We are pleased to be partnering with the Lone Design Club for their May 2022 pop up concept store in the Knightsbridge area of London. This will be our first pop up and we are really excited at the chance to meet our customers face to face and introduce new customers to our scented candles. You will be able to experience and purchase our candles in store along with other amazing, independent small businesses. It’s sure to be a great atmosphere.
About Lone Design Club
Lone Design Club was founded in May 2018 as the result of emerging international fashion + lifestyle brands uniting with like-minded businesses in rising up, taking control and shaping the future of retail. Pop up stores have become their bread and butter, challenging a new retail movement and providing a platform for the best independent and sustainable brands to flourish. You can find out more about LDC here.
We will be partaking in the concept pop up store for one week from Thursday 19th May - Wednesday 24th May. The location of the store is 55 Brompton Road, SW3 1DP. Opening hours are 10am -7pm. Please come and say hello!
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The Monocle Cafe
18 Chiltern St, London W1U 7QA
Image by Monocle
Avid Celona London followers will know that Monocle is one of our favourite brands (see our post on magazines you should be reading). Monocle is a media brand that has many different arms including a global affairs and lifestyle magazine, a 24-hour radio station and a retail arm. The retail arm being The Monocle Cafe in Marylebone. Although fairly small, it has a great offering from coffee to small pastries to perfumes. They also do an amazing carrot cake! It can be quite difficult to grab a seat on the ground floor, but head downstairs for more seating and a quieter space. The only downside is that they don't offer Wifi, so personal hotspot it is!
Kaffeine
66 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7QJ
Image by Kaffeine
Kaffeine is an Independent Aussie/Kiwi-owned coffee shop with deli-style breakfasts, sandwiches and salads. They have two locations a stone's throw away from each other in Fitzrovia. Both locations are great, with the establishment at 15 Eastcastle Street slightly bigger than its sibling. Similar to the Monocle Cafe, the lack of Wifi is a bit of a downer however, what it lacks in Wifi, it makes up in atmosphere as chitter chatter, casual meetings and Macbook’s dotted around creates a sense of productivity in the air.
Image by Belgravia
Whilst not the easiest place to pronounce, we stumbled across this place earlier this year and instantly fell in love. In Pantechnicon’s own words it is ‘A playful celebration of Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship. Step into our world and prepare to be uplifted by beautiful design.’ We can safely say this is true. This trendy venue has a cafe selling Scandinavian and Japanese fare, a shop, a restaurant and a roof garden. Grab a bite at Cafe Kitsune (we love the Shrimp Tempura & Yuzu Mayonnaise Sando) and get your head down on the first floor.
Image by The Hoxton
Well known and world renowned hotel chain The Hoxton has three hotels in London. Southwark, Holborn and Shoreditch. The lounge area that you will find on the ground floor of all the hotels has become a hub for creatives, people that love to work from home and just a genuine great place to get work done. All three locations are easily accessible being close to tube stations. The hardest thing is finding a seat! But when you do, there is arguably no better place to work. We regularly frequent the Shoreditch location as we love the dim lights, ambience and the overall vibe emanating from this place. The comfy sofas, fast (and free!) Wifi and table service means we often spend the whole day working from here. The staff are incredibly friendly and as you creep into the late evening, early night, the place comes alive as the volume increases and the lounge becomes saturated with people.
Image by CitizenM
Similar to The Hoxton but a bit more contemporary in terms of interiors, CitizenM has many locations across London, with the branch located in Tower Hill our most visited. A lot quieter than The Hoxton, CitizenM’s bright and colourful decor will keep you alert, but its calm, serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place to get things done. It used to provide free Wifi but now, if you don't have a room, you will need to get yourself a day pass to work there and get access to the internet.
