Candles bring elegance and ambiance that never goes out of style. They evoke a bygone era where illumination was a living, breathing aspect of the home. Today, no longer needed as a light source, their presence still transports us to a place of divinity, comfort, and beauty. Candles are not just sacred objects, they are daily companions that inspire us to live a more beautiful and romantic life.

Here are my golden rules for choosing elegant candles for the modern home:

#1 Beeswax Tapers for Dining

Candles made from beeswax have been used since ancient Egypt and their intimate and classic nature has carried through the centuries to represent nobility and holiness. Beeswax tapers are a timeless addition to any dining table. They burn slowly and because of their sweet earthy scent they compliment the aroma of food, never overpowering it. 

#2 Decorative Matchboxes

Decorative matchboxes are a natural pairing for beautiful candles. Whether you light candles every night or once a week, having a decorative matchbox nearby will add a delicate whimsy to your candle lighting ritual.

#3 White Holiday Tapers

As with any other element of decor, candles should find an organic rhythm and an elevated role during holidays and special occasions. I swap out beeswax tapers for thicker unscented white tapers that burn long and bright through the holiday season.

#4 Scents for the Office and Bedroom

I primarily use unscented candles in my living and dining areas, so as not to overwhelm or compete with eating and relaxing. In those rooms the light itself is enough. In more intimate areas like my creative studio and bedroom I bring in subtle fruity and floral fragrances, derived from essential oils, that can be simultaneously uplifting and calming. My favorites are Diptyque Baies and Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin.