If you want to add fragrances to your living space, you need to know the different natures of aroma diffusers, scented candles and potpourri (below). Scented candles have a long-lasting fragrance and help reduce unpleasant odors, while diffusers and potpourri emit subtle and feel-good fragrances. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Back in the 1950s and ’60s, every house had one or two candles in a cupboard in case of blackouts. During the ’70s, however, blackouts were rare and candles became relics of the past with the advent of lighters and flashlights. Now, with most people using smartphones equipped with light apps, there seems to be even less use for candles.

But candles are seeing brighter days lately, led by women in their 30s and 40s who can afford to buy premium scented brands.

“Only a small group of people used to buy premium scented candles three or four years ago, but more women in their 30s and 40s have joined the fray, too,” said Kim Jin-seung, an official at Aroma Trading, which imports the Yankee Candle brand from the United States.

According to the company, the nation’s fragrance market is 300 billion won ($260.9 million) and scented candles account for 60 billion won.

The fragrance market refers to all types of fragrance products from room spray to aroma oil to car perfume to related accessories such as oil burners.

Sensing a growing market, many companies, such as Yankee Candle, WoodWick Candles, Root Candles and Heyland and Whittle, launched their premium scented candle brands.

Prices vary depending on size, but it is 45,000 won for a 623-gram (22-ounce) jar from Yankee Candle.

Choi Yu-jeong, a 38-year-old housewife, is an avid candle consumer. Working as a freelance designer editing educational materials, she loves to light scented candles whenever she works.

“I have six jars of Yankee Candle with all different fragrances, and I pick what to light up as if I choose what to wear for the day,” said Choi, who usually works at home.

“It’s not cheap at all, but I think I deserve to enjoy the pleasure of having all these candles because they make me stay focused more.”

Some consumers see scented candles as part of their decor.

Famous home shopping channel host Yoo Nan-hee told the JoongAng Ilbo last year, “I used to think lights complete a house, but now I think it is fragrance. With a subtle and feel-good fragrance, an ordinary space turns into a classy space.”

For those who want to add fragrance to their home in celebration of the fall, the JoongAng Ilbo asked fragrance experts for some tips.

Lim Hee-seon, who runs the multi-label fragrance shop, L’er, in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, and Cho Hee-sun, the head of the interior company Ccumim by Cho Hee-sun, helped.

Experts say people need to know the difference between the three most common fragrance products - scented candles, diffusers and potpourri.

Scented candles have a strong, long-lasting fragrance that helps to reduce tobacco and fish odors.

For people who prefer subtle fragrance, however, potpourri and diffusers are better options.

Potpourri is a mix of dried flowers and fruits with aromatic oil sprayed on it. The fragrance of the mix fades away after six months, but you can still use the mix by putting it inside pillows or linen covers.

Meanwhile, diffusers are based on aroma oil. Wooden sticks disperse essential oils into the air. If a diffuser is still filled with oil but the fragrance is weak, you must replace the wooden sticks with new ones.

Scented candles are often used in bedrooms and kitchens, while diffusers and potpourri are used in bathrooms or front entrances.

If you know the strong points of each product, you need to understand each fragrance and its effect.

Citrus is good for refreshing, lavender is appropriate for relaxing and eucalyptus is suitable after workouts. As long as the fragrances are natural, it is okay to mix and match them.

Then, what makes a good candle or diffuser?

Candles made with natural ingredients, such as soy wax and palm wax, are better for users as they emit less carbon dioxide. However, when a candle made with paraffin wax burns for a long time, it can cause headaches and feelings of nausea.

Although specific ingredients are not written on the candles, there is one way to tell the difference between natural and artificial candles: Candles made with paraffin wax are hard and glossy, while natural ones are less shiny and rather soft.

These days, some candle makers even go further, not only making candles with natural ingredients but also making wicks with organic wood or cotton.

Quality aroma oils keep their shape even in water.

Meanwhile, these fragrance products also function as decent decorations. Just by displaying scented candles of different lengths in the middle of a dining table, it becomes a unique centerpiece.

Another way to use candles as a decor item is floating tea lights in a water bowl.



By LEE JI-YOUNG, Sung So-young [so@joongang.co.kr]