]]>1) Start by removing the odor source and ventilating
Pesky odors from cooking, pets, or other gross stuff can be a pain to get rid of. The first step is to remove the source of the offending odor from your home and ventilating with some outside air so that the bad smells are no longer being replenished. The second step is to replace the residual bad smells with your favorite smells using room freshening candles made with essential oils to deodorise your home. – Olympic Candle
2) Use a blacklight to detect odors
Sometimes it can be hard to detect where the foul odors are coming from, and they may be hiding in plain sight. Using a black light can help uncover those pesky invisible sources of stink. Once revealed, defeating these ghostly odors is easy, and we recommend an awesome candle to show off your victory and get rid of that bad smell memory. – Nostalgia Candle Company
3) Try a cleaning solution to deodorise your home
Rugs and upholstery might get the least amount of attention, but they can be the biggest culprits when it comes to holding onto bad smells. Try this quick and easy upholstery and rug deodorizer to clear out bad aromas: add 1 tablespoon baking soda, 10 drops of Lemon essential oil, and 5 drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils to a 16 oz glass spray bottle. Top off with water, shake well and spray rugs or upholstery to freshen and deodorise. – Verdant Oils
4) Light a freshly lit candle to enhance the aroma
Be sure to get 100% soy to ensure you are bringing toxin-free candles into your home that are good for you, your family, and pets – Jamie Lavin of Simply Scrunch Co.
5) Choose a natural smelling fragrance
When trying to deodorise your home and get rid of bad odors, a scented candle could be the way to go. Great picks are fresh, botanical, and natural fragrances such as eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus to help clear and lighten the air rather than weigh it down. – Terradomi
6) Or a scent that reminds you of home
Whether you choose a candle or wax melt of a bakery scent such as Blueberry Cobbler or a warm scent such as Home, it reaches your sense of smell to trigger warm memories. Also, a great idea when selling your home is to use a candle or wax melt before a showing to add the touch of warmth. – Louie and Jill Chamberlain of Cardinal Candle Company
7) Reed diffusers can provide a constant flow of fragrance
Reed diffusers work particularly well in areas that are used the most, such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and entrances. I find that keeping the same scent throughout the home enhances the experience of the fragrance and leaves lasting memories of a good scent. – Kirsty Elmer, Owner of Delilah Chloe Luxury Home Fragrance
8) Burn a 100% natural candle
So you’ve done your best to identify the source of unpleasant odors and eliminate them from your home. Now what? Burning a high-quality, 100% natural candle will fill your space with delightful fragrances that both elicit fond memories and create that relaxing atmosphere you are looking for. – Shaded Periwinkle
9) Go with a scent that matches each room
When choosing where to place candles, cinnamon works best to neutralize unpleasant bathroom odors. If you want a candle in your kitchen, fruit, chocolate, and coffee-scented candles will be right at home with the food aromas that already live there. Unscented candles are best for your dining table to avoid a conflict with your nose and palette, and soft musk or herbal scents will relax you in your bedroom. – America’s Candle Company
10) Create a calming and relaxing atmosphere
To create a cozy, warm feel to your home, we recommend lighting a scented candle. Not only do scented candles give your home a wonderful smell, but they also create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Floral scents are great for a light and airy feel, while musky scents create a nice and snug ambiance. – Celona London
11) Go with a paradise themed candle to create an at-home oasis
With more time at home over the last year and a half, people have been looking into all kinds of ways to create their own at-home oasis. Scented candles are the perfect way to bring home that vacation vibe when a vacation isn’t always an option. Go with a vacation-themed candle-like Citrus Ocean for a little more paradise in your life. – The Outerbanks Candle Company
12) Be careful with the products you purchase
Deodorising your home should come with a huge buyer beware as many products for deodorising contain harmful chemicals that may negatively impact your sleep, focus, and productivity. Swapping your home deodorising and cleaning routine for natural alternatives, like pure essential oils, will not only please your senses, but also set you up for creating a more peaceful and relaxing environment. – Essentialoils.life
13) Hire a professional cleaner
Ultra-pure chlorine dioxide can not only help protect your home but also your family at the same time. Many products can be used to eliminate or reduce bacteria, mold, and viruses in virtually any setting. – Odor Smarts
14) Choose scents that you have an emotional connection to
To set the right scene in your home, find scents that you have an emotional connection with the same way you would with a picture you put on your wall or the soft and comfortable chair you put in your living room. Finding scents that connect you to your favourite memories of a season, holiday, or vacation can be a great way to add that extra personal touch to the warm and comforting feeling you want to create in your home. – Road Trip Candle Company
15) Try unique candle scents
After you have tackled the cause of unwanted smells you may want to add more pleasing scents to deodorise your home. We recommend choosing a unique candle made by a small business. Not only are they a chic way of decorating your home, but they also come with a meaning behind the look and fragrance that makes for a great talking point. – Classical Candle Co.
