5 Different Styles of Beeswax Candles: Which One is Best for You?

A variety of different beeswax candles to suit your needs.

Beeswax candles come in various shapes and sizes with different intended uses. Whether you enjoy burning candles every day or are looking to use them for a special occasion, it is essential to understand the qualities of each style and what sets them apart from one another.

This list of beeswax candles will help you decide which style is best for you and help you get the most out of your candle-burning experience.

#1 BEESWAX TEA LIGHT CANDLES

Beeswax tea light candles pack a lot of ambiance into a tiny package. They are incredibly versatile and are a fan favorite for situations where large amounts of candlelight are required, especially weddings and dinner parties.

One of the biggest perks of a tea light candle is that you can purchase them in a cup, so you don't have to worry about wax spilling over, and they self-extinguish. This comes in handy when you are looking to use a lot of candles simultaneously. You may also buy them as refills without a cup; therefore, you can put them in a candle holder that matches your decor.

Beeswax Tea Light Candle in a ceramic holder.

While these little candles offer a boatload of benefits, one of the downfalls is the burn time. In general, most beeswax tea lights will last for 5-6 hours, and, generally, they are best for single-time use. These may not be best for someone who frequently burns candles in their own home, especially if you do not wish to use a new candle every time.

You can't go wrong with a beeswax tea light candle, and I highly recommend them for gifting and someone new to beeswax candles!

#2 BEESWAX VOTIVE CANDLES

Beeswax votive candles possess many of the same qualities as beeswax tea light candles: small, versatile, and easy to use.

A benefit of beeswax votives is that since they are four times larger than a tea light, they have a significantly longer burn time of about 15 hours. This means you can burn your votive multiple times before replacing it.

Beeswax Votive Candles

One of the most notable differences is that beeswax votives do not come in a cup or container and are not self-contained. You have to burn them in a votive holder to prevent wax spillage and potential damage to your surfaces.

Beeswax votive candles are an excellent option for a candle with a long burn time that you can dress up to match your home. They are also small and easy to store!

#3 BEESWAX TAPER CANDLES

Beeswax taper candles are one of our best-selling styles, and for a good reason. They are available in many different lengths, shapes, and finishes, making it almost impossible not to find one that will work for you.

Taper candles are best suited when looking for candlelight, but you also want some height! They allow you to maintain sightlines on a dining table or create dramatic height on a mantle. It is also easy to mix and match heights and styles to create a unique look in your home.

12" Traditional Beeswax Taper Candles

One of the highlights of our beeswax tapers, in particular, is that they are naturally dripless. So unlike paraffin wax tapers, they will not make a mess on your table or candle holders if burned properly. You want to be careful when using taper candles to avoid drafty or high-traffic areas.

Overall, beeswax taper candles don't have many cons and have been used for thousands of years. They are generally low-maintenance and are a beautiful addition to any home!

#4 BEESWAX PILLAR CANDLES

Beeswax pillar candles are a classic and the perfect style for an avid candle burner. They are sleek and straightforward but do not lack in the charm department!

Undoubtedly, the most significant benefit of a beeswax pillar candle is the extra-long burn time they boast. In our 3" Beeswax Pillar Candle, the burn times range from 50 hours to 160 hours; that is a lot of luxury candle burning time!

Assorted 3" Beeswax Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are also a self-contained style, meaning you don't have to burn them inside a candle holder to contain the wax. This is one of the reasons you get the most burn time from a pillar candle since you do not have wax melting away from the wick. *Note: While it is not required to use a candle holder to burn a pillar candle, I recommend using a candle plate or stand to protect your surface when lit.

Since beeswax pillar candles burn so much longer than other styles, they require more maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your candle. You should burn your candle for at least 1 hour per inch of diameter to prevent tunneling (3" across = 3 hours lit). Also, keep your wick trimmed to 1/4" - this may require you to extinguish your candle, trim the wick, and relight it when you plan to burn for extended periods.

Not only are beeswax pillar candles a classic, but they are handy for practical purposes such as power outages because of their long burn time and bright flame. I always recommend having at least one pillar candle in your home for this purpose.

#5 BEESWAX SHAPED CANDLES

Last but certainly not least are beeswax shaped candles. Shaped candles are any non-traditional candle form and can come in any shape. These beauties fuse form and function to add character to your home.

Beeswax pumpkins and pinecone shaped candles.

The most obvious benefit of these candles is that you can add your personality anywhere and everywhere throughout your home. They perfectly accent a bookshelf, side table, and anywhere you can sneak in a candle. They also make fantastic gifts!

Unfortunately, shaped candles can be trickier to burn because of their unique shapes and sizes. They often melt over the edges, so they require a safe surface to burn on that will catch the molten wax, and their burn times are relatively unreliable. The most significant disadvantage is that once they melt, you typically lose the design of the candle, and its original shape may become unrecognizable. For this reason, shaped candles are generally more decorative, although they can be burned.

Whether you use shaped candles for decoration or decide to burn them, they are a quick and easy way to elevate your space.

SO WHAT IS THE BEST CANDLE FOR YOU?

No matter what style of candle you choose, beeswax is sure to brighten your home and add incredible ambiance; there is no wrong answer. What are you waiting for? Treat yourself, shop for a friend, or just browse around our fantastic selection of handmade beeswax candles by clicking the button below. Don't forget a new candle holder, too!