Brooke Martin
Candles are the perfect way to create a cosy and elegant atmosphere, and they come in various shapes and sizes. Pillar candles, for example, are sturdy and thick and can be tall, with a width of up to six inches. They are often cylindrical but can also be square or hexagonal. Another type of candle is the taper candle, which is long, thin, and cylindrical, narrowing slightly away from the base. Taper candles are elegant and timeless and usually require a holder. They come in various colours, including white, and are commonly used in menorahs for Hanukkah celebrations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pillar candles |
| Description | Thick and sturdy |
| Shape | Cylindrical |
| Sizes | Tall, short, square, or hexagonal |
| Width | 2-3 inches |
| Wax | Paraffin, beeswax, palm wax, or soy |
| Wick | Cotton or wood |
| Color | White or ivory |
| Use | Dining table centerpiece, nonworking fireplace, or candelabra |
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What You'll Learn
Pillar candles are thick and sturdy and can be tall
Pillar candles are thick and sturdy candles that can be tall. They usually have a cylindrical shape and are made from a dense wax, most commonly paraffin wax, that allows them to stand on their own without needing a candle holder. Pillar candles can be short or tall, with heights ranging from a few inches to over a foot, and they can also vary in width, from two to three inches wide up to six inches wide. Because of their larger size, pillar candles often have multiple wicks to ensure even burning.
The versatility of pillar candles makes them a great choice for various decorative purposes. They can be styled in a non-working fireplace or as a dining table centerpiece, adding sophistication and ambiance to any space. The array of sizes and shapes available in pillar candles provides a range of different burn times, with taller and wider candles burning for longer durations.
Pillar candles are known for their stability and ability to stand upright without support. This is due to the dense wax from which they are made, which provides the necessary thickness and sturdiness. Pillar candles are often wider at the base, contributing to their stability and making them less prone to toppling over.
The height of pillar candles can vary, and they can be found in a range of sizes, from shorter candles that are just a few inches tall to taller candles that exceed one foot in height. The taller varieties of pillar candles offer a more dramatic visual impact and are particularly well-suited for use as centerpieces or focal points in a room.
When choosing the height of a pillar candle, it is important to consider the dimensions of the room and the intended placement of the candle. For example, in a room with low ceilings or when placing the candle on a mantlepiece, opting for a shorter candle may be more appropriate for safety and aesthetic reasons. However, in spaces with higher ceilings or where a bolder statement is desired, taller pillar candles can be an impressive choice.
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Taper candles are tall and thin and require a holder
Taper candles are long, thin, cylindrical candles that require a holder. They are one of the oldest candle varieties, dating back to 3000 BC. Taper candles are extremely versatile and can be used to create a romantic candlelit dinner or as decorations for a holiday gathering. They are also commonly used in menorahs for Hanukkah celebrations.
Taper candles are known for their elegant and timeless appearance, with a long, slender shape that is thinner towards the top. They are usually a standard size at the base, measuring about 7/8" or 1/2" in diameter to fit standard taper candle holders. The most common length is 12 inches, which has a burn time of approximately 10 to 12 hours. However, taper candles can range in length from 6 inches to over 20 inches or even 3 feet.
Because taper candles are tall and thin, they can easily be positioned in a way that is not entirely straight and level. This can increase the likelihood of wax spilling over the side. To prevent this, it is recommended to use wax buttons, which are disks of soft wax that fasten the candles firmly to their holders. By minimizing dripping, wax buttons help to avoid safety hazards associated with cheap candles.
When using taper candles, it is important to always stay in the room with a burning candle and extinguish it before leaving. Additionally, keep burning candles away from flammable objects or liquids, such as billowing curtains or overhanging leaves. With proper use and selection, taper candles can be safe, dripless, and stylish additions to any home.
Taper candles come in a variety of colours, from classic ivory or white to seasonal shades. The colour chosen can help create a distinct atmosphere. For example, deep red candles may be more romantic, while bright green or blue candles can celebrate the arrival of spring.
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Votive candles are small and commonly white
Votive candles are small, usually with a diameter of about 1.5 to 1.75 inches and a height of less than 3 inches. They are often confused with tealight candles, but there are some differences between the two. Unlike tealights, votive candles are not packaged in a container, and they burn into the holder they are placed in. Tealights are also shorter, giving them a shorter burn time. Votive candles are available in a variety of colours and scents, but white is the most common colour for these candles.