Originally published on Redfin.com
Now that's out of the way, what a scent this is! One word to describe our Honey and Tobacco scented candle is ‘mature’. Our inspiration for this scent was imagining an elderly Cuban native, cigar in hand, idly gazing across the tropical horizon in their 30 year old wooden armchair.
Cuba is famous for its tobacco based cigar’s. We wanted to play with the natural sweet and sometimes floral smelling properties of the tobacco leaf, and pair it with Sandalwood to really bring out the woody, earthy tones. We added a bit of Honey to smoothen out the fragrance. What you are left with is a well rounded, warm and aromatic fragrance that will stand the test of time.
Our Honey & Tobacco scented candle is available in two sizes and you can check them out here.
]]>What we love the most about this fragrance is its sweetness combined with a slight woody undertone. The Amber in this fragrance is not too strong, but the perfect amount to compliment the Plum, Pomegranate and Violet Leaf.
Our Plum and Pomegranate scented candle is available in two sizes and you can check them out here
]]>The idea behind Floral Royale was to create a candle that would bring joy to a space. We wanted a smell that would evoke a sense of familiarity and that people would want to smell over and over again. Initially, we struggled to settle on a universal smell that beyond reasonable doubt, everyone would love. Then one Tuesday afternoon, we were unassumingly hanging up some laundry and hey presto! We are yet to meet anyone who doesn't like the smell of freshly washed clothes! We wanted to recreate that feeling of bringing freshly washed linen up to your nose and taking in all that goodness. Our Floral Royale Candle is great for homes, especially during the day or when giving your home a once over.
Our Floral Royale scented candle is available in two sizes and you can check them out here.
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Oud is very popular amongst casuals and fragrance enthusiasts alike. Oud is derived from tropical Agar tree which originates from the Assam region in India. Oud is actually produced when the heartwood of the Agar tree becomes infected by a particular mould. In reaction to the infection, the tree produces a dark, dense and very fragrant resin to protect itself. This is what we know as Oud.
Oud is one of our favourite scents here at Celona. It has a very pungent, warm and smokey fragrance. Whilst it is very popular, especially in the Middle East, it is not to everyone’s liking as it can be quite overpowering. We knew we always wanted to have an Oud scented candle in our collection, but we wanted it to be slightly different from what is already out there on the market. Appealing to those noses who have not yet built up a relationship with the smell of Oud was important to us. In order to achieve this we knew we wanted to retain the strong and distinguished Oud smell, but slightly reduce its potency and add a bit of freshness to the scent. This is why we introduced Bergamot for its sweet and fresh properties as well as Vanilla to remove the harsh edges. What you are left with is a well rounded Oud fragrance which still holds on to the properties you would typically expect from Oud fragrance but with an added bit of freshness.
