The Enduring Comfort of Candles in Modern Life
In the darkest of times, candles have consistently provided both physical light and emotional comfort. According to design experts Colin and Justin, whose column appears in the Toronto Sun, scented candles play an essential role in their daily lives, particularly at their Haliburton cottage where they frequently escape their busy schedules.
The nostalgic power of candlelight traces back to their childhoods in 1980s Scotland, where frequent power outages forced families to gather around simple stick candles. Wrapped in blankets and listening to battery-powered radios, they recall their parents' defiant spirit during these challenging moments. "We'll get through this, together" became a family mantra during these intimate, candlelit gatherings.
The Fascinating Evolution of Candle Making
The history of candles spans millennia, with earliest use often attributed to ancient Egyptians who created rushlight torches by soaking reeds in melted animal fat. However, these early versions lacked the wicks that define modern candles.
The ancient Romans developed the first true wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. For centuries, wax-fuelled illumination remained popular until Thomas Edison's invention of the electric light bulb in 1879 temporarily dimmed their appeal.
Candles experienced a significant resurgence during the first half of the 20th century when U.S. oil and meatpacking by-products like paraffin and stearic acid became inexpensive candle ingredients. Their popularity remained steady until the mid-1980s, when interest in candles as decorative items, mood setters, and gifts accelerated dramatically.
By the year 2000, the North American candle market surged into overdrive, and today represents an impressive $4 billion industry annually.
Expert Candle Recommendations for Canadian Homes
When it comes to candle preferences, Colin and Justin strongly favor soy wax candles for their smooth, even burn without the distracting sizzle of inferior alternatives. They also appreciate beeswax for its strong burn time but avoid candles derived from animal fats due to their crackling burn and cloying aromas.
The pandemic era saw a significant increase in candle usage, with their hypnotic flames and dreamy aromas providing valuable distraction during uncertain times. Kathy LaVanier, president of the National Candle Association, explains this phenomenon: "Those were stressful times. Many people were out of work, others sick, and people were living in various states of quarantine. Many of us looked to life-calming constants to relieve stress. And there are few products as calming, nor as constant, as candles."
Based on their extensive testing, the design experts recommend several outstanding Canadian candle options:
Rowan and Oak offers a range spanning black chamomile, lavender, and sage as part of their feel-good collection that takes a natural, holistic approach to skin care and home accessorizing. Priced at $26.
Kawartha Candle Company presents Cedar Birch, a blend of bergamot, orange, cedarwood, and musk that creates a fresh, earthy scent. Hand-poured using natural soy and featuring lead-free cotton wicks, this $25 candle delivers an enduring aroma.
Vancouver Candle Company creates Gastown, imbued with tobacco, amber, and black pepper notes that create a deep, smoky, and dramatic scent profile. At $48, this candle envelops spaces with its moody undertones.
Huron Candle Works produces candles in amber glass jars and aluminum cans that boast lasting aromas. Their Woodland variant, featuring notes of spruce, citrus, and verbena, provides 40 hours of burn time at an accessible price point.
As Colin and Justin conclude, your olfactory future looks bright—and smells even better. The timeless appeal of candles continues to provide comfort, ambiance, and sensory pleasure in homes across Canada and beyond.