Votive candles are often used in religious services, such as in the Reformed tradition, which includes the Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist denominations. They are also used in Lutheran, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, candles are lit before icons, usually of Jesus Christ or the Theotokos, and are placed in round containers with sockets or in a container filled with sand.
Votive candles are a popular choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space. They are commonly used by wedding planners, restaurants, and churches to add a decorative touch and a cozy ambiance. They are versatile and can be used in numerous ways, such as on a dining table or tucked in between flowers and other decorative objects on a console, buffet, or coffee table.
Votive candles are typically made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct with a high melting point, ensuring the strength and rigidity needed for votives. However, studies have shown that burning paraffin candles can be harmful to health, as they emit chemicals like alkans, alkenes, and toluene. These chemicals can lead to complications like cancer, allergies, and asthma over prolonged exposure.
Overall, votive candles are a great option for adding a touch of charm and elegance to any space, with their small size, classic colour, and long burn time.
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Tealights are short and shallow, and come in their own casings
Pillar candles are the term used to describe tall, thick candles, often characterized by their white colour. These candles are called so because they are reminiscent of pillars and are often free-standing. Now, let's discuss the nature of tealights in contrast:
Tealights are a type of candle that is short and shallow, with a small, compact design. One of their defining features is that they come in their own casings, usually made of thin metal or plastic, which serves as both a container and a base. The casing not only provides a convenient and safe way to burn the tealight but also ensures that the candle can be easily transported and placed in various holders or settings without any mess.
The size and design of tealights make them highly versatile. They are often used in multiple settings, from creating a cozy atmosphere at home to being a popular choice for events and weddings. Their small size means they can be easily incorporated into various types of decor and themes. For example, placing them in floating candle holders can create a romantic ambiance, while grouping them together in a cluster can make a bold statement.
The self-contained nature of tealights also makes them convenient for use in outdoor settings, as they can be easily lit and transported without the worry of spilling wax. They are often used in outdoor dining setups, garden parties, or even as a source of light during camping trips. Their small size also makes them ideal for use in oil warmers or as a way to heat up wax melts, providing both light and fragrance.
Additionally, tealights are known for their affordability and accessibility. They are typically inexpensive, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy using candles regularly without incurring high costs. They can be found in most home goods stores, supermarkets, and even specialty candle shops, offering a wide range of options in terms of scent, colour, and burn time.
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Birthday candles come in many colours and themes
Birthday candles are no longer just simple, plain designs; they have evolved to become an integral part of birthday decorations, with a huge variety of colours, styles, and themes available. These candles can truly enhance the birthday celebration and add a unique, personalized touch.
When it comes to colours, the options are endless. The traditional white candles still hold their own, providing a classic, elegant look, but today, one can find candles in every shade imaginable. Bright, vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green are perfect for a fun, lively party atmosphere, while pastel shades offer a softer, more subtle touch. For a magical, sparkling effect, there are even candles with a glitter finish.
Themed birthday candles are also a popular choice. These can be tailored to the individual's interests, with sports, music, and hobby-themed designs available. For example, for a music lover, there are candles shaped like musical notes, or for a sports enthusiast, candles featuring footballs, basketballs, and soccer balls. These themed candles are a great way to show attention to detail and make the birthday boy or girl feel extra special.
In addition to colours and themes, birthday candles also vary in shape and size. While the standard thin, tall candles are still common, there are now thicker, pillar-style candles, as well as unique shapes like stars, hearts, and even numbers and letters. These shaped candles are perfect for adding a personalized message or forming a specific age, making them a wonderful keepsake for the birthday person.
With so many options available, it is easy to find birthday candles to suit any taste and style. Whether one prefers a simple, classic look or a bold, colourful statement, the right birthday candles can truly set the tone for a memorable celebration. So, take the time to explore the vast array of colours, themes, and designs, and elevate the birthday party decorations to the next level!
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Frequently asked questions
Pillar candles are thick candles that can be tall. They are usually two to three inches wide and can be even wider, up to six inches. They can be round, square, or hexagonal.
Pillar candles are made from dense wax, most commonly paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct with a high melting point.
Pillar candles can stand on their own without a candle holder. They are also very attractive when placed on a candelabra or styled in a non-working fireplace or as a dining table centrepiece.
Taper candles are tall and slender, usually 12 inches tall, but they are thinner than pillar candles. Votive candles are also similar to pillar candles, but they are smaller and need to be burned in a holder.