‘Japandi’ is a portmanteau of the words Japanese and Scandinavian, and has its roots in interior design. On their own, the two design styles already have a passionate following and have both influenced Celona London as a brand. Within the last few years, the Japandi movement has increasingly become more prominent and has been the style choice for many who want to create a comfortable, contemporary and stylish space. At first glance, one might struggle to see the connection between Japan and the region of Scandinavia; two completely different languages, cultures, environments and over 8,043km of land and water separating the two. But when it comes to design, they have more in common than you might think. Both Japanese and Scandinavian design are about simplicity, nature and the removal of noise. Japandi design marries the core elements of Scandinavian functionality and simplicity, with Japanese rustic minimalism. What you are left with is minimal, aesthetically pleasing and highly functional designs.
Who is this style for?
The beauty about the Japandi style, just like its originators, is that it is unobtrusive, universal, and timeless. It's great for those who love a bit of structure, with the organisational elements of the style creating a calming feel with its peeled back styling, natural materials and use of craftsmanship. For both residential and commercial spaces, the look and feel of a Japandi styled interior is warm, inviting and easy on the eye. Two brands that we feel really demonstrate the core elements of Japandi design are cafe Omotesando (Fitzrovia) and restaurant/retail spot Pantechnicon (Belgravia). If you have visited them before, you can certainly see the similarities. If you haven't, we highly recommend that you do.
What are the features of Japandi design?
1. A calming and neutral colour palette. At the heart of the Japandi style is creating an environment that is calming and tranquil. Colours such as whites, greys, blacks and sage greens are frequently used.
2. Natural materials. Incorporating materials such as stone, greenery and especially natural woods are a staple when going for the Japandi aesthetic. This points to the heavy sustainability focus that underpins this movement.
3. Organic forms and texture. Whilst simplicity is key, it is not by default but indeed by design. Products that feel and look organic with clean lines are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Again, you will find objects made from natural materials to give the space that added texture.
4. Furnishing. Our favourite element as there are so many choices, especially when looking to bring this style into your home. The Japandi design style promotes hand made, organic pieces made from sustainable resources, from vases to cutlery to plant pots (to scented candles)!
In summary, Japandi fuses together form and function, with a focus on clean lines, neutral tones and sustainability. The ultimate aim is to create a warm, cosy and calming space that looks good and creates a sense of being. If you liked this post, be sure to read our post on ‘What is Scandinivian Design’.
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Top Notes
Top notes, also called 'head notes' are the notes that introduce you to the scented candle. They are what form your first impressions when you first smell the candle. Because of the molecular structure of these notes, top notes evaporate very quickly into the air, but they arguably have the most important job as they lure you in. Once the scented candle is lit, top notes usually last anywhere between 5-15 minutes. Common top notes include: Lemon, Orange, Sage, Lavender
Middle Notes
Middle notes, also called 'heart notes' make up the main body of the fragrance. These notes are designed to balance the heavier bottom notes, whilst complimenting the delicate top notes. Middle notes make up around 70% of the total fragrance and start to appear when the top notes evaporate. They usually last around 20-60 minutes. Common middle notes include: Jasmine, Pepper, Geranium, Rose, Lemongrass
Base Notes
Base notes, also called 'bottom notes' are the notes that hold the whole fragrance together. They are the heaviest and the most long lasting notes as they are made up of larger, more complex molecules. As a result, the base notes stay around in the air long after the candle has been extinguished. Base notes start kicking in around 30 minutes in the burn and can last upwards of 6 hours. Common base notes include: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli, VanillaEvery note in our scented candles has been carefully selected and meticulously combined to deliver a superior scent experience. If you haven't already, check out our scented candle collection here.]]>
We don't think so.
Magazines! We love them here at Celona London. They provide a valuable and tangible resource of news, events, and most importantly, inspiration. The right magazine, if styled well, can also complement a space and provide a great little accent to finish off a room. Print media has been around for hundreds of years but over the last few decades, it has seen a steady decline mainly due to how technology has progressed, combined with the change in the way we consume information.
What you will find below is a curated list of some of our favourite design and lifestyle reads. Some you may have heard of, some you may not. What you won't find in this list is the more ubiquitous publications such as Ideal Home or ELLE Decoration UK. Whilst these are great magazines, we wanted to share the ones that often fly under the radar but still provide very insightful, inspirational and high quality content.
