Jessie Taylor
Pillar candles are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to any space. They come in a variety of sizes, colours, and scents, making them a versatile option for home decor, weddings, and other events. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start when buying pillar candles. This guide will introduce you to the different types of pillar candles available and provide tips on how to choose the right ones for your needs, helping you create the perfect atmosphere with these decorative lighting essentials.
How to make a pillar candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Harder waxes are better. Common types include soy, paraffin, and beeswax. |
| Mold | Choose a sturdy, heat-resistant mold that is the right size for your candle. Silicone molds are recommended. |
| Wick | Choose a wick that fits the mold and wax. Pull the wick taut and secure it with a wick bar. |
| Fragrance and colour | Add fragrance oils and dyes if desired. |
| Pouring | Avoid hitting the side of the mold when pouring. Pour slowly and fill the mold completely. |
| Cooling | Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This can take several hours. |
| Storage | If the candle is stuck in the mold, gently squeeze the sides or roll it on a flat surface. You can also put it in the fridge for 5 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Pillar candle materials: beeswax, soy wax, premium wax
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, produced by bees during the honey-making process. It has a subtly sweet natural scent and a tougher, more solid nature, making it ideal for crafting free-standing pillar candles. It is also excellent at holding both fragrance and colour. However, beeswax is not vegan and is more expensive than paraffin wax.
Soy wax is a middle-ground option, offering a slow, steady burn at a reasonable price. It is made from soybeans and is more eco-friendly than paraffin wax, which is derived from the oil industry. However, there are some concerns about the soybean industry's use of deforestation, fertilisers, and pesticides. Soy wax is perfect for transmitting the scent of essential oils, allowing for personalised candles. It is also available in various melt points, making it suitable for creating container candles and thick pillars.
Premium wax typically refers to coconut wax, which is harvested from coconuts—a high-yield, sustainable crop. Like beeswax, it burns cleanly with minimal soot and is excellent at holding fragrance and colour.
When choosing between beeswax, soy wax, and premium wax for pillar candles, consider factors such as price, eco-friendliness, burn quality, and desired level of customisation. Each type of wax has its own unique properties and benefits, allowing you to create candles that align with your specific preferences and requirements.
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Scented vs unscented pillar candles
When it comes to choosing between scented and unscented pillar candles, there are a few things to consider. Both options have their own unique advantages and can enhance the atmosphere of any room.
Unscented pillar candles are classic and versatile. They are perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and understated ambiance. Without a scent, these candles allow the natural aroma of the wax to shine through, creating a soft and subtle fragrance that is not overpowering. This makes them ideal for those who are sensitive to strong fragrances or for settings where a competing scent might be undesirable. Additionally, unscented pillar candles are often more affordable than their scented counterparts, making them a cost-effective option for creating a warm and inviting space.
On the other hand, scented pillar candles offer an enhanced sensory experience. They come in a variety of fragrances, from floral and fruity to earthy and musky, allowing you to choose a scent that complements your taste and the atmosphere you wish to create. Scented pillar candles are excellent for setting a mood and making a space feel truly inviting and indulgent. The fragrance can evoke different emotions and memories, creating a unique and personalised experience for you and your guests.
The type of wax used in pillar candles can also impact the scent. For example, soy wax is known for its ability to hold fragrance well, resulting in a decent "scent throw". This makes it an excellent option for scented pillar candles as it will release the fragrance effectively as the candle burns. Other types of wax may vary in their scent retention and release, so it's important to consider the wax type when choosing between scented and unscented varieties.
Ultimately, the decision between scented and unscented pillar candles depends on your personal preference and the purpose of the candle. If you're looking for a subtle and affordable option, unscented pillar candles are a great choice. However, if you want to create a specific ambiance with a powerful fragrance, scented pillar candles are the way to go. With the ability to mix and match sizes, colours, and aromas, you can create a unique and personalised candle collection for your home.
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Flameless pillar candles
Variety of Options
Battery-Powered or LED
Most flameless pillar candles are battery-powered, offering convenience and long-lasting illumination. Some candles may also feature built-in timers, allowing for easy and controlled use. LED flameless pillar candles are also a popular choice, providing a bright and energy-efficient light source.
