Time for Tapers

When Hurricane Sandy pummeled the northeast in October of 2012, candles became a necessity. We no longer regarded them as a decorative or mood-altering element of a space. With many hours spent in the dark after the storm, we depended on candles to illuminate our evenings. The taper revealed its power since the long thin sticks generated more light than the candles enclosed in glass. Is it any wonder? Tapers are the original candle. In the Middle Ages, they were placed in candelabras, used in religious ceremonies, and held in hand to light walks from dusk to dawn. The earliest candles were made by dipping wicks in rendered animal fat called tallow. By the 1400s, molds were created and beeswax was discovered as a far better material for candle-making as the candles didn’t smoke or give off a foul smell when burned.

Often, tapers provide a decorative touch to our living spaces and are not utilized for their light, but consider putting the taper to work. After all, this swan of the candle family creates the most elegant ambience. Tapers are as beautiful when the melting wax cascades down them as when they are first lit. Their demise at the end of an evening is not representative of a loss, but rather, the hours spent in conversation over dinner or drinks with those we love.

 The decorative tapers and candle holders featured here are from Collected Living, the new brick-and-mortar shop from Colette Interiors of Chatham, NJ. A visit to this wonderfully appointed shop featuring beautiful home decor as well as interior design services is well worth your time. If you’re not from the area, their website is just as impressive.

Treat Yourself

Twisted Candle. https://www.collectedlivingco.com/product-page/twisted-candle-nude

Candle Holder. https://www.collectedlivingco.com/product-page/debossed-stoneware-taper-holder