Cereal is a design and lifestyle magazine with a bi-annual schedule (Spring/Summer & Autumn/Winter). Headquartered in the UK and with quite a ‘cult like’ following, Cereal provides readers with a unique take on design, art and travel. You will find regular interviews from people in industry and really engaging stories. What makes this magazine stand out is that each destination explored, has been personally visited by the founders, Rosa and Rich, with all photography and interviews commissioned exclusively by them. As an extension, Cereal also publishes a carefully curated and thoughtful series of City Guides books for London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and Copenhagen. These city guides are highly recommended too.
Monocle is a media company started by Canadian entrepreneur Tyler Brûlé. The media brand has many different arms including a global affairs and lifestyle magazine, a 24-hour radio station and a retail arm which includes Monocle cafes in London and Monocle shops dotted around globally. The magazine is a monthly publication which covers a variety of different topics from global news, travel, design, lifestyle and business. If you want to keep up to date with the news in style, find out about the best holiday destinations, read in-depth interviews with industry leaders in fashion and design and learn how to cook exquisite meals, this is the magazine for you.
The new kid on the block. UK based Simply Scandi launched at the beginning of the 2021 and releases their publication every quarter. As you can probably guess by the name, they have a core focus on everything Scandinavian home and lifestyle. Readers can expect unique content covering interior design, styling tips, recipes, places and shops. This 132 page magazine promises a lot and we are looking forward to following their journey.
A UK based interiors and lifestyle magazine which started life out as an online publication in 2011 and then went into print in 2016. 91 Magazine has a specific focus on creativity. Presenting stylish, yet affordable options for creating your perfect space, whether it's a home, shop or studio, 91 Magazine provides provoking and inspirational ideas for you to contemplate. Still in tune with its humble beginnings, Caroline Rowland, the founder still runs the business from her home with her small team who work remotely.
Considered magazine is a publication that is focused on mindful and sustainable lifestyle and travel. Released twice a year, Considered partners with a variety of photographers, artisans and freelance writers to create a magazine that caters to those who seek inspiration through thoughtful design and headful means.
There are many more magazines out there which provide really good content and are a great source of inspiration, but these five are our favourites. Go and check them out, you will not be disappointed.
]]>First and foremost, let's define what Scandinavian is. Scandinavia is a subregion in Northern Europe which comprises of the countries Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Sometimes, the Faroe Islands, Finland and Iceland are also considered part of the Scandinavian region. These regions share cultural, historic and linguistic ties with each other.
There are three key elements that underpin Scandi design and these are Simplicity, Functionality and Minimalism. The movement spans across all types of design, from interior to furniture to product design. At its very basic level, Scandi design amalgamates all three of these elements seamlessly, removing the unnecessary clutter and letting the beauty of the product or design shine through, effortlessly.
Let's look at the Scandi style in a bit more detail. Characterised by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. The focus is on simple lines and light and airy spaces. The use of monochromatic or neutral tones is a hallmark of this design style since natural light is rarely found in Nordic homes. What you will find in Nordic homes however, is the brilliant use of natural elements such as wood, house plants, nature-inspired sculptural pieces and natural textiles. These pieces bring a sense of warmth and cosiness in what ordinarily would be quite a clinical space. Arguably, the addition of these natural materials would be what distinguishes minimalist design from Scandinavian design.
The idea of decluttering is a very important one. This doesn't mean having absolutely nothing or just being plain. It's more about only having what is necessary. You want to find the right balance between having too little and having too much. There is a word for this in Sweden which is Lagom, which translates to ‘just the right amount’. You want to choose quality over quantity and carefully add pieces that complement the vibe that you are trying to create. Simple, practical pieces are normally a good way to go and if they can be used for more than one purpose, even better!
