This article features all the types of decorative candles to guide you in exploring the surprising world of wax, wicks, and aroma.
A candle is any wax or moderately flammable solid material embedded with a wick that produces light when it is burned. Nowadays, they are a popular way to set a mood, create an ambiance, induce a cozy feeling, and decorate a home. There’s just something about lighted candles on top of a dining table that elevates even the most typical everyday meal. And there’s nothing quite like a candle’s luxurious aroma filling up an otherwise uninteresting room.
Candles Based on Scent
Scented Candle
Scented candles are a delightful addition to any space, whether it’s for seasonal or holiday use or to create a soothing atmosphere through aromatherapy.
These candles are carefully crafted with a combination of essential oils or artificial scents infused into the wax, resulting in a captivating fragrance that fills the air when they are lit. The wax used in scented candles is typically a blend of different waxes, ensuring optimal burning and scent diffusion.
Available in various forms like tealights, pillars, or container candles, they offer versatility for different preferences and settings. During specific times of the year, such as holidays or changing seasons, scented candles truly shine with their enchanting aromas like fresh pine, invigorating peppermint, or warm pumpkin spice. Here’s a list of the types of candle scents.
Aromatherapy Candle
Aromatherapy scented candles are a great choice for those seeking relaxation of both the body and mind.
These candles contain essential oils that are believed to evoke different emotions and sensations. For instance, lavender and orange essential oils are known for their calming properties, helping to ease stress and promote a sense of tranquility. On the other hand, scents like peppermint or rosemary have an invigorating effect, enhancing focus and revitalizing the mind.
The soothing fragrances of these natural oils are carefully infused into the wax, gradually releasing their therapeutic benefits as the candle burns.
Citronella Candle
Evening outdoor activities are greatly enhanced by the use of citronella, an essential oil derived from lemongrass.
This natural insect repellant is commonly found in candles and is highly regarded for its effectiveness. Throughout history, citronella has been relied upon to ward off mosquitoes, gnats, and other pesky bugs. Its pleasant citrus aroma and vibrant flame add to the overall ambiance.
So, whether you’re relaxing on your patio, deck, or in your backyard, lighting a citronella candle will ensure that you can fully enjoy those precious warm evenings without any bothersome bites.
Unscented Decorative Candles
Unscented decorative candles offer the perfect solution for creating a cozy ambiance without any overpowering fragrances. They provide the gentle glow and comforting warmth of a candle, making them ideal for those who are sensitive to scents.
Additionally, they are an excellent option for meal settings, as they won’t clash or overpower the delectable aromas wafting from the food being served.
Beeswax Candle
When it comes to candles, one option that stands out is beeswax candles. These candles are renowned for their beautiful golden hue, intricate hexagonal design, and delicate honey fragrance. However, there’s much more to them than meets the eye.
Beeswax candles not only provide a cozy and inviting ambiance with their warm-toned flame, but they also serve as natural air purifiers. They have a remarkable ability to burn for extended periods without producing any smoke or emitting overpowering scents.
What sets beeswax candles apart is their eco-friendly nature. Being a natural byproduct of beekeeping, beeswax is biodegradable and offers an environmentally conscious choice for candle enthusiasts. In fact, these candles have been used since ancient Roman times and continue to be popular today due to their longevity and minimal dripping.
Whether you’re looking to adorn your candle holders or create stunning wreaths, beeswax candles are an excellent choice that combines sustainability with timeless elegance.
Wood Wick Candle
Candlelight accompanied by subtle sound is an ideal setting for creating a soothing atmosphere. Wood wick candles are renowned for their distinctive crackling sound, adding a touch of charm and individuality to these candles.
The wider width of the wood wick compared to a regular cotton wick allows for a longer and more consistent burn. Moreover, wood wicks have the advantage of burning cleaner than cotton wicks, especially when trimmed after each use.
When these candles crackle and emit a gentle glow, they create a unique sense of comfort and coziness, making them an essential element for achieving hygge vibes.
Soy Candle
Soy wax, derived from soy beans, offers a clean-burning and eco-friendly option for candle enthusiasts.
Unlike artificial materials, soy wax is completely natural and renewable. Its unique composition allows for a slower and cleaner burn, resulting in a bright flame with a cool-toned glow that almost appears fluorescent.
