Candles can add a whole mood to a room by warming up the space with just a flickering flame. With so many scents and styles to choose from, having a variety can transform the ambiance of your space, from romantic dinners and relaxing baths to simply unwinding after a long day. Check out these different types of candles to give you some ideas for how you can use them in your home and for any occasion.

Pillar Candles: Standing Tall and Elegant

Pillar candles, with their cylindrical shape and sturdy build, have a timelessness about them that makes them a decor classic. These are ideal for adding a bit of sophistication to any setting, whether it’s a formal dinner party or a cozy evening at home. Because of their size, they have a long burn time but they look just as good unlit. Add a few of these around your dining room table or layer them with other decor on an entranceway table or accent table.

Tea Lights: Tiny Ambiancey

Tea lights may be small in size, but when they’re lit in groups, they create a low-key and relaxed vibe. These tiny candles are perfect for scattering around your bathtub for some elevated self-care, lining a pathway, or adding a subtle glow to any space. They don’t have a long burn time—just a few hours—so if you love them, you’ll quickly get used to going through them quickly.

Container Candles: Personal Flair

Container candles feel like the most personal of all the different types, primarily because of their scent. Based on your mood, you can switch out container candles or have a few go-to scents that you could keep in certain rooms, like a relaxing lavender or linen scent for the bedroom, salted caramel for the kitchen, and a neutral sandalwood or sea breeze for the living room. They often come in interesting containers that you could always repurpose or DIY, like glass jars, tin cans, or ceramic pots. Plus, they make great gifts!

Floating Candles: Adding a Splash of Serenity

Floating candles take entertaining a step further. These whimsical creations add magic to any water feature, like elegant centerpiece bowls to tranquil backyard ponds. As they gently bob and dance atop the water’s surface, floating candles create an enchanting ambiance that is both mesmerizing and calming. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or dinner parties, having these on hand can take your hosting to new heights.

Taper Candles: Embracing Tradition with a Twist

Taper candles may harken back to a bygone era, but they’re anything but outdated. With their slender form and graceful taper, these candles add some old-world charm to any setting. They look best in a candle stick holder, so getting matching ones can help tie bring them to life.

Recommended Burn Time for Candles

The addiction to candles can be so real, and if you love having them around, burning them 24/7 has some safety hazards. A general rule of thumb is to burn them for a maximum of four hours at a time. Any longer, and the wick can mushroom, causing your candle to tunnel, burn unevenly and shorten the life of it altogether. If you’re seeing this problem with your candles, maintain your candle by giving the wick a snip to help give it a little more life. If you do like having candles on for prolonged periods, set a timer and put them out for 20-40 minutes so the wax can cool and relight them. Avoid blowing them out to avoid wax or debris spilling out and use a candle snuffer instead.

Avoiding Toxic Wax

Lots of candles are made with paraffin wax, which can contain additives that you breathe in for as long as it’s lit. Read the labels when shopping and don’t be fooled by descriptions such as “hand-poured” or “all-natural oils.” Look for wax that’s made from soy or beeswax for the cleanest burn.