If you are looking to add a little accent to your Scandi style home, our scented candles are the perfect addition. In typical Scandi style, they are minimal, unobtrusive and look and smell great when lit or unlit. Take a look at our collection here.
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Small, independent businesses are what keeps the local economy thriving. They offer a range of products and services that you won't find on a high street. However, being a small business owner is scary, unpredictable and extremely hard, especially if you are operating in a competitive and saturated market. Because of this, we encourage people to shop small in any way they can. Whether it's purchasing goods or services, sharing posts on social media or leaving a review, everything you do no matter how big or small will have a huge impact on the small business.
You have probably heard this many times before but, small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Choosing to buy your goods and services from local, independent businesses rather than large high street shops means that you are helping that business to thrive and grow. Oftentimes, independent businesses source their goods locally, and as a result of your custom, they can then invest more in supporting other small businesses. It's like the domino effect. Small and local businesses facilitate other small and local businesses in creating a prosperous network of enterprises.
There is nothing like self-expression. How boring would it be if everyone bought things from the same high street shops!? Shopping small business gives you the opportunity to discover new, innovative or quirky brands. Brands that are not accessible on your typical high street. We love it when we come across one-off and unique pieces that we know very few people would have. You will also find a lot more creativity and personality in items brought from small businesses as they have the freedom and flexibility to innovate as and when they want, unlike larger retailers.
Whether it's a family run business, a partnership or an individual, there is more than what meets the eye when buying independently. It's very easy to think of small business owners as CEO’s or high flyers who don't get involved in nitty-gritty. The fact of the matter is that most of the time, small business owners do everything from sweeping the floors to marketing. They put their blood, sweat and tears into the business hoping to make it a success. Most owners start from nothing, having to use their life savings or remortgage their home to start their business. There is a lot riding on the success of their business including livelihoods and families and as a consequence, they tend to care a lot more about the service they deliver to their customers.
Shopping small is a fantastic way to show your support to the entrepreneur(s) who’s business you are buying from. Deciding to buy your baked goods from that little family-run bakery at the end of your street, as opposed to the high street shop you find in every city centre might seem small, but will mean everything to that business.
When we buy from small businesses, we have always found the customer service to be top notch. They have to be, right? Of course! Being a small business, you cannot afford to have bad customer service. If you do, people will not buy from you again and more importantly, they will not refer their friends or family. This keeps business owners sharp and always trying to push the boundaries of delivering excellent customer service.
Never underestimate the power you can have on a small business’ success. So the next time you are out shopping or online, think small.
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Arguably the most important aspect of a candle, the aspect that matters most to consumers is the scent. Beautifully and well thought out fragrances can really elevate a room and evoke different memories and emotion within us. Every person has their own unique sense of smell, some enjoy dense, woody scents while others may get joy from lighter, more floral scents. The beauty is that there is a wide variety of different scents out there on the market which are broadly speaking, grouped into the following four families:
Generally speaking, this fragrance family has quite a delicate and soft feel to it. Inspired by nature, these fragrances usually contain one or more flowers or plants (Rose, Jasmine, Orange blossom). Although, you can get quite stronger floral fragrances which contain more powdery, heavier scents such as Violet and Lavender. Check out our Floral Royale scented candle if you like your floral fragrances.
Fresh fragrances usually consist of your fruity, citrusy notes such Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin etc. Fresh scented candles provide a refreshing and vibrant feel and are great for when you want to uplift the vibe. Our Plum & Pomegranate scented candle straddles the lines between fresh, woody and oriental.
Oriental is one of the broadest fragrance families and can range from ‘floral oriental’ scents to ‘musky oriental’ scents. The name of the family derives from materials that are often associated with the East such as Amber, Frankincense and Myrrh. Oriental fragrances are often sensual, warm and exotic. If you are searching for this type of scent, look no further than our Persian Rugs scented candle.
