Fragrant Flames: Different Types of Candles

Are you looking to buy some new candles for your home?

Candles are a great addition to any home. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but candles can also help you de-stress.

But, what candles should you buy for your home? Before you buy, it’s important to know about the different types of candles out there.

Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about the different types of candles.

Real Candles vs Flameless Candles

There are two main categories for candles: real candles or flameless candles.

Here’s what you should know about each type of candle:

Real Candles

* Are large in diameter in order to help catch the candle wax
* Produce a real, warm, flickering glow
* Come in a variety of wax materials
* Usually require a holder, candle lamp, or candelabra

Flameless Candles

* Run on electrical charges or batteries in order to minimize replacement costs
* Offer long-term burn times per charge or battery
* Eliminates the mess of melted wax
* Ideal for areas where open flame might be a concern
* Won’t blow out when there’s a gust of wind or in high-traffic areas
* Doesn’t produce fumes that are potentially dangerous
* Can be left on without any supervision

Both types of candles can help to improve the ambiance of a room and create a comfortable living environment.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the different types of real candles and the different types of flameless candles.

Types of Real Candles

Real candles have three defining characteristics: their wax, their wick, and their style.

Candles like these Norse-inspired Scandinavian candles are a great addition to any home. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but candles can also help you de-stress.

Types of Wax

Let’s start by looking at the different types of waxes available for real candles:

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is easily the most popular type of candle wax. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that comes with a high melting point.

A lot of candle dyes and scents are formulated using paraffin, resulting in more potent colors and fragrances.

Palm Wax Candles

People like palm wax candles because they’re biodegradable, making for eco-friendly disposal. They’re also more durable than paraffin.

A palm wax candle is created by separating the fatty acids from palm oil under extreme pressures and temperatures.

Soy Wax Candles

Soy wax candles don’t contain any pollutants, however, they’re not as durable as palm wax candles.

However, the soy wax burns cooler than other candles do, which means it can last 30 to 50 percent longer.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles can actually help reduce air pollutants that cause allergies and asthma. These candles can burn even longer than soy wax candles.

Bayberry Wax Candles

Bayberry is an eco-friendly, plant-based wax that is typically combined with beeswax to make it more rigid.

It has a natural, refreshing aroma and is often used to make holiday candles.

Liquid Wax Candles

Lastly, we have liquid wax candles. These are typically made with various oils so that when the candle burns out, it doesn’t produce any soot or smoke.

You also don’t have to deal with melted wax with these candles, making for easy cleanup.

Types of Wicks

The wick is an integral part of the candle, as it helps deliver the wax or oil to the flame. Here are the main types of wicks for real candles:

Cotton/Paper Core Wicks

This type of wick produces more melted wax and burns very hot. Typically, they’re used with glass candles that are filled with wax.

Wood Wicks

Wood wicks are easy to light and environmentally-friendly. They produce a minimal amount of debris and carbon buildup, making for easy cleaning. Many people like wood wicks because they also create a soft cracking sound as they burn, which can really help add to the ambiance of a place.

Plus, they’re long-lasting and don’t require any trimming like paper and cotton wicks do.

Metal Cored Wicks

Lastly, we have metal-cored wicks. These typically contain tin or zin cores, and they’re able to remain standing while the surrounding wax liquifies.

They’re also non-toxic and offer a more professional appearance.

Types of Styles

Now that we know about the different types of wax and wicks, let’s take a look at the different real candle styles there are to choose from.

Cartridge Candles

Cartridge candles are typically long and thin. They have an attractive appearance, as the exterior stays at the same height.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are also commonly known as window candles. They are long and slender and look great when placed on tabletops.

Birthday Candles

Birthday candles come in a fun range of vibrant colors and patterns. They can be safely placed on full cakes or on individual slices.

Wax Filled Glass/Tin Candles

These come in a container or jar so you never have to worry about the wax dripping onto the surrounding surface. They’re great for illuminating dining areas both at home and in restaurants.

You can shop these candles if this is the style you’re looking for.

Floating Candles

Floating candles are great for spas, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Pillars

These candles look great alone or with other candle styles to create nice centerpieces. They come in a variety of sizes and diameters.

Votives

Votives are very easy to use and inexpensive. They’re great for decorating dining areas as well.

Tea Lights

Like votives, tea lights are also great for decorating dining areas. They’re light and compact and usually inexpensive.

Types of Flameless Candles

Flameless candles don’t come in the same wide array that real candles do. Nevertheless, you still have a few good options. Here are the main types of flameless candles:

Tea Lights

Tea light flameless candles are compact and easy-to-transport. If you own a catering business, this is a great type of candle to use.

They also make for great accent lighting in dim dining areas

Mini Hurricanes/Votives

These types of candles come with unscented, wax exteriors. The wicks are designed to look realistic, and they can last the length of multiple nights before the battery needs recharging.

Pillars

Pillars can produce a flickering glow that is almost life-like. They’re also programmable, which means that you can turn them on and off at the same time each day without having to physically flip a switch.

Wax Melts

The difference between wax melts and candles is that the former does not have a wick. Also, wax melts don’t evaporate so you can reheat as many times as you want until the scent fades. If you want to buy wax melts, consider buying an electric wax burner too.

Types of Candles: Which One Will You Choose?

As you can see, there are a lot of different types of candles out there. Now, all you have to do is decide which type is right for your home or business. And, if you liked this post, be sure to check back in for more articles like this one.