These advantages have propelled the popularity of soy wax as an alternative to paraffin wax, particularly for container candles.
Sparklers
If you’re looking to add a touch of excitement to your Fourth-of-July, birthday, or holiday celebrations, sparkler candles are the way to go! These candles bring a sense of festivity and joy to any occasion. As soon as you light them, they emit dazzling sparks that create a magical atmosphere. It’s like having your own mini firework show on top of a delicious cake!
One unique thing about sparkler candles is that once they’re lit, they can’t be blown out. You’ll have to patiently wait for them to stop sparkling, which usually lasts for about a minute. This adds an element of anticipation and surprise to the celebration.
It’s worth mentioning that while some smaller sparklers are safe for indoor use (always check the label), larger ones should only be lit outdoors on a non-flammable surface. This precaution is necessary because larger sparklers tend to produce more smoke and sparks.
So, if you want an unforgettable celebration filled with bursts of light and sparkle, make sure to include sparkler candles in your festivities! Just remember to follow safety guidelines and enjoy the mesmerizing display they provide.
Trick Candle
Looking for something extra special to spice up your birthday or anniversary celebrations? Look no further than trick candles!
These whimsical candles are a hit when it comes to surprising your loved ones. Unlike regular candles, they have a unique feature – they relight themselves! It’s quite the spectacle when someone tries to blow them out, only to see them flicker back to life.
How do they work their magic? Well, it all comes down to a clever coating of magnesium powder on the wick. This powder has the incredible ability to reignite the flame, no matter how many times it’s extinguished.
But don’t worry, if you want to make sure the flame is truly gone once the fun is over, simply give the wick a quick rinse under running water for a few seconds. So go ahead and add some flair and excitement to your celebrations with these enchanting trick candles!
Floating Candle
Floating candles are a fantastic choice for creating a festive or romantic atmosphere on your table. These candles have a unique ability to float in water while they burn, adding an elegant touch to any setting.
The science behind their floating capabilities lies in the balance between the warm area around the wick and the cool water surrounding it. As the candle burns and loses weight, it remains buoyant, causing it to rise above the water’s surface.
To create a stunning centerpiece, you can place floating candles in a bowl or a larger container along with flowers or petals. This combination creates a visually captivating display that instantly elevates the ambiance of your space.
For an even more dramatic effect, consider using individual floating candles in smaller containers of different heights. This arrangement adds depth and dimension, making your table setting truly awe-inspiring.
Taper Candle
Formal dining and holiday decor are the perfect settings for taper candles. These candles, known for their long and slender shape, require a holder and add an exquisite touch to any table or mantel arrangement.
Typically standing at 12 inches tall, standard taper candles offer approximately 12 hours of burn time, with each inch of candle providing an hour of illumination. What sets taper candles apart is not only the wide range of colors they come in but also the different types of wax used and their unique shapes.
While the traditional cylinder base shape remains popular, there are also twisted and ribbed variations that enhance their visual appeal. For Hanukkah celebrations, white, blue, and multi-color taper candles often find their place in menorahs, adding to the festive ambiance.
Pillar Candle
When it comes to decorative use and creating a mood lighting, pillar candles are an excellent choice. These candles are crafted from a dense wax that gives them the ability to stand independently without any containment.
Typically made from paraffin wax, they come in various shapes, sizes, and heights, although the most common shape is cylindrical. You can place a single pillar candle or arrange a group of them in lanterns, on mantels, or as table centerpieces to bring warmth and accent lighting into your home.
While enjoying the soothing light and pleasant scent provided by long-lasting candles, it’s important not to overlook safety precautions. According to the National Fire Prevention Association’s reports, more than 7,000 home fires occur in the U.S. every year, resulting in an average of 90 deaths.
To prevent accidents, make sure never to leave candles unattended and avoid sleeping with a burning candle. Additionally, it is crucial not to allow children to handle or use candles under any circumstances.
Tealight
Tealight candles, the tiniest kind of candles, are enclosed in either metal or plastic containers.
Originally intended to maintain the warmth of tea, they have evolved to become popular for decorative and accent lighting purposes. Nowadays, they are often placed in holders and are even included in seasonal decorations like pumpkins!
Typically, a tealight can burn for approximately five hours, with the most usual size being 38mm in diameter.
Votive Candle
Unlike tealights, votive candles are not packaged in a container, so you can choose to burn them in a holder of your liking.
