Candles have long been cherished for their warm glow, soothing ambiance, and delightful fragrances. Over the past two decades, however, the world of candles has witnessed a remarkable transformation. From innovative designs to eco-friendly materials, candles have evolved to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. In this blog post, we will explore the exciting evolution of candles over the last 20 years, showcasing the remarkable advancements that have made these timeless treasures even more extraordinary.
Sustainable Materials and Eco-Consciousness: In recent years, there has been a growing demand for environmentally friendly products, and candles have embraced this trend. Whilst for many years soy wax candles were introduced as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin wax, many candle makers, like myself, have shifted towards alternative sustainable materials, such as beeswax, rapeseed wax and coconut wax, which are renewable and biodegradable alternatives that have less impact on deforestation in certain parts of the world. Most candle wicks are now lead-free but additionally, eco-conscious consumers can now find candles with recycled or fully recyclable packaging, promoting a greener lifestyle. At Calon Home I use a rapeseed and coconut blend of wax (there’s more about this on a previous blog) and I am proud to be plastic free and ensure my labels are paper-based without vinyl, as well as using plastic-free outer packaging with no lamination.
Innovative Designs and Shapes: Candle designs have experienced a creative revolution over the past two decades. Manufacturers have ventured beyond the traditional pillar and taper shapes, introducing a wide array of innovative designs. From whimsical figurines to intricate carved candles, there are now endless options to suit every taste and occasion. Decorative containers, such as mason jars and metallic vessels, have also gained popularity, allowing candles to serve as stylish decor pieces even when not lit.
Customisation and Personalisation: In today’s era of personalisation, candles have not been left behind. Customisation options have become increasingly prevalent, allowing customers to create candles tailored to their preferences. From selecting unique fragrances to choosing the colour, size, and even adding personalised labels or engravings, candles now offer a more personalised and meaningful gift-giving experience.
At Calon Home we specialise in personalised candles, allowing customers to personalise their candles with our high quality bamboo lids (no MDF here!). There are a wealth of options from simple text in our standard font to more eye-catching designs with graphics and special fonts. As well as our signature range and personalised range we also have an occasion range so people can choose their candles by occasion rather than by scent. Our bestsellers in this range being our Happy Birthday candle and our With Love candle. Just like the other ranges, these can also be personalised.
Our state of the art laser-engraver also allows us to extend our personalised candle offering to other businesses, allowing them to have bespoke lids, as well as opening this up to special events, fundraisers and weddings.
Bespoke lids using our state of the art laser engraver
Innovative Fragrances and Aromatherapy: The world of candle fragrances has expanded and diversified significantly over the last two decades. Alongside the traditional floral and fruity scents, candle makers have introduced a plethora of innovative fragrances. From complex blends of exotic spices to invigorating herbal notes, there is a fragrance to suit every mood and occasion. Additionally, candles have embraced the growing popularity of aromatherapy, with scents carefully crafted to promote relaxation, stress relief, and even improved focus. At Calon Home we have a range of scents that are available all year round, as well as seasonal scents in our Scents of the Season amber glass collection.
Technology Integration: Advancements in technology have found their way into the realm of candles, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. LED flameless candles have become a popular alternative, offering the beauty of a flickering flame without the safety concerns. Smart candles, controlled via mobile apps, allow users to adjust lighting settings, set timers, and even change colours, offering a new level of convenience and versatility. Whilst at Calon Home we appreciate some of the benefits of these non-flame alternatives, we believe that there will always be a place for scented candles in the home. To me, there is nothing better than relaxing in the evening to a flickering, scented candle… especially in the cooler months.
The joy of a real flame…
To sum up, over the last 20 years, candles have undergone a remarkable evolution, combining tradition with innovation. From sustainable materials and eco-conscious practices to personalised designs and captivating fragrances, candles have transformed into more than just a source of light and scent. They have become an expression of personal style, a reflection of eco-conscious choices, and a tool for relaxation and ambiance. As we move forward, the candle industry continues to push boundaries, offering exciting possibilities that ignite our senses and illuminate our lives.