Safe and Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of flameless pillar candles is safety. These candles are ideal for homes with children or pets, as they eliminate the risk of open flames. They are also perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere without the worry of fire hazards.
Easy to Use
Versatile Decor
These candles can be used in various settings, including tabletops, centrepieces, and holiday decorations. Combine flameless pillar candles with taper candles or tea lights for a sophisticated and timeless display. They are an excellent choice for year-round use and can enhance any space.
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Pillar candle sizes: 2.25, 2.4, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10
When buying pillar candles, you can choose from a variety of sizes to suit your needs and preferences.
The standard sizes for pillar candles include 2.25, 2.4, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10 inches in diameter. These candles are usually cylindrical in shape, with varying widths to create different burning times and effects.
If you're looking for a narrower candle that will burn down relatively quickly, consider sizes like 2.25 or 2.4 inches. These candles are ideal for shorter events or occasions, providing a cosy atmosphere without an overly long burn time.
On the other hand, larger diameters like 5, 6, or 10 inches will give you a longer-lasting candle that burns more slowly. These bigger pillar candles are perfect for extended use, such as frequent dinners or gatherings, or even for emergency lighting during power outages.
You can also find pillar candles in sets or assortments, offering a range of heights and diameters to create a stylish display. For example, you might find a set that includes multiple candles of the same width but varying heights, such as 2x3, 2x4.5, and 2x6 inches, providing a uniform look with flexibility in burn time.
Additionally, some companies offer customisation options, allowing you to mix and match sizes, colours, and fragrances to create a unique collection of pillar candles for your home.
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Pillar candle brands: Bolsius, Yankee Candle, Aroma Naturals, Homemory, HIDAWN
When buying a pillar candle, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a traditional wax candle or a modern flameless LED candle. Flameless LED candles are battery-operated, safe, and versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. They often come with timers and remote functions, allowing for convenient and customisable usage. On the other hand, wax pillar candles offer a classic, decorative appeal with their elegant design and, sometimes, added fragrances.
Bolsius
Bolsius offers a range of pillar candles, available on Amazon, in classic and modern styles. They use paraffin wax and come in various shapes, including the traditional round. Bolsius candles are unscented, clean-burning, dripless, and long-lasting.
Yankee Candle
Yankee Candle's Signature Pillar Candles feature a sleek, straight-sided design, making them versatile and elegant. They come with peel-away labels, allowing for a decorative touch that complements any style or setting. Yankee Candle also offers candle accessories, such as candle holders and shades, to enhance the overall experience.
Aroma Naturals
Aroma Naturals provides a range of natural, blended pillar candles. Their pillars come in various sizes, such as the 2.5x4 and 2.75x5 sizes, and feature fragrances like lavender and citrus. Their products are priced at $12 to $20.
Homemory
Homemory specialises in flameless LED pillar candles, offering a safe and versatile option for various occasions. Their candles have different functions, including normal on/off, timer settings, and remote control options. Homemory's candles are battery-operated and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, creating a warm yellow glow similar to a traditional candle.
HIDAWN
HIDAWN flameless pillar candles are battery-operated LED candles that come in a set of 9, providing a convenient and safe alternative to traditional flames. They feature a flickering effect and a remote control with timer settings, making them ideal for outdoor use. HIDAWN candles are available in different colours, including ivory and grey, and can be purchased from Walmart, with prices ranging from $14.60 to $43.99.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy pillar candles from online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as specialist candle companies such as Wicks N' More.
Pillar candles come in a variety of sizes, colours, and scents. They can be made from different types of wax, such as soy or beeswax, and may be hand-poured. Some pillar candles are also flameless and LED.
Flameless pillar candles are LED candles that mimic the look of traditional wax candles without the flame. They are often battery-operated and can be controlled remotely.
The price of pillar candles varies depending on the product size, colour, and brand. They can range from $14.60 to $61.99.
Pillar candles are often used for decorative purposes, such as creating a centerpiece for a dining table or adding ambiance to a room. They are also popular for weddings, parties, and other special occasions.