Like tealights though, votive candles are also small and are often used for setting a shelf or table ambiance. They can be had in many different colors, but the most usual variant is white. It’s also the most popular color, because it’s classic look goes very well with tables, flowers, and other home decors.
Birthday Candle
When it comes to birthday celebrations, nothing adds more excitement than the presence of birthday candles. These delightful toppers are an essential part of any cake or cupcake, symbolizing the joy and merriment of the occasion.
They come in a wide variety of options, offering numerous shapes, colors, and themes. Whether you prefer solid or multi-colored candles, ones dipped in glitter or plain ones, twisted or sparkling ones – the choices are endless! No matter your preference, these candles are a must-have for creating a truly festive atmosphere.
Multiple Wick Candle
When it comes to maximizing illumination, multiple wick candles are the way to go.
They not only burn faster but also provide a more even burn and produce brighter light compared to their single wick counterparts. Additionally, scented multiple wick candles offer a stronger fragrance experience.
To maintain an even burn, remember to trim the wicks after each use to prevent the buildup of black soot on the container.
Container Candle
When it comes to decorative use and home candle-making, container candles are the perfect choice. These candles are uniquely designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
They come in a variety of sizes, with options for single or multiple wicks, and can be scented or unscented. What sets container candles apart is their innovative packaging – a safe, non-flammable container typically made of glass or metal, which often includes a lid. It’s like getting two products in one!
With the versatility and endless possibilities that container candles offer, they are truly a must-have for any candle enthusiast.
Paraffin Wax Candle
DIY candle-making is a fantastic choice for those looking to unleash their creativity. One of the key ingredients in candle-making is paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. This colorless wax is the go-to option for most candle manufacturers due to its affordability and ability to retain added fragrance. Notably, its lack of odor makes it an ideal candidate for scented candles.
Historically, paraffin wax made its debut in the late 19th century as a game-changer in the candle production industry. Its popularity skyrocketed in the subsequent decades, until concerns about its impact on the environment surfaced. Despite ongoing debates surrounding this matter, paraffin wax continues to be readily available and remains the top choice among wax enthusiasts.
So if you’re ready to embark on your DIY candle-making journey, rest assured that paraffin wax will be there every step of the way, offering you a reliable and versatile option to bring your creative visions to life.
Flameless Candle
When it comes to ensuring safety, flameless candles are the ultimate choice. These electronic substitutes for real candles eliminate any concerns about safety risks, wax dripping, or smoke polluting the air.
Available in various shapes, sizes, and both scented and unscented options, they are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Operating on batteries, many even come with a convenient remote control.
With flameless candles, you can enjoy the cozy ambiance and inviting glow of a candle without any fire hazards to worry about.
Gel Candle
Gel candles are the ideal choice for those seeking enduring and decorative lighting solutions.
These unique candles offer an impressive advantage over regular wax candles, as they emit nearly twice the amount of light and have a significantly longer burn time. Unlike traditional wax candles, gel candles are crafted using a blend of resin and mineral oil, resulting in their distinctively transparent appearance.
The transparent nature of gel allows for creative embellishments such as dried flowers, berries, or petals to be incorporated into the gel itself, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
Bayberry Wax Candle
Winter holiday celebrations offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in the enchantment of these extraordinary candles. Crafted from the essence of the bayberry plant, these candles exude a captivating natural fragrance, complemented by their distinctive olive-green hue.
The intricate process involves simmering bayberries, extracting the wax that gracefully ascends to the surface, and blending it harmoniously with beeswax to create a solid and enduring substance.
These timeless creations have adorned households since the era of Early America and have become synonymous with festive merriment, particularly during Christmas festivities. Their allure as a cherished Yuletide candle remains unparalleled.
Types of Candle Decorations
This run through of the types of candle decorations should help you find what’s best for your home’s interior design. Each type has its own unique qualities and purposes, with variations in design, luminosity, and fragrance.
Moreover, environmental factors come into play, with options such as natural beeswax, soy, or bayberry offering a greener alternative to petroleum-based paraffin candles.
For special celebrations, there are also novelty candles like sparklers and trick candles that stubbornly refuse to be extinguished. And for those moments when safety is a concern, flameless candles equipped with small light bulbs and batteries provide a reliable source of light without the risk of open flames.