Archive for July, 2009
Candle Sconces
There are two types of candle sconces—candle wall sconces and table sconces. Candle wall sconces, as their name suggests, are designed to be placed on walls. Table sconces, other known as candle holders, are tall holders that are designed to sit on top of tables and other hard flat surfaces.
There are many candle wall and table sconces in the market that vary in style and design. The great thing about candle sconces is that they come in different types and styles that fit every home.
There are the 16th and 17th style table and wall sconces that best suit pre-Victorian inspired houses. Then, there are the customized, state-of-the-art candle wall and tables sconces that best suite houses inspired by 21st century architecture.
Either way, people have the option of choosing the candle wall sconce or candle table sconce that best suites the style of their home.
There is a key to looking for that perfect candle sconce. If you want to make your house feel warm and accommodating, a brass candle wall sconce would be the best choice for your wall.
Keep in mind of the colors of your wall. Look for a candle wall sconce that matches the shade of the color of your wall. The last thing you want to do is to hang a candle wall sconce that does not go with the color of your wall, especially after you paid good money for it.
Unfortunately if not properly cared for, the color of the brass will either fade or turn green. To prevent this from happening, you should regularly dust your brass candle sconce and polish it with rubbing alcohol once in a while. If you polish it too much than the brass will turn black.
You may also want to consider an iron wall sconce. Although they may not be the brightest and most cheery house decoration, they do give that traditional 16th century look and feel to your home. These, however, tend to look better in pre-Victorian built houses.
When choosing candle table sconces make sure you chose the same type of candle sconce as your candle wall sconce. An iron candle table sconce amidst brass candle wall sconces would look quite tacky and out of place. There are a wide variety of sizes and styles you can choose from and the style of your candle table sconce does not have to be the same style as your candle wall sconce.
For a candle table sconce, choose one that fits the length of your dining room table. Tall and elaborately designed candle table sconces tend to look well on long dining tables. If your kitchen or dining room table is small than it would be best to choose a small candle table sconce.
Regardless of the style and architectural make-up of your home, candle wall sconces and table sconces add warmth and elegance to your home.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small, cylindrical candles that measure about 6 cm in height and 4 cm in diameter. They melt into oil while they burn, so need to be placed in glass cup holders.
Decades ago votive candles only came in one brand—white unscented candles that were placed in red glass cup holders.
They were used only in Catholic Churches for religious purposes. Votive candles were placed at the feet of statues and lit to commemorate the lives of important Saints. These candles were also lit during a time of prayer, usually a prayer that was made for a specific purpose.
Today, Votive candles are made in a wide variety of types and colors, and are scented or unscented. They are sold in every grocery store or small retail stores that specialize in the sale of home decorations. They are even sold for cheap prices in dollar stores and thrift stores.
These candles can be used for a number of purposes, but people often use them as home decorations. Their long burning wick gives off a bright glow and emanates a strong and pleasant smelling aroma throughout the house. Some people burn scented votive candles in their washrooms to fill the room with a fresh and delicious smell.
Votive candles usually burn five to eight hours long and sometimes even longer. Their hardy features are what make them come in handy in power outages.
Votive candles are also completely safe to use. Their glass holder protects the candles and prevents the flame from lighting other household objects on fire. However, when burning, the glass holder becomes very hot and will burn if touched. Hot oil will cause even more severe burning if spilt. So, it is best to keep a votive candle in one place once lit.
The Wedding Candle
Wedding candles, other wise known as unity candles, are lit to celebrate the uniting of two people and two families. The origin of this candle is unclear, but many people say that it dates back to the 1930s.
Traditionally, these candles were white. But, now they come in a variety of colors and can even be elaborately decorated according to the groom and bride’s desire. Any kind of candle can be used as a wedding candle.
A unity candle is a type of wedding candle that includes two taper candles with a larger, pillar candle centered in the middle. The pillar candle is known as the unity candle and it is almost always white.
This is a relatively new adaption to the traditional wedding ceremony and is most popular in the United States. The lighting of the unity candle represents the coming together of two families and is a symbol of their love for the bride and groom.
Floating candles are commonly used as wedding candles at out door receptions. These are tiny round candles that are placed in ponds to give a more majestic look to the garden.
Other candles that are used as wedding candles are tea, votive, pillar and taper candles. Tea candles and votive candles are usually placed in
the center of dining tables. Sometimes these candles may be placed on fancy candle holders to give the reception room a more elegant appeal.
Wedding candles are also used for other purposes. The newly weds have the option of designing their own personalized wedding candles that will last for life and forever remind them of that special day when they became one.
Relatives may purchase customized wedding candles for the bride and groom as gifts. These are known as candle favors and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. You can also find great deals on bulk votives if you are interested in budget weddings.
Regardless of their size, shape and color, and how they are used, wedding candles always add warmth and ambience to a wedding reception.
