When it comes to making your apartment smell like a dream, we’ve all faced the age-old battle: Candles or Roommates? On the one hand, we’ve got candles—fragrant, calming, and oh-so-pretty to look at. On the other hand, we’ve got roommates—well, they’re living, breathing humans (which means they bring certain… aromas with them). This begs the question: Which one really freshens up your space and makes it feel like home?
In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of candles vs. roommates when it comes to keeping your apartment fresh, stylish, and stress-free. Whether you’re battling the odor of day-old takeout or just trying to create a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life, we’ve got you covered. Let’s settle this debate once and for all.
Why Candles Smell Like Heaven and Roommates Smell Like… Well, Not Heaven
Candles are like a magic wand for the nose. With one flick of a match, they can transform your entire apartment from stale to sensational. Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood—candle bring a world of delightful fragrances right into your home. Plus, they come in so many scents that it feels like walking through a virtual garden or bakery. Whether you’re looking for something floral, woodsy, or fresh, there’s a candle out there with your name on it (figuratively, or literally if you’re into personalized candles).
Now, let’s talk about roommates. Roommates, bless their souls, come with their own unique… scents. Maybe it’s the gym bag they forget to unpack, the lingering smell of late-night pizza, or the mystery odor that seems to have no origin whatsoever. Whatever the case, roommates bring with them a bouquet that doesn’t exactly scream “fresh.” You might think, “Why can’t my roommate smell like lavender and sunshine?” But alas, humans are far more complex than that.
The beauty of candles is that they never complain about dishes piling up or leave dirty laundry around. They just sit there, glowing softly, making your apartment smell like a cozy retreat. In contrast, even if you have the world’s most wonderful roommate, they still contribute to the inevitable odors of everyday life. From post-workout stank to the unmistakable smell of a hastily prepared microwave dinner, roommates just don’t have the same olfactory charm as candles.
The verdict? Candles: 1. Roommates: 0.
Candle Holders: The Real MVPs of Apartment Vibes
We can’t talk about candles without giving a shoutout to their trusty sidekick: the candle holder. A good candle holder not only keeps your candles secure but also elevates the whole aesthetic of your apartment. Whether you go for minimalist glass, rustic wood, or ornate metal, a candle holder adds that extra touch of class. It’s the unsung hero that makes even a cheap candle from the dollar store look like it belongs in a luxury spa.
Roommates, on the other hand, are not nearly as reliable when it comes to contributing to your apartment’s vibe. Sure, they might help with rent and occasionally pitch in with cleaning, but they’re far from being the "MVP" of apartment decor. In fact, they’re often the opposite—cluttered shoes at the door, half-empty coffee mugs on the counter, and mysterious items that somehow find their way into every room. A candle holder, by contrast, is pure serenity in the form of home decor. No drama. No mess. Just vibes.
And let’s not forget the creativity candle holders offer! You can mix and match styles, go seasonal with pumpkin or snowflake designs, or even DIY your own candlebox-style holder for a quirky, personal touch. Candles and their holders give you the chance to make your apartment feel truly “you,” something that’s harder to do when you’re sharing space with a roommate whose taste leans more toward neon signs and bean bags.
So, while a roommate might occasionally pick up a candle for the living room, they’re no match for the charm and elegance of a carefully curated candle holder collection. Score one more for Team Candle.
Roommate Drama and Candle Safety: Is Your Apartment at Risk?
While candles are the undisputed champs of freshness and ambiance, they do come with a caveat: fire safety. We can’t ignore the potential hazards that come with burning candles, especially when roommates are involved. Ever had a roommate who’s “forgotten” to blow out a candle before leaving the apartment? Yeah, that’s how fires start. It’s no wonder that the words "roommate" and "drama" so often go hand-in-hand. Adding a little open flame into the mix just ups the risk factor.
Candles require responsible burning. You’ve got to keep them away from flammable objects, make sure they’re placed in a sturdy candle holder, and, of course, always blow them out before you leave the room. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, when your roommate is rushing out the door, late for work, or has invited a few too many friends over for a party, things can get dicey.
Then there’s the issue of roommates accidentally knocking over candles, spilling wax on your favorite rug, or, worse, setting off the smoke alarm because they thought it’d be a great idea to light five candles at once in a small, enclosed space. Yikes.
To avoid turning your apartment into a fire hazard, it’s a good idea to invest in flameless alternatives like LED candles. They still offer the cozy glow and ambiance but without the risk of your roommate accidentally burning the place down.
Bottom line: Candles are fabulous, but in shared living situations, a little caution goes a long way. Maybe hand your roommate a safety guide… just in case.
Smells Like Victory: How Candles Win the Freshness War Every Time
Despite the minor fire hazards (which are manageable with care), candles still reign supreme when it comes to freshening up your apartment. No matter how great your roommate is, they simply can’t compete with the unbeatable combo of a well-placed candle and a stylish candle holder. Candles are like the quiet, dependable friend who never lets you down—they’re always there when you need to cover up that takeout smell or create a soothing ambiance after a long day.
While roommates can sometimes help clean up, they’ll never bring that instant feeling of calm and relaxation that a flickering candle does. Candles set the tone for your space. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a self-care night, or just unwinding with a good book, candles are the unsung heroes of apartment life.
And let’s not forget the candlebox! It’s the ultimate solution for all of us who’ve become a little too obsessed with candles (and let’s be honest, can you ever have too many?). A candlebox gives you a place to store your growing collection, keeping them safe and organized until it’s time to swap out your current scent for something new.
In the battle of freshening up your apartment, candles win—hands down. They offer unbeatable fragrances, aesthetic appeal, and the kind of peaceful ambiance roommates can only dream of providing.
After all, when it comes to keeping your apartment fresh and fabulous, candles will always be the true champions.