If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your home has more candles than a boutique café has coffee options and you already know that candles brighten up a space and can make any room smell like a lavender field or fresh bakery. But when it comes to buying candles, longevity is often key—unless you enjoy frequent trips to the store or reordering more often than you’d like. So, which candles are truly worth the investment?

It’s All in the Wax

The type of wax a candle is made from significantly impacts its burn time. Not all waxes are created equal—some are marathon runners in the candle world.

Paraffin Wax

This classic wax is known for its strong scent throw but burns quickly. If you’re after a longer-lasting candle, you might want to look beyond paraffin.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a renewable resource, burning slower and cleaner than paraffin. It’s an eco-friendly choice with the bonus of a longer burn time.

Beeswax

Considered a luxury, beeswax burns exceptionally slow and even purifies the air by releasing negative ions. It’s your best bet for longevity, though it comes with a higher price tag.

Palm Wax

Palm wax candles hold up well in warmer temperatures and offer a burn time comparable to beeswax. Just make sure to choose candles made from sustainable palm oil.

Wick Wisdom

The type of wick a candle has plays a big role in its burn time. Here are a few options:

Cotton Wicks

These are the most common and offer a steady burn. To maximize their efficiency, keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch.

Wood Wicks

Wood wicks burn slowly and add a cozy crackling sound—like having a mini campfire on your coffee table.

Braided Wicks

Braided wicks self-trim as they curl while burning, requiring less maintenance and longer burn time.

Shape and Size Matter

A candle’s dimensions also influence how long it lasts.

Wider Candles

A wider candle allows for a larger pool of melted wax, resulting in an even, slower burn.

Taller Candles

Though elegant, taller candles are prone to tunneling, where wax burns down the center, leaving unused wax on the sides. To prevent this, ensure your first burn melts the entire top layer of wax.

Color and Fragrance Impact Burn Time

Additives like dyes and fragrance oils can affect how long your candle burns.

Lighter Colors Last Longer

Candles with darker dyes tend to burn faster. For longer-lasting candles, opt for lighter or natural colors.

Heavily Scented Candles Burn Faster

Candles with a high fragrance oil content burn quicker. While they fill a room with strong scents, they may have a shorter lifespan.

Candle Care Tips

Proper care extends a candle’s life. Here are a few tips to maximize your candle’s burn time:

• Trim the Wick: Always keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch.
• Let It Burn: Allow the entire top layer of wax to melt during each burn to prevent tunneling.
• Store Properly: Keep candles in a cool, dark place when not in use.