It’s the easiest way to create ambience in a home. Plus the light thrown across a room has a different ambience altogether, says Bangalore-based home maker Puja Juneja.

A candle is the favourite home décor accessory of Juneja.

Juneja uses candles in every part of her home — the living room, dining room and even the bathroom, where she uses scented candles.

“Even during the daytime, they look good, placed on a table or even as a centre piece. I use candles as décor for the home, “she adds.

Juneja is not the only one who has a craze for candles. Freelance interior designer Nayanatara Nair says most clients prefer candles in their home. “There are hardly any clients who say no to candles; they have an universal appeal and can be part of a simple décor scheme or of a chic scheme,” she says.

Used with care, these simple accessories, which started off as basic lamps and elements of worship, have now become an integral part of interior décor.

Candles are available in the market for as low as Rs 50 and their prices increase up to Rs 20,000 for designer candles or the tall varieties such as the 10-footers or pillar candles, which are used for weddings and other events. Candles are also fast replacing traditional diyas during Diwali because they are less messier.

During Christmas and Easter, gone are the days of straight-lined coloured candles. Candles now come in the form of Santa Claus, a reindeer, sleighs, angels and ferns during Christmas and eggs and rabbits during Easter. Candles are also bundled with other accessories in gift baskets for all seasons.

The market has become lucrative enough for a whole group of people to make them at home and supply them to retail stores.

Bangalore-based Vibha Rai always made candles as a hobby, but she has now started supplying her products to The Candle Store in Bangalore. “It takes half-an-hour to one day for making candles, depending on how intricate the design is,” she says.

The basic materials required are mould, paraffin wax and wicks, which are readily available in the market. Moulds can be as basic as a tumbler or they can be more intricate.

Paraffin wax is carefully heated. Then, colouring and embellishments such as buttons, beads or leaves can be added according to users’ choice.

The process is fairly simple, but care has to be taken when melting paraffin wax. “It can cause severe burns, so this is not something that should be done without supervision,” she adds.

Candles are beautiful and add a lot to the ambience, but they are also potential fire hazards, Nair says. “Diwali is specifically the time to watch out for fire accidents. Silk clothing can catch a flame and the candle can burn and damage the surroundings,” she adds.

Nair also warns that having too many candles in small spaces will automatically increase the temperature of the room and make it stuffy.

“The key is to strike a balance and use your judgement. These accessories are among the simplest and most easy to maintain,” she says.