Wish list: Luxury textures and scented candles for Valentine’s Day

Did you know sleeping on silk has all kinds of benefits that 50 Shades never even thought of, says Esther McCarthy.

It regulates body heat, is hypoallergenic, reduces hair breakage and contains amino acids to evoke a restful sleep — plus the soft texture is ideal for people who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema. Sexy AND sensible, we love it.

Based in Ireland, The Ethical Silk Company have a mulberry silk pillowcase to start your collection. Housewife pillowcase €45; Oxford pillowcase €55. www.theethicalsilkco.com

For those techies out there who prefer to send love notes across the digital space, check out this Cross Tech 2 pen.

Combining dual functionality with contemporary design, it’s a pen and stylus in one, to take your words of love from pen to paper and stylus to touch screen - and it’s pink! Bonus. Modern love, eh? Available from Keanes Jewellers, Easons, Weir and Sons and www.cross.com

A new fragrance from Irish candle company Max Benjamin, get Persian Rose wafting around the place tonight to set the romantic mood. It’s a sweet, feminine fragrance inspired by the Rose Festival of Kashan, if you please.

The candle is €19, the diffuser €27. Stockists include Griffins Garden Centre, Dripsey, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, House of Fraser, Kilkenny Stores, Meadows & Byrne, Carraign Donn or www.maxbenjamin.ie

It’s ok to love homegrown designer fare all year around. This Addison Ross diamante picture frame is €99 and will melt hearts - as long as there’s a flattering picture in there. Available from Louise Kennedy, 56 Merrion Square. www.louisekennedy.com

If you want a romantic statement piece, clap your eyes on this beauty. Aida Austin’s bespoke flower chandeliers are about building little gardens in the sky.

Using wire structures, artist Aida builds on a whimsical combination of materials like glass, porcelain flowers, birds, beads, millinery flowers, glass-sugar berries, feathers, rubberised grapes and Victorian epergnes.

She finishes off her creations with tiny white LEDs so the chandeliers light up. Aida is developing a small rental-package for weddings and also works on private commissions for interiors. See www.hedgerowgarlands.com  or find her on Facebook.