11 Types of Candles
Candles are a timeless addition to any special event or home, creating ambiance, enhancing decor, and offering a variety of scents. Whether you're looking for a functional light source or a decorative piece, there are many different types of candles available to suit every need. In this guide, we'll explore the most popular types of candles and their unique features.
1. Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are sturdy, free-standing candles that are known for their long-lasting burn. They are typically thicker than other candle types and are available in a range of sizes. These candles can be used as centerpieces for home decor or as a source of ambient lighting for larger spaces.
Pillar candles are available in various sizes and colors, and burn for a longer time, making them ideal for extended use, and can be used in glass candle holders or placed directly on flat surfaces.
Where You Might See Pillar Candles:
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Wedding decorations
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Home decor and centerpieces
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Creating a cozy atmosphere
2. Votive Candles
Votive candles are smaller, cylindrical candles that are often placed in holders to catch the wax as it melts. These candles are known for their versatility and are ideal for smaller spaces or to create a delicate, warm glow. Votive candles are typically 2 to 3 inches tall, burn for around 10-15 hours, and may be in a glass or tin container to maintain the wax, or may need to be placed on a surface that can catch the wax.
Where You Might See Votive Candles:
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Table settings and dinner parties
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Spa and relaxation environments
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Bathroom lighting
3. Taper Candles
Taper candles are long, slender candles designed to fit into traditional candle holders. They are often used in formal settings, such as dining tables, or candelabras for a vintage look. Taper candles are a great way to add a sophisticated touch to any room or occasion. Taper candles are having a moment in modern-day decor, and display features such as being long and narrow in design, and are meant to be placed in candle holders or candelabras.
Where You Might See Taper Candles:
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Formal dinners and events
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Weddings and celebrations
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Decorative lighting for modern-day home decor
4. Jar Candles
Jar candles are one of the most popular types of candles, often found in mason jars or decorative glass containers. These candles come in a wide variety of scents and sizes and are loved for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. A lot of candlemakers choose to make their candles in jars due to it accessibility of materials, and ease of use. Clean Earth Candles is also a fan of the Jar candle approach, and love re-using the jar after the candle is done. Jar candles offer long burn times, typically around 20-30 hours, and you can get them in a range of scents and styles.
Where You Might See Jar Candles:
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Everyday home
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Hygge home lighting
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Bedroom, living room, or kitchen decor
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Gifting during holidays or special occasions
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Spas and apothecaries
5. Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are small, round candles that sit in a thin metal container. They are often used in groups to create a soft, subtle glow. Tealights are commonly used for mood lighting or in decorative candle holders. They usually come in a pack of many, and have the shortest burn-time off all of the types of candles of around 2-6 hours. Tealight candles are usually the go-to for power outages, and blackouts since they produce a nice light and doesn’t produce too much heat if spread out. They are also the most affordable option of the candles.
Where You Might See Tealight Candles:
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Accent lighting and mood setting
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Aromatherapy or meditation
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Decorative additions to centerpieces
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Lighting during power outages
6. Soy Candles
Soy candles are made from soy wax, a natural alternative to traditional paraffin wax. Soy wax candles are known for their clean burn, longer-lasting scent, and eco-friendly properties. They are ideal for those who prefer sustainable, non-toxic candles, and will burn cleaner and longer that it’s toxic alternative. Clean Earth Candles exclusively works with soy wax in making our candles due to being an eco-friendly and non-toxic brand. Our soy candles collection is a great place to choose a jar soy candle with ease.
Where You Might See Soy Candles:
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Eco-friendly home decor
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Aromatherapy and relaxation
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Gift-giving, especially for eco-conscious consumers
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Spas and spiritual settings
7. Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are made from the natural wax produced by bees. They are known for their long burn time, natural honey scent, and supposed air-purifying properties. Beeswax candles are a great choice for those looking for a luxurious, natural option, and easily malleable material to make both tapered or jar candles with.
Where You Might See Beeswax Candles:
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Natural & Nontoxic homes
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Fragrance-free homes
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Hygge decor in cozy homes
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Luxurious gifts and special occasions
8. Floating Candles
Floating candles are designed to float on water, making them perfect for adding a touch of elegance to bowls, pools, or other water features. They are commonly used in weddings, parties, and outdoor events that involve a body of water for a dramatic effect. These candles are designed to float on water, are available in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and solely used for decoration.
Where You Might See Floating Candles:
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A wedding or large party
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Outdoor events and poolside decor
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Creating a relaxing ambiance in water features at spas and hotels
9. Scented Candles
Scented candles are designed to release fragrance when burned, providing both visual appeal and a pleasant aroma. These candles come in all shapes and sizes and are popular for creating a relaxing or invigorating atmosphere in the home. With the hygge/ cozy movement, they encourage candles mostly for the lighting, but also for the scents to encourage relaxation in the home. You can find almost any scent, except for some essential oils that are flammable. Scented candles can be made with paraffin, beeswax, or soy wax candles. It’s also used in combination with the other candle types listed above.
When To Use Scented Candles:
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To create a soothing ambiance in living rooms or bathrooms
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Aromatherapy and relaxation
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Seasonal scents for holidays or celebrations
10. Massage Candles
Massage candles are made with skin-safe ingredients such as soy, coconut, or beeswax, and they melt into an oil-like substance that can be used for massages. These candles combine relaxation with skincare, making them ideal for a luxurious self-care routine. These can be scented or non-scented, and will typically have a romantic element to them. An important factor of this type of candle is to is to blow out the candle before using the wax for a massage. The wax can be for hot to the skin, so make sure the person doesn’t get burned from the heat.
When To Use Massage Candles:
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Self-care and relaxation routines
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Gift-giving for those who enjoy wellness products
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Creating a spa-like experience at home
11. Novelty Candles
Novelty candles are fun, themed candles that come in a variety of shapes and designs. These can range from candles shaped like animals to ones designed as food items or holiday-themed designs. They make for great conversation starters or unique gifts. A novelty candle can be sculpted into a shape of flowers, animals, food, and more. These candles are typically made with a mold, and they can vary in sizes and color of the wex.This type of candle is having a big comeback today amongst younger consumers, especially in the wavy form. Novelty candles are meant to be fun and bring joy to a person’s life.
Best Uses for Novelty Candles:
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Gifting for special occasions
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Home decor with a fun, personalized touch
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Holiday and seasonal decorations
Choosing the Right Candle for Your Space
There is a wide range of candles available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you're seeking a functional light source, a decorative piece, or a way to add fragrance to your home, understanding the different types of candles can help you make the best choice.
From the elegant taper candle to the eco-friendly soy candle, every type of candle has a place in your home. Be sure to consider your space, occasion, and desired ambiance when selecting the perfect candle for your needs.
If you are in the market for non-toxic soy candles in glass jars, shop our candles at Clean Earth Candles. We have been making candles for 15 years, and love what we do. With every purchase of our candles, profits go toward our team to clean up trash and litter somewhere in the United States to help preserve our nature and green space a little longer.