Lighting a candle can set the perfect mood. Whether you’re illuminating a backyard barbecue or a romantic dinner, there’s a candle to fit any occasion. Traditionally, candles burn beeswax, soy wax, or paraffin wax. But recent times have seen eco-friendlier candles grow in popularity among people looking to lower their carbon footprints however possible. Check out these four different types of candles and their uses to help you choose the right one for you.
Taper Candles
Taper candles are long, thin candles made of paraffin wax. These candles often come in different colors and scents. You’ve likely seen taper candles on tables at fancy restaurants or dinner parties. You might use taper candles to light up an extravagant event, but you can also use them to complement your everyday home décor.
However, there are some drawbacks to using paraffin wax candles. Wax drippings could stain furniture, and paraffin doesn’t burn as cleanly as oil.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small, cylindrical light sources that have shorter burn times than larger candles. If you’re looking for a way to add ambiance to your spa day, votive candles could be a great choice. In addition, votives work well for candlelight vigils and offerings of prayer.
To burn a wax votive candle, you’ll need a votive holder. Consider glass oil votive candles, which burn more cleanly than traditional wax.
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are smaller, and they have a shorter burn time than votives. Unlike votive candles, tealights come self-contained, and they’re easily disposable. If you’re looking for a source of accent lighting, tealights might be the way to go. Tealight candles benefit from their versatility, and they fit almost any occasion.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are medium to large, and they burn for extended periods. Wax pillar candles can vary in color, design, and number of wicks. But with clean-burning oil pillar candles, you don’t have to worry about wax drippings burning your hands. You can burn pillar candles for special occasions such as wedding anniversaries, or you can even use them daily as additional sources of light. Pillar candles look great atop any fireplace mantle.
You can’t go wrong with any of these four types of candles. Now that you’ve explored many uses for candles, let Firefly Fuel help you figure out how to choose the right one for you.