Dense, warm and earthy, woody notes are often mixed with notes from other families to achieve a really luxurious fragrance. Sandalwood, Patchouli and Vetiver are some of the most common notes you will find in woody fragrances. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish oriental and woody fragrances, thus, they tend to work well together. Our Agarwood Oud scented candle is great for all you lovers of woody fragrances.
There are several wax types to consider, each have their advantages and disadvantages which we go through in greater detail in our Understanding Waxes post, however, here is a high level overview of the main types.
This is our choice of wax for our hand poured scented candles. Soy wax is made from the vegetable soybean, which makes soy wax better for the environment because it is renewable and can be sustainably produced.
Paraffin wax is made from petroleum and is considered to be one of the least environmentally friendly types of wax. Many high street brands use paraffin wax as it is cheaper to produce and holds the fragrance of the candle very well. It is also prone to produce a lot more soot relative to other waxes.
Beeswax is created naturally from bees as a byproduct from their honey making-process. It has a natural sweet scent so it can be enjoyed in its purest form.
Coconut wax is derived from Coconuts. It is a very sustainable wax choice for scented candles but tends to be the most expensive option. It is not perfect however. Coconut wax is extremely soft and has a very low melting point, and as a result, it is usually blended with another wax (commonly soy wax) to increase its melting point, and make it better suited for candle making.
The wick is essential to a good quality burn. The wick is the object you light and delivers heat to the wax. Some larger scented candles have two or three wicks but most candles have one wick. Not too long ago, most scented candle wicks had a lead-core, which helped to keep the wick straight. However, due to the health concerns that came with burning lead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission have now banned the use of lead in candle wicks. Some scented candles with lead-core wicks do slip through the net, but you will tend to find this with cheaper imported candles. We recommend always going for wicks that use 100% natural material such as cotton or linen. Our wicks use a combination of both which have been tightly braided together to increase the strength and durability.
There are many different types and shapes that scented candles come in. The shape of a candle can really define or add to the look and feel of a space. The main scented candle shapes are:
Small and lightweight, these candles are the cheapest and easiest way to introduce candles into your home. Usually circular in shape, they can be used as standalone candles or used as burners for wax melts.
Similar to tea lights but taller, votive candles are designed to be placed inside votive holders where the wax can fully melt. Ideally, you want your votive holder to be tapered so that the melted wax can pool downwards and be drawn up by the wick.
Pillar candles are larger in shape, moulded from the wax and do not require any external structure to keep the wax in place. The wax is firm enough to burn free-standing.
Tall and thin in proportion. Typically used as dinner candles, they can add an air of sophistication to a space.
Image by Joyce
The melted wax is poured directly into a container, most commonly made of glass or tin, but you can also find other less common materials such as jesmonite. We use Italian made glass for our scented candles.
Thank you for reading and we hope this guide helps you on your candle buying journey.
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First, let's establish what wax is. Wax is essentially the fuel for a candle. It is the flammable solid that becomes liquid when it is heated. The fragrance oil is infused within the wax during the candle making process. When the scented candle is lit, the wax melts and the scent is released into the air. There are many different wax choices on the market, so let's explore the most common and dive into the advantages and disadvantages.
Soy wax is our choice of wax for our scented candles. Soy wax is made from the vegetable soybean, which makes soy wax a renewable and sustainable wax option.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Paraffin wax is probably the most common and frequently used type of wax for scented candles. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of the petroleum industry and is considered to be one of the least eco friendly types of wax. Many high street brands use paraffin wax as it is cheaper to produce and holds the fragrance of the candle very well.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Coconut wax is derived from, you guessed it! Coconuts. It is a very sustainable wax choice for scented candles but tends to be the most expensive option.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Beeswax is created naturally from bees as a byproduct from their honey making-process. The wax has a naturally sweet scent because of this.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
As you can see, there are many different types of wax to choose from (these are the most common waxes). The type of wax you choose will depend on a number of factors unique to you, but we hope this guide helps to bring you a bit more clarity.
