The Evolution of Candle Design: From Light Source to Art

A historical and visual exploration of how candles have become aesthetic objects. 

More Than Just a Light Source

In their earliest forms, candles were crafted for purpose rather than beauty. People used what was available; tallow rendered from animal fat, dried rushed dipped in grease, and in some regions, simple waxes made from plants and tree resins. These early materials offered light when it was the most needed, helping families to cook, work and gather after dusk. 

But even in these humble beginnings, the flame held more than function. Across cultures, fire was tied to ritual, reverence, and connection. While early candles served a practical purpose, the light they gave often carried emotional and spiritual weight. 

Over the centuries, the candle's role slowly began to shift. As new materials like beeswax became more accessible, candles started appearing in places of worship and ceremonial spaces. Their cleaner burn and gentle scent gave them a more elevated presence. In time, candle-making became a skilled craft. Shapes became more uniform, molds were introduced, and candles started to reflect care in both form and use. 

Today a candle is something we choose with intention. Its shape, its scent, the way it glows, it all speaks to what we value. Whether lit for reflection, celebration, or everyday calm, candles now serve as small rituals that connect us to the spaces we inhabit. 

Ancient Beginnings - Candles as Early Technology 

Candles began as tools, born from necessity. In ancient Egypt, people created rushlights by soaking dried reeds in animal fat. They burned quickly but provided enough light to extend waking hours after sunset. The romans used tallow candles, made by repeatedly dipping fibrous wicks into melted fat. These were smoky and short-lived, but affordable and widely used. 

Other parts of the world explored different materials. In India, wax from cinnamon trees was shaped into simple lights. Chinese artisans developed candles using insects and seed-based waxes poured into molds made of rice paper. Japanese makers refined these practices even further, crafting cleaner-burning wax from sumac seeds. 

While these early candles varied in form and ingredients, they shared on thing: practicality. They weren't made to be beautiful or symbolic, they were made to help people see in the dark. 

While this post focuses on how candle design has evolved, you can explore a more detailed history of how candles have been used across cultures and centuries in our History of Candles blog post.

Spiritual Significance in the Middle Ages

As candles continued to evolve, their role expanded beyond practicality. By the Middle Ages, they had become deeply embedded in religious and spiritual life, especially across Europe. 

Beeswax Candles and Their Sacred Role

Tallow was still the everyday material for most households, but in churches and monasteries, something more refined was used: beeswax. It burned much cleaner, and gave off a subtle, honey scent. Beeswax was seen as pure and sacred, making it the preferred wax for religious ceremonies and altars. 

In Christian tradition, the candle's flame symbolized the presence of the divine. Candles were lit in memory of the departed, during prayer, and to mark the passing of time in monasteries. Their presence was both practical and spiritual; illuminating stone chapels while representing faith, hope and reverence. 

The Rise of the Chandler's Craft

As the demand for candles grew, especially in religious and noble settings, candle-making evolved into a skilled trade. By the 13th century, chandlers formed guilds in major cities, setting standards for quality, materials and production methods. 

These artisans worked primarily with beeswax, which was more difficult and expensive to produce but created a superior candle. Molded candles became more consistent in shape and burn time. While still primarily functional, they began to reflect craftsmanship. This shift marked the beginning of candle design as a conscious process, one where aesthetics, quality and purpose began to intersect. 

Renaissance to Industrial Era – Function Becomes Form

As Europe entered the Renaissance, candle use became more widespread. While most households still relied on tallow, beeswax candles began appearing in wealthier homes. These weren't just for light anymore. They were part of domestic rituals and a marker of social status. 

Molded Tapers and Refinement in Form 

During this time, chandlers began using brass and tin molds to produce smoother, more consistent candles. The classic taper shape became common, offering a cleaner, more elegant look that suited formal dinners and ornate interiors. 

These improvements were both practical and aesthetic. A well-formed candle burned longer, dripped less, and could be placed with more intention. In wealthier circles, some candles began to reflect artistry with subtle details like braiding, colored wax, or even scented additives which gave them added presence in ceremonial and decorative settings. 

Although artistic candles were far from the norm, they were part of religious rituals, holiday traditions, and the decor of royal and noble households. In churches especially, beeswax candles were sometimes sculpted or adorned with symbolic details for Easter and other holy days. 

Mass Production and Wider Access

By the 18th and 19th centuries, industrialization had arrived. Machines took over much of the hand-dipping process, and new materials like spermaceti and paraffin wax became widely used. These innovations made candles cheaper and more accessible for the general population. 

While this brought candles into more homes, it also marked a shift away from craftsmanship. Production prioritized efficiency, not design. Still, in homes that could afford it, candles remained a thoughtful interior decor, often displayed in elaborate holders or grouped for effect. 

The 20th Century - Candles as Comfort and Decor

As electricity became the standard for lighting homes, candles began to take on a new meaning. No longer essential for visibility, they became a way to create atmosphere, bringing warmth and presence to everyday spaces. 

