As modern day people, we’re faced with stimulation on a daily basis, and it’s not just through the electronics. Though we don’t see it that way, artificial light in general as an essential part of our lives affects us more than we imagine, and not always in a good way.
Genetically we’re not exactly predisposed for a life where artificial lighting is part of it, so it’s not surprising we have trouble sleeping more often than not, we feel energy-drained, we have anxiety, and headaches – artificial light lights up our brains. This is something Danes are well familiar with, and their philosophy of cosiness in life, Hygge, is all about the candle use.
Candles are affordable, you can buy them in bulk, and they are versatile; you can choose scented or not, plus they are available in different shapes, sizes, and colours. The reason candles have made it big with Hygge is because of the natural light they provide which unlike artificial is actually good for us. It goes to show why Danes call the candlelight the living light.
The candle is synonymous with something warm: warm events like romantic dinners, and weddings, birthdays, or just a nice bonding time with loved ones over fun talks. With candles, you don’t have to worry about dimmers, if you want to keep it darker, use few of them if you want to keep it brighter, use more of them – simple as that.
Remember not to go overboard with too many candles though, since anything exaggerated can be bad as it can lead to respiratory problems when the rooms aren’t aired after candles burn. It’s easy to create a relaxing atmosphere with candles, and you wouldn’t have to worry about not having enough brightness for book reading, just position the candles around strategically, minding not to cause an accident, and you’re done.
Low lighting implies softness and serenity, and as Danes usually find themselves on top of the worldwide happiness ratings, we should take it from them. What’s great about the candlelight is you can have fun with it by getting fun candle holders, using their different designs to get the outcome of a variety of shadows that can further have their positive impact on your interior décor – candles make for the unique decoration.
Now that we’re in the colder months of the year, it’s safe to say also the darker months, the time of the winter blues that not many of us are pleased with. Instead of dreading them, thinking of winter as something that has to be endured, with the help of some candle cosiness, we can actually learn how to enjoy this period of the year, the Hygge way.
If you want a lovely home, welcome candles.