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The use of scented candles have recently become an important part of everyday life for most people during lockdown. With many of us having spent nearly 90% of our time cooped up at home for the best part of a year, we yearned for ways we could add a little variety to what became a very monotonous lifestyle. Something as simple as lighting a candle can drastically transform our whole mood and also the mood around us. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should be burning scented candles.
A well designed, good looking scented candle can be the perfect finishing touch for any room. The texture of the candle jar, the colour, the shape, the size and the overall look and feel can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your space. You should want your scented candle to be versatile, to conform to whatever situation you need it to perform in. Whether it be the centrepiece on your dining table, or helping you to ‘zen out’ while you soak in the bath, or keeping you and your loved ones warm out on the patio, a well designed candle should add a little extra chicness wherever it is placed.
One of our principals is that form and function are equal. We want to deliver great smelling candles that look good and fit in with your lifestyle. Our candles are designed to be contemporary, understated, intentionally simple and are great for just having out on display.
From the soft glow of the candle light across the room to the scent that fills the air, scented candles have always been one of the go to items to help create the atmosphere you desire.
The ambiance of a space plays an undeniable role in shaping the overall experience of its occupants. With a few strategically placed scented candles, you can harness the power of the senses to set the mood and tone you want to create. Think about the last time you walked into a room with lit candles, how did it make you feel?
Candles have long been an integral part in the promotion of good mental health. Lighting a candle whilst in the bath, meditating or practising yoga is a proven way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Here are some of the reasons many people light scented candles:
Whilst these are all great benefits, what is also important to consider is the type of wax and wick the scented candle is made from. Some scented candles that are made from paraffin wax or have a wick that is made from lead, can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the air, which is not great for our bodies. We recommend seeking candles that are derived from renewable, sustainable and vegan friendly sources such as soy wax, coconut wax or beeswax. Cotton, Linen or Wood are also good choices for wicks.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, a graduation or baby, or simply just welcoming a loved one home, a scented candle will ensure that the atmosphere is befitting for the occasion. Our scented soy wax candles are a great little treat for yourself and make for the perfect gift. Celona London candles are hand poured and packaged by us to ensure the highest quality with every scented candle.
Arguably the most important aspect of a scented candle is of course, the scent. The choice of fragrances are vast, from floral to oriental to woody to fresh and everything in between. Do you want to create a warm and cosy feel? Try our Agarwood Oud scented candle. Just woke up, had your coffee and feeling productive? Start your day right with our Floral Royale scented candle. There really is a scent for everyone. We like to layer our notes here at Celona London to provide you with sophisticated and alluring scents that last a long time. Regardless of what scent you prefer, you can never underestimate the power of smell and the effect it can have on us.
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Burn Time: The amount of time it takes for the candle to completely run out of wax.
Cold Throw: The release of fragrance from the candle when it is not burning.
Cure Time: The time it takes for the wax and fragrance oil to fully combine. Our soy wax candles are left to cure for a specific period of time before they are shipped. This ensures that the fragrance oil and soy wax can fully bond together to achieve the optimum scent throw.
Frosting: The white crystalisation that can form on the top of some natural waxes. Occurs most often on soy wax candles because the wax is trying to return to its original form. It is important to note that this phenomenon DOES NOT affect the performance of the candle.
Hot Throw: The release of fragrance from the candle when it burns.
Melt Pool: The melted wax of a burning candle. A full melt pool is when the top layer of wax has melted completely.
Mushrooming: The build up of carbon at the tip of the wick.
Soot: The black smoke that is emitted from a burning candle.
Tunneling: When the wick burns straight down the centre of the candle leaving unmelted wax around the sides. To avoid tunnelling, the first burn is very important. This is why we recommend burning your scented candle for a minimum of 2 hours on your first burn to reduce the chances of tunneling.
Wax: The solid substance that holds the fragrance and melts into a liquid when it is heated.
Wick: The material that holds the flame of the candle.
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