Everything you need to know about tapered candles

Everything You Need to Know About Tapered Candles: Answering Your Most Asked Questions

What makes a good tapered candle?

Many factors contribute to a high-quality taper candle: wax, burn time, colour, scent, and shape. When creating a special atmosphere, quality is key – and this explains why the cost per candle varies so much. You'll find many taper candles on the high street for £1 or £2 each, but as with most things, price reflects time, quality, and craftsmanship.

So, if you're reading this blog, consider it your sign to head straight to Essence Home to view our wide range of sustainable taper candles and accessories! Yes, accessories for your candles!!

But let's get into the details...

What is the ‘best’ wax, and is paraffin sustainable?

The type of wax is crucial, influencing both a candle's environmental impact and its burn time. While paraffin wax is common, it's derived from petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel. There are arguments for using it since it's a by-product, but the extraction and processing of petroleum remain environmentally damaging, and its use doesn't reduce overall demand.

For more eco-conscious options, consider soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, or 100% natural stearin wax. The specific wax doesn't necessarily determine which is "best," but wax quality significantly affects burn time.

So what is the standard burn time, and do taper candles make a mess?

A candle's "burn time" refers to how long it burns continuously without being extinguished. Burn time depends on the candle and the wax.

Compared to paraffin wax, which burns quickest and often emits thick black smoke, coconut wax burns slowest. Beeswax offers the longest burn time, sustainability, and a stunning yellow glow.

Beyond wax, a high-quality candle needs a good wick to ensure a clean, even burn with minimal smoke and dripping. The best tapers are designed to minimize drips, so you can create a sophisticated, mess-free display.

 

How do you stabilize taper candles, and do they fit in all candle holders?

This is a common question, and the answer is usually simple: most standard tapers fit in most candlesticks or candle holders. However, slight imperfections can occur, especially with handmade candles and holders, resulting in a taper that's too large.

The fix is easy: use a potato peeler or knife (with caution) to shave the bottom of the taper until it fits.

If a taper fits but is wonky, you can: briefly burn the bottom with a lighter and secure it in the holder while the wax dries, or use bluetac for stability.

 

How do you extinguish a taper candle?

While many people blow out candles, there's a better way. We recommend using a candle snuffer to avoid smoke. We've recently added gorgeous brass candle snuffers from Morgan Wright, an English home interiors company excelling in traditional yet eco-conscious products.

What is the best way to store tapered candles?

Store taper candles in a basket or glass/ceramic jar, away from direct sunlight, especially if they are made from plant-based wax, as heat can cause them to melt and lose their shape.

What is the 8-10 rule?

The 8-10 Rule helps ensure a room is evenly scented. For scented jar candles, it means placing one 8-ounce candle for every 10-foot radius of the room. We also apply this to our amazing Jeune Scented Tapers. Each Jeune candle is crafted with environmentally friendly essential oils, blended to create a perfect, noticeable scent!

Our favourite taper candle brands

We want to share our best-selling brands, which create the best tapers.

• Jeune Home: Mindfulness and sustainability are central to Jeune Home. Their 100% soy wax and eco-friendly essential oil candles are perfect for creating an amazing-smelling and beautiful space. Unusually, these tapers are scented!

• Soie London: This female-owned brand excels in delicate and sophisticated designs. Our Soie London taper collection features a range of swirl and ombre designs. Made from 100% soy wax, they make perfect gifts!

• Maegan: This homeware-focused brand incorporates colour and pattern into every design! Maegan’s taper candles have a unique shine and style, often compared to glass, and will brighten any room, burning or not.

• Pygmallion: Our newest brand, London-based artist Pygmallion, creates dinner candles that are sure to spark conversation! Each design has a natural inspiration, with names like “Bramble” or “Gardener,” and comes packaged in elegant pairs, perfect for gifts or a beautifully designed dinner table.

It’s hard to choose a favourite, as each brand has amazing qualities. However, we ensure that we work with brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-conscious decisions.

View our Tapered Candle Collection here, where you will also find coconut wax stacking melts—perfect for decorating your candles and enhancing your home décor!