Before electricity was widely available, candles were used to provide light on dark nights. Without candles, all activity in the home after dark would be inhibited. Today, we have electricity flowing through our homes, and getting light is as easy as flipping a switch, yet candles still reside in many homes. One reason for this might be that people want a way to have some light in case of a power outage, and a candle can last much longer than a flashlight. Sometimes these candles are scented soy jar candles, and they are lit to fill the home with desirable smells. Probably the most popular purpose for candles in homes today is for decoration, but in order for a candle to look its best, it needs to be dressed the right way.
One way to dress a candle is to place it in or on top of a sconce or candle holder. A sconce is a type of light fixture that attaches only the wall instead of the ground. A candle sconce provides a place to set decorative candles, and while that candle might never be lit, it will serve as a beautiful decoration for your wall. Sconces can come in many designs, some fairy simple, and others more elaborate. Candle holders are similar to sconces, except that they rest on the ground or upon furniture.
There are also figurines that candles can be placed in. Porcelain figurines can be designed with a spot for a candle to be placed. Sometimes the figurines come with a candle, but if not, it should be easy to measure the opening and find a compatible candle. These figurines can take many shapes, but usually take the form of animals. A porcelain frog or chipmunk can provide a little more life to a room than a candle alone would bring.
Arguably the most breathtaking way to use a candle in home decoration is in a chandelier. Like sconces, chandeliers were originally used as a way to light a room, and chandeliers existed with candles and torches long before electricity. Now candle chandeliers are rarely lit, if at all, but they help to fill and complete any space, especially a formal dining room.
Candles have a rich history, and even with the light bulb taking its place functionally, they still remain a staple in homes today. From scented soy jar candles to decorative candelabras, candles can still serve a function in modern homes.