From Blackouts to Birthdays 

Candles never fully disappeared. They were kept on hand for power outages and used in traditions like birthday celebrations and religious holidays. But even in these simple settings, the candle's presence became symbolic. Lighting one often marked a moment - a wish, a memory, a pause. 

Though decorative candles had existed for centuries in churches and the homes of the wealthy, the 20th century marked a turning point. Candle design and artistry became more widely available and integrated into daily life. It was no longer only about formality or ritual. People began to place candles throughout their homes simply because they enjoyed the atmosphere and ambience they created. 

The Emergence of Mood and Scent 

By the mid-century, candles were increasingly associated with comfort and wellness. Aromatherapy candles, infused with essential oils, became popular for relaxation, focus and emotional well-being. Scent was no longer an afterthought, it became central to the experience. 

This was also the era when candles began to appear in decorative jars and containers. Glass, ceramics and metal vessels turned them into multi-sensory objects. Color, texture, and scent worked together to shape a mood, making candles a thoughtful part of home decor both for the light they offered and the feeling they imbued. 

The Modern Candle Renaissance 

With the rise of handmade goods, wellness culture, and intentional living in the 21st century, candles have entered a new chapter, one where they're not just decorative, but expressive. Today's candles reflect how we want to live: with care, creativity and connection. 

Handmade as a Value, Not a Trend 

In contrast to the mass-produced candles of the past century, more people are seeking out products made by hand. Small-batch candle makers, often working with natural materials like beeswax and essential oils, are reshaping what candle design looks like. 

These candles are crafted with intentionality and care, and they often tell a story. Whether it's a simple taper or a sculpted candle, the craftsmanship and artistry is evident. People want to know who made the item on their table, what it's made from, and how it fits into the larger cycle of sustainability. 

Form and Feeling Come Together 

Today's candles are designed to do more than glow. They're meant to live beautifully in a space, to offer texture and presence even before they're lit. Some are poured into ceramic vessels that feel good in your hands. Others are sculpted into seasonal shapes that reflect the rhythm of the year. 

These aren't just objects of function. They're objects of feeling. A soft curve, a warm hue, the quiet way a beeswax taper stands at the center of the table, all of it speaks. The materials speak too. Natural waxes, essential oils and reusable containers are chosen with care, not just for how they look, but for how they support the experience of being more at home in your space. 

Sustainability Shapes Modern Candle Design 

As more people seek products that reflect their values, candle design is shifting toward sustainability in every detail. From the wax to the wick, packaging to production, conscious craftsmanship is no longer the exception, it's the expectation for many. 

A Return to Natural Materials  

Modern candle makers are turning back to materials that are gentle on the planet and on the people who use them. Beeswax, prized for centuries, has reemerged as a favorite. It burns cleanly, lasts longer than paraffin, and carries a subtle natural scent. Combined with essential oils, it offers a non-toxic alternative to synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based waxes. 

Other eco-conscious elements are gaining attention too: lead-free cotton wicks, recyclable packaging, and refillable containers that encourage reuse rather than waste. 

Rejecting Paraffin, Embracing Purpose 

In a world that often prioritizes convenience, choosing natural waxes, like beeswax is a quiet act of resistance. Paraffin - still common in mass-produced candles - is a petroleum byproduct. It's inexpensive, but it doesn't burn cleanly and it isn't aligned with the values of customers who care about health, quality and environmental impact. 

At Sunbeam Candles we reject paraffin. Every candle is made with natural materials, our workshop is powered by solar and wind energy, and our team handcrafts your candles with love. The result isn't just a candle, but a product that's made with intention from beginning to end. 

Design That's Thoughtful from Start to Finish 

Sustainable candle design goes beyond the wax. It's about the full lifecycle of the product. Will the jar be reused? Will the label biodegrade? Where will the wax go once the candle is burned down? These are the kind of questions that shape today's earth forward candle makers, and the kinds of answers conscious customers are looking for. 

A beautiful candle isn't just about how it looks. It's about what is stands for. 

Candles as Art - Visual and Sensory Storytelling 

Today's candles do more than scent a room or add a glow. They tell a story through form, texture and presence. They've become part of how we express style, mark seasons, and create atmosphere with intention. 

Design That Speak Without Words

A candle's shape can suggest calm, celebration, or creativity. Whether it's a smooth, minimalist pillar or an intricate sculpted piece, form plays a powerful role in how we experience light. Seasonal candles, like winter aromatherapy blends, bring the outside world into our homes in a way that feels grounded and sensory. 

Even when unlit, a candle can shift the energy of a room. It's not just an object, it's a presence in the space.  

