Candles have a rich and vibrant history. Candles were the sole decoration on the first Christmas tree. Candles served as the only light in every home for hundreds of years. Candles have only become decorative pieces since the introduction of electricity. Candles come in a variety of sizes (widths, lengths), shapes (common circles, stars and squares), scents (lavender, clean linen, wisteria, cinnamon apple), patterns, designs, materials (not all are made of wax), colors, containers (jars, bowls for votives, decorative cans shaped like pails), and widths.

Using candles to decorate your space is a lot harder than it sounds. Depending on the space you are looking to decorate, you will need to take some time deciding amongst all the varieties of candles. If you have a bare fireplace mantle in need of sprucing up, you can add elegance and color by purchasing tall, wrought iron candelabras and affix short, thick candles to the tops. The choice of color depends on the color theme you currently have in your living room. If you are a decorating novice, keep in mind that white candles go with anything.

If you want to decorate your space and create an oasis of sensual scents, why not envelope your senses in scented oil candles that completely melt away and fill your home with delectable delights like vanilla and lavender, spiced rose, pumpkin pie, or raspberry delight. Make your home smell like a florists shop, a linen closet, or Christmas dinner.

Large open spaces are the perfect places for large candles in large candle holders. Smaller spaces are ideal for small candles. If you want to expand from the simple candle and candle holder, you can purchase a fish bowl, fill it with water and brightly colored decorative rocks, then set floating votives inside. This creates a center piece for your coffee table or a table decoration for a bridal shower.

With the vast amounts of candle shops, boutiques, online stores, and big candle companies you have a huge selection to choose from. Yankee Candle and Glade are two of the most well known candle manufacturers in the world. Finding a candle to fit your style is easy if you decide to decorate using candles from either of these companies. Yankee Candle will take a bigger bite out of your wallet than Glade, but either company will give you excellent products for the price.

With the wide assortment to choose from, making your home and office look relaxing, romantic, warm, sophisticated, calm, or whatever image you envision can be done. Choosing the right color, design, container and scent will give your space your desired effects. Candles can also be paired with other decorative items like area rugs. There’s no need to go to an expensive restaurant when you can have candlelight dinner with the luscious scent of the candles and the cozy feel of your area rug in the comforts of your home.

If before, candles are lit to give light, now candles are lit for so much more. They can be a symbol of beauty, love and serenity. Try lighting a candle after a stressful day and feel yourself relax. It’s a simple therapy. Just practice caution for no matter how pretty candles look, they can cause fire accidents if left unattended. Enjoy the candles but don’t play with fire.

Make the most of your Candle Decorating by ensuring the rest of your room is well decorated – start by brightening your floor with these shag floor rugs.