Prior to the 19th century, a "wax" candle typically referred to a beeswax candle.

All waxes are primarily hydrocarbons, whether the wax is of animal, vegetable, or petroleum origin. The chemical composition of all waxes used for candle-making is similar.

An estimated 1 billion pounds of wax are used in the candles sold each year in the United States.

Candles account for the second largest use of waxes in North America, after packaging and package coatings.

Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making. market, as are blends of waxes.

Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon.

No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candle making. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely.

No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.

There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape.

Everything seems lovelier by candlelight. Candles can add warmth, style and ambiance to any room in the home.

Whether grouped for drama in the living room, paired in candlesticks on the dining table, or snuggled in colored glass votives on the mantel, candles add elegance and style to homes around the world.

Here are some popular trends for decorating with candles:

Large pillar candles placed in glass lanterns or surrounded by glass hurricanes make a bold decorating statement during the day, and cloak a room with subtle warmth and drama when lit. They can be especially dramatic when placed in pairs at the end of a mantel or as the focal point on a coffee table or end table.

Try groupings of tapers or pillars for a compact yet striking complement to any décor. Try varying shades of one color in your grouping or the same color but with varying candleholders. Taper groupings can be especially dramatic and easily changed for minimal expense. When using tapers, don't limit your thinking to the dining room.

Add an Asian influence by placing one or more pillar candles on a pillar plate and surrounding the candle base with stones. This looks best with neutral colored or deeply hued candles and pillar plates made of metal or heavy pottery.

Make your fireplace a dramatic backdrop by filling it with candles. Or use the hearth for bringing the color, light and warmth of candles to a room. If using scented candles, make sure all are the same fragrance. Candle holders made especially for in-fireplace use are a great way to enjoy the visual pleasure of a fire when it's too warm for a log fire.

Think textures. Square and round pillars with intriguing textures and patterns, and uniquely shaped candles with soft-toned patterned surfaces, are rapidly gaining favor with home decorators seeking to merge the traditional appeal of candles with artistic flair.

Candlelight can transform the garden or patio into one of your home's most enchanting areas. Bring a shimmer of candlelight to your patio dining with groupings of white or cream candles protected by hurricanes or votive holders. Consider sconces for an outside or garden wall, and luminaries to light the garden walkway.