We all enjoy setting the right ambience in our homes or during special life events. And candles are the one thing that can give a space a unique feel. Burning candles improves the appearance of the area overall by generating a cosy and romantic atmosphere. And the best part is that they are available in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes.
Different Types of Candles and Their Features
As much as we love candles, we often get confused about which one to buy for what occasion. Some are better for relaxation while others are perfect for setting the mood during dinner parties. And what works for you might not work that well for others, given the different preferences we have.
Taper Candles
Starting off with the most classic type, taper candles are long and thin with a pointy end. They’re the kinds of fixtures you’ll likely see as decorative dinner table candles for special occasions. They’re also great for using during religious ceremonies or any other type of event where you need a lot of candles that will burn for a long time.
Their timeless and elegant design make them an eye-catching decoration, often being used as the centrepiece on tables. Taper candles are also great for lighting up dark spaces since they provide a concentrated light.
In most cases, these dinner table candles are supported by dedicated holders to keep them upright. And since they’re usually quite tall, they can make a small space look bigger and more open by creating the illusion of height. Having more than one taper candle in a holder is also a popular way to create symmetry and balance in a room.
And although they might be a bit more delicate than other types, these fixtures are relatively easy to use. You simply need to light the wick at the top and let it burn down slowly in each holder. Just make sure you trim the wick before each use to prevent any accidental fires. It should be about 5 mm long for the best results.
Anything longer than that and the flame will be too big, leading to a lot of soot buildup. Not to mention that it will also shorten the burning time considerably as the candle will consume more wax.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles can burn on their own. They are made from palm wax, emit zero smoke and burn for about 3–4 hours. They can be found in a whole spectrum of shapes, sizes, and colours.
They can be anywhere between 7cm and 40cm tall and the thickness of the candle typically affects how long it takes to burn. You may also place your pillar candle on a broad holder like a glass plate, or a short glass tumbler to give your space some soul and character.
Votive Candles
In the Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a votive candle or prayer candle is a little candle, often white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burned as an act of Christian prayer. Make sure you have a small glass holder or the multi-candle stand because votive candles are normally small and require a container before you can light them. They are made of paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax and come in a variety of colours.
Tea Light Candles
Tea candles are small and light in weight. They burn for about 2 hours, so you can scatter them around your house for a festive atmosphere. Their names derive from their use as teapot warmers and food warmers. They are also ideal for accent lighting.
They are approximately 38mm in diameter and come in a variety of colours, including white. They are made of either palm or soy wax. Tealight candles are occasionally used in restaurants and churches.
Candle Pot
Did you know that terracotta or other types of pottery could be used to create a candle holder? They can also be painted and decorated according to your unique preferences. Low-shrinkage wax can be used to make them, and the bottoms will have a hole that must be filled before they can be used.
Container candle wax is another valid option. Its height of it can be about 26 mm with a diameter of 60mm. It is known to last for about 14 hours, and they are mainly used as decorative pieces around a Christmas tree.
Container Candles
Container candles consist of a non-flammable container filled with wax and a wick. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colours, and they don’t drip. Depending on their thickness, they burn for about four to five hours.
Making container candles might be a good place for you to start if making candles is something you’re interested in. They can be used as ornamental pieces in dining establishments or at home.
Floating Candles
Lightweight objects known as floating candles are known to float on top of the water. They work best as table decorations, adding a special touch to the beauty of your house. This is also typically seen at a spa or hotel reception area. They are made of paraffin or palm wax and burn for roughly 8 to 10 hours. They look beautiful and are a great romantic addition to your bedroom.
Gel Candles
Gel wax candles can range in size from 3mm to 9mm. The height of the candle is frequently determined by the container in which it is placed. They can have a light scent and can be made of high or low-density gel.
They are frequently set on mason jars or glass jars and are probably the most artistic looking of all other types of candles. It is however recommended to burn the containers for no longer than two hours because they are known to heat up and be a safety hazard.
Birthday Candles
Beeswax is used to make safe and pure birthday candles. They are designed to burn cleanly, in a way that prevents candles from dripping on your birthday cake. It uses only natural ingredients and is available in an infinite number of colours and shapes.
Flameless Candles
Alternatives to conventional candles include flameless candles. The wax used to create the flameless candles’ bodies gives them the appearance of candles. They are available in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are typically cylindrical with a battery pack inside and an open LED flame that rests atop the candle.
Some of these can also be used as air fresheners because they are scented. They can be used as decorative pieces, outdoor lighting, and atmosphere enhancers. Two C batteries are needed for the candle, and they can be used continuously and regularly for about 750 hours.
