still hold top place among modern designs in New Zealand. They are often seen as centrepieces of dining tables, adding an undeniable sense of luxury to uplift the atmosphere. 

Candle lanterns

Lanterns have been used as holders for centuries and have been experiencing a resurgence in popularity in New Zealand. A lantern is a simple yet stylish way to illuminate a porch, garden or patio area or create a romantic, rustic atmosphere indoors. 

Hurricane lamps

The name "hurricane" lamps come from their size, tall enough to protect the candle inside from the wind and great for use both indoors and outdoors. These holders are often made from glass or ceramic and can take any kind of candle - but thicker models will work best. 

Taper candle holders

Often seen in restaurants and at home as part of a dinner setting, taper holders are among the most popular mood lighting solutions. They are small and elegant, look great on table runners, and leave enough space for cutlery and other serveware. 

Votive candle holders

Votive holders are ideal for short types, about five centimetres in height. They are suitable for mix-and-match with interesting decorations. They are also great for making vignettes with sculptures or table clocks. 

How to decorate with candles

Once you have your candles you want to use them in the best possible way and below are some tips for different rooms in the house. 

• Living Room: Cedarwood, floral or fruity scents, spicy mixes with cinnamon are great for the living room. The best place for them is on a decorative tray on the coffee or side table. 
• Kitchen: Citrus or spicy scents complement a kitchen nicely. They should be placed away from traffic zones, inside of lanterns or securely on the kitchen island. 
• Dining Room: Unscented ones are better to avoid disturbing the meal. Usually, they look best as centrepieces in candelabras.
• Bedroom: Citrus or any favourite scent for your personal space. Safely placed in a shallow bowl, they are great on a bedside table or dresser. 
• Bathroom: Soothing scents like lavender will help you unwind. They can be arranged around the bathtub or in front of mirrors will add a beautiful glow.

If you need assistance to find the right types of candles and holders, ArchiPro provides a connection to trusted professionals in New Zealand, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.