Different Types Of Candles

Candles have been illuminating our homes and lives for centuries, evolving from simple sources of light to decorative, aromatic, and even therapeutic elements in our living spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere, celebrate a special occasion, or simply add some warmth to your home decor, understanding the various types of candles available can help you make the perfect choice. This guide explores the diverse world of candles, from traditional options to modern innovations.

Candle Types By Wax

The type of wax used in a candle significantly affects its burning properties, scent throw, and environmental impact.

Paraffin Wax Candles

Paraffin wax candles are perhaps the most common type available on the market. Made from petroleum byproducts, these candles are:

Inexpensive to produce
Available in virtually any color
Excellent at holding and releasing fragrance
Good at maintaining their shape in various temperatures

However, paraffin candles may release potentially harmful chemicals when burned, making them less appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Soy Wax Candles

Derived from soybean oil, soy candles have gained popularity as a natural alternative to paraffin. They offer several benefits:

Burn cleaner with minimal soot
Made from renewable resources
Typically last 30-50% longer than paraffin
Biodegradable and easier to clean up if spilled

Soy candles tend to have a more subtle scent throw compared to paraffin options, which some users prefer for everyday use.

Beeswax Candles

As one of the oldest candle materials, beeswax offers a naturally sweet honey scent and distinctive golden color. Beeswax candles:

Burn the longest of all natural waxes
Produce negative ions that help purify air
Are hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitivities
Have a naturally high melting point, reducing drips

The main drawback is their higher price point due to the limited supply of natural beeswax.

Coconut Wax Candles

A newer entrant to the candle market, coconut wax is gaining popularity for its sustainability and performance:

Excellent scent throw capabilities
Clean, slow burn with minimal soot
Renewable and sustainable resource
Often blended with soy for optimal performance

Palm Wax Candles

Known for their distinctive crystalline appearance, palm wax candles offer:

Unique, feathered texture when hardened
Good scent throw
Longer burning time than paraffin

However, concerns about deforestation related to palm production have made these somewhat controversial.

Candle Types By Shape and Style

Beyond wax type, candles come in numerous shapes and styles to suit different purposes and settings.

Taper Candles

These tall, slender candles are classics for formal dining and special occasions:

Typically 10-18 inches tall
Require a candlestick or holder
Create an elegant, traditional ambiance
Available in various colors to match decor

Taper candles burn from top to bottom and usually last 7-9 hours depending on their size.

Pillar Candles

Substantial and free-standing, pillar candles make bold decorative statements:

Come in various heights and diameters
Can burn for many hours (even days for larger sizes)
Create a pool of wax that remains contained within the candle’s edges
Often used as centerpieces or mantel decorations

Votive Candles

These small, typically cylindrical candles are designed to be placed in votive holders:

Usually 2-3 inches tall
Burn for approximately 15 hours
Require a holder to contain melted wax
Affordable option for creating ambient lighting

Tea Light Candles

Among the smallest candle options, tea lights come in metal or plastic cups:

Typically 1.5 inches in diameter
Burn for 3-5 hours
Versatile for use in decorative holders, floating arrangements, or warming scented oils
Economical choice for events requiring multiple candles

Container Candles

These candles come in their own vessels, typically glass jars or decorative containers:

Self-contained with no need for additional holders
Available in countless sizes, shapes, and designs
Perfect for scented varieties as the container helps project fragrance
Safer option as wax is fully contained

Floating Candles

Designed specifically to float on water, these candles create magical displays:

Usually disc-shaped with a flat bottom and rounded top
Waterproof wicks that continue burning while floating
Perfect for bowls, vases, pools, or fountains
Create stunning effects for weddings and special events

Birthday Candles

These celebratory candles are small, colorful additions to cakes and desserts:

Typically thin and 2-3 inches tall
Burn quickly (usually 10-15 minutes)
Available in numbered, sparkler, or traditional varieties
Often come in assorted bright colors

Specialty Candle Types

Beyond the standard shapes and waxes, several specialty candle types offer unique experiences.

Aromatherapy Candles

Formulated with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, these candles aim to provide therapeutic benefits:

Contain natural essential oils with specific properties
Often labeled for purposes like relaxation, energy, or focus
Usually made with natural waxes like soy or beeswax
May include botanical elements like dried flowers or herbs

Wood Wick Candles

Instead of cotton wicks, these candles use thin pieces of wood that create a distinctive crackling sound when lit:

Produce a gentle crackling reminiscent of a fireplace
Often provide a wider, more even melt pool
Create a cozy, rustic ambiance
Typically paired with container candles

Gel Candles

Made from mineral oil and polymer resin, gel candles offer unique visual appeal:

Transparent appearance allows for embedded decorative elements
Burn longer than traditional wax candles
Strong fragrance throw
Can be crafted with layered colors or floating designs

Novelty and Shaped Candles

These decorative candles come in countless shapes and designs:

Molded into figures, animals, foods, or holiday symbols
Often kept as decorative items rather than burned
Make unique gifts and conversation pieces
Range from whimsical to elegant in design

Cartridge Candles

These practical candles consist of a decorative holder with replaceable wax inserts:

Allow you to keep using the same beautiful container
Economical as you only replace the wax portion
Environmentally friendly option reducing waste
Available in various sizes to fit different holders

How to Choose the Right Candle

When selecting candles, consider these factors to find the perfect match for your needs:

Purpose

Are you looking for ambient lighting, fragrance, decoration, or a combination? Different candle types excel in different areas:

For pure ambiance: Taper or pillar candles
For fragrance: Container candles with soy or paraffin wax
For decoration: Novelty shapes or floating candles
For events: Tea lights or votives in large quantities

Environment

Consider where and how you’ll use the candles:

For dining tables: Tapers or low containers that won’t obstruct views
For bathrooms: Votives or containers with moisture-resistant properties
For outdoor use: Citronella or candles in wind-resistant containers
For bedrooms: Relaxing scents in containers with good safety features

Burn Time

Different candle types offer varying burn times:

Tea lights: 3-5 hours
Votives: 15-20 hours
Medium pillars: 40-80 hours
Large jar candles: 60-150 hours

Health and Environmental Considerations

If you have sensitivities or environmental concerns, consider:

Beeswax or soy for cleaner burning
Unscented options for those with fragrance sensitivities
Locally made candles to reduce carbon footprint
Sustainable packaging and materials

Candle Safety Tips

Regardless of which candle type you choose, always prioritize safety:

Never leave burning candles unattended
Keep candles away from drafts, curtains, and flammable materials
Place candles on heat-resistant surfaces
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Trim wicks to ¼ inch before lighting
Don’t burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time
Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep

Final Thoughts

With so many candle types available, there’s truly something for every preference, purpose, and occasion. Whether you prioritize natural ingredients, unique aesthetics, or specific fragrances, understanding the different options allows you to make informed choices. From everyday ambiance to special celebrations, candles continue to bring warmth and beauty to our spaces in countless forms.

By exploring different candle types, you can discover new favorites that enhance your home environment while expressing your personal style. Remember that the best candle is ultimately the one that brings you joy and serves your specific needs, whether that’s a simple tea light or an elaborate decorative piece.