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SPRING + SUMMER SCENTS
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ABOUT
BOOKEND CANDLE CO
Bookend Candle Co. is an indie home fragrance brand focused on creating nostalgic, realistic scents that feel intentional and comforting in your space.
What started as a small, occasional hobby grew into something much more. After years of experimenting with scent blends inspired by places, moments, and the atmosphere of reading, Bookend Candle Co. became a way to create products that feel personal, immersive, and meaningful.
The name “Bookend” comes from a habit of repurposing old candle jars as bookends on my shelves, a small, practical detail that naturally tied together candles and books. That same connection continues to shape the brand today.
Our goal is simple: to create scents that don’t just smell good, but evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of familiarity. Scent is closely tied to memory, and we design each fragrance to feel true to life, not overly sweet or artificial. Many of our scents are inspired by history, nature, and literature, and are meant to create an experience, not just a fragrance.
From label design to scent pairings, everything is created to feel like part of a cohesive, bookish experience. Our labels are inspired by classic book title pages, with colors and typography that nod to vintage publishing design.
Our motto, ETHICALLY MADE & REALISTICALLY SCENTED, reflects how we approach both our products and our process.
Each product is hand-poured in small batches using 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance oils. We focus on quality, safety, and thoughtful design from start to finish.
Being ethically made means we are intentional about how our products are sourced, created, and packaged. We prioritize sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing plastic use wherever possible, using materials like biodegradable packing peanuts and water-activated kraft tape. We reuse returned candle jars locally and repurpose byproducts from our process whenever we can.
We work with vendors we trust and aim to use responsibly sourced materials, including U.S.-grown soy wax. While our products are primarily plant-based, our wicks contain a small amount of beeswax. Neither we nor our direct vendors test on animals.
Bookend Candle Co. is a one-person business based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Every product is created, packed, and shipped with care, and every order supports a small, independent maker.
If you'd like to learn more about Bookend Candle Co., you can read our recent interview with Voyage Michigan or Go Solo.
Thank you for being here.
- Erin Berger, Owner
CANDLE CARE
Please read for optimal use!
First Burn Matters
Always allow the wax to melt fully across the surface of the candle during your first burn. This helps prevent tunneling and ensures an even burn for the life of the candle.
Depending on the size, this may take a few hours.
Burn Time
We recommend burning your candle for 2 to 4 hours at a time.
Do not burn for more than 4 hours at once (unless otherwise stated on the label).
Trim Your Wick
Always trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. This helps prevent soot, keeps the flame controlled, and improves overall performance.
Your candle will arrive with the wick pre-trimmed for the first burn.
Burn Safely
Always burn your candle within sight and on a level, heat-resistant surface.
Keep away from flammable objects, drafts, and anything that could catch fire.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Keep It Clean
Keep the wax pool free of debris such as matches or wick trimmings, as these can affect how your candle burns.
When to Stop Burning
Discontinue use when about 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the container.
Storage Tips
When not in use, place the lid on your candle to keep it free from dust.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the fragrance and appearance.
A Note on Tunneling
If your candle begins to tunnel, allow it to burn long enough for the wax to melt fully to the edges. For more severe cases, you can gently wrap foil around the top of the candle (leaving an opening at the center) to help the wax melt evenly.
Proper care will help your candle burn more evenly, last longer, and perform as intended.