The Power of Scent and Setting 

Scent is another layer of design. An essential oil blend can set the tone for your work day, or for winding down in the evening. Earthy lavender and cedarwood invite rest. Bright citrus uplifts. A hint of rosemary or sage brings clarity. When paired with thoughtful packaging and a well-crafted vessel or shape, a candle becomes a complete experience: visual, tactile and aromatic. 

This is where artistry meets function. The materials chosen, the way the wax pools and cools, the way the flame dances. It's all a part of a story that unfolds with every use. 

The Emotional Glow - Candles in Daily Life and Ritual 

Candles have always been about more than just light. Today, they help us mark moments, create boundaries between the busy and the quiet, and turn everyday routines into something more intentional. 

Lighting for Pause and Presence

Lighting a candle has become a small but powerful daily ritual. It signals a transition - whether its from work to rest, from day to evening, or from chaos to calm. In the soft glow of a flame, time seems to slow down. The simple act of striking a match and lighting a wick invites us to be present with ourselves and our space. 

Candles are there at celebrations and milestones, but they are just as often part of the quiet, uncelebrated moments: a morning meditation, a cozy evening at home, of a few moments of stillness before bed. 

Candles as a Reflection of Intention 

Choosing a candle today is about more than picking a scent or a color. It is about setting an intention. Whether it is lighting an unscented beeswax pillar to ground a space or choose an aromatherapy candle with fresh, minty notes to invite spring energy into your home, the candles we use reflect how we want to feel. 

In this way, candles have returned to their ancient roots, but with a modern sensibility. They are tools for connection, crafted with awareness that even the smallest objects we choose can shape the way we live. 

The Future of Candle Design 

Candles are continuing to evolve, shaped by the ways we live, decorate, and care for the world around us. The future of candle design is focused on more than how a candle looks. It is about how it is made, what it is made from, and how it fits into a live lived with intention. 

Smarter, More Sustainable Materials  

Candlemakers today are returning to natural ingredients that are clean, renewable, and safe to use. Natural beeswax, plant-based waxes, and essential oils are becoming the standard for conscious shoppers. Candles made without paraffin and synthetic fragrances offer a healthier way to bring beauty and light into everyday life. 

Choosing sustainable materials is not just better for the planet. It also reconnects candle-making with its deeper roots, when natural ingredients and careful craft shaped how candles were made and used. 

Dual-Purpose and Reusable Vessels 

Today's candles are often designed with a second life in mind. An amber glass jar might become a planter. A ceramic vessel might find a new purpose as a keepsake container. This kind of thoughtful design ensures that the beauty and usefulness of a candle continue after the last flame has burned out. 

From Simple Flame to Everyday Ritual

As candles continue to evolve, the focus is shifting toward deeper experience. Design is not just about how a candle looks, but about how it feels to live with it. Candles are becoming part of daily rituals, adding calm to a morning, grounding a shared meal, and bringing warmth to celebrations. 

Texture, scent, color, and vessel design all play a role in shaping these moments. A handmade beeswax pillar, a sculpted seasonal candle, or a simple votive and tealight centerpiece at the dining table; these small details turn the everyday into something deeply meaningful. 

A Light That Continues to Evolve 

From rushlights and simple tapers to sculpted beeswax works of art, the story of candle design is a story of transformation. What began as a tool for survival has become an object of beauty, ritual and intention. 

Today, candles are chosen not just for how they burn, but for what they bring to the space. They create atmosphere, mark moments, and invite reflection. Thoughtful design, natural materials, and ethical craftsmanship are shaping the future of candles in ways that feel more connected to both people and the planet. 

At Sunbeam Candles, we are proud to be a part of this ongoing evolution by crafting candles that honor tradition, embrace sustainability, and celebrate the beauty of intentional living. 

A candle's glow reminds us that beauty, intention, and care still have a place in everyday life. 

FAQs 

1. How long have candles been used for more than just light? 
   A: Candles have carried symbolic and emotional meaning for thousands of years. Even while they served practical needs, they were a part of spiritual rituals, ceremonies, and moments of reflection across many cultures. 
2. Were candles decorative before modern times? 
   A: Yes, though it was much less common. Sculpted, colored, and arranged candles appeared in religious settings and in the homes of the wealthy long before industrial production made candles widely accessible. 
3. Why is beeswax considered a premium material for candles? 
   A: Beeswax burns cleanly, lasts longer than many other waxes, and carries a natural, subtle honey scent. It is also a renewable, biodegradable material that reflects a long tradition of craftsmanship. 
   
4. How have candle materials influenced design over time? 
   A: Materials like tallow, beeswax and plant-based waxes have shaped how candles looked, burned, and were used. As cleaner, more refined materials became available, candle design became more intentional, allowing for more beautiful and intricate forms. 
5. Why is candle design still evolving today? 
   A: Today's candle design reflects a return to craftsmanship and sustainability. Makers are combining traditional techniques with modern values, creating candles that are not only beautiful but also thoughtfully support both people and the planet.