Say Goodbye to the Big Light
Tips for alternative lighting to create warmth in your home.
Shift from work mode to relaxation with the flick of a switch. We turn off our #biglight – aka the dreaded overhead light – and light candles to create ambiance, add fragrance to the room, or give our evening routines a boost.
From tapers, to votives, to pillar-style, a full candle collection is our first defense against big light bad vibes.
1. Tapers aren’t just for the table.
Before the lightbulb came around, we used candles to light the way. Used for both practical and ceremonial purposes, the act of lighting even a tiny fire carries long-held significance.
Why not create a new ritual in homage to the folks that came before us? Whenever it’s time to “kill the big light,” strike a match and use candlelight as a reminder to release the stress of the day.
Try scattering tapers at varying heights throughout the home–like mantles, entryways, side tables, or even the windowsill above the kitchen sink. A layered light effect creates that proverbial soft glow. Effortless ambiance? Done.
2. To Scent or not to Scent
Our sense of smell is one of the quickest ways to evoke memories and cue our bodies to unwind. We love to place scented candles on bedside tables or nestled in bookshelves (just, be careful when you light!) for an extra dose of at-home coziness.
Developed in collaboration with Joya Studio in Brooklyn, our exclusive candle scents remind us of campfire smoke, eating figs near the Mediterranean Sea, and our favorite digestif.
Get the scent of a classic Amaro with The Candle in Nightcap (no need to crack open the booze if that’s not your thing!). Specifically formulated for kitchen use, Nightcap infuses the air with spicy warmth after a night of cooking.
Pro-tip: Don’t use other scented candles in the kitchen or at the table–the smell will subtly interfere with your sense of taste.
3. Don’t forget candle holders
What’s your candle holder style? When we flick off the big light, we like to break out different candle holders for different moods.
A line of Bitty Bowls filled with tea lights around the bathtub signals a moment of relaxation.
Iron candle holders weigh in for celebratory dinners or stormy Saturday afternoons.
Wood wins our vote for everyday warmth and appeal.
Or, mix-and-match styles for an eclectic look that’s all your own.
Whether you’re hanging out with friends and family, snuggled in for the night with your partner, or soaking up time on your own, turn off the big light. Everything looks (and feels!) better by candlelight.
