Votive candles are a decor tool to use throughout your home’s spaces. Their small size and subtle glow provides ambient lighting and even fosters romance. Check out our guide to learn, what is a votive candle?

What Is a Votive Candle?

First, start with what it’s not. Commonly mixed up, a votive candle is different from that of a tea light. Traditionally used to heat a teapot that is suspended above the open flame inside a metal cap, tea lights are now commonly used to add subtle flames to small candle holders and stands.

So, what is a votive candle? These candles are usually small, short candles that can stand on their own and burn into the candle holder that it's placed in. Votive candles are most commonly white and unscented. Read on to learn how to use votive candles.

Votive Candles by Type

Flame Type: Candles don’t require a hot, open flame to burn. There are also options for flameless votive candles which can be a better option for households with pets or kids, or if you don’t want the hassle of remembering to blow it out.

Scent Type: These candles also aren’t limited to fresh or fruity smells. You can opt for a scentless votive candle if you’re using them as decor. Of course, if you do want to create a heavenly aroma to match the mood of the votive, you can choose from scents like fresh, dessert, or woodsy.

Candle Size: Although votive candles are typically on the smaller size, they do come in several different heights. You can play around with these candle sizes to create an engaging visual when used as decor or centerpieces. For the large sizes, arrange these candles in a place that takes up a lot of space such as a bookshelf or fireplace.

Burn Time: Whether you need your votives to provide light through the evening, or just for a quick freshen up of the space, there is a wide variety of burn times to choose from.

Wick Type: The main wick type found with a votive candle is one made of cotton. Cotton wicks are made of tightly wound fibers that will uncurl as it burns. This causes an even heat ratio and smooth melt pool to avoid tunneling in your candle.

Wax Type: Votive candles are made in a few different types of wax. For example, beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax which results in less soot. Beeswax candles also burn brighter with a beautiful warm glow. Citronella candles are great for outdoor activities and keeping bugs at bay. Soy waxes on the other hand, is a vegetable-based wax so it doesn’t give off any harmful byproducts.

How to Use Votive Candles

Illuminate Your Dinner Table

Use these votives on your dinner table to add height differences to center pieces, or line down the runner of the table. Make sure that these votives are unscented to not interfere with the delicious smells of dinner.

Indulge in Self Care

Votive candles made from paraffin wax are the perfect tool to help you unwind. The wax emits negative ions into the air that clear space and also offer a long burn time for hours of enjoyment.

Spice Up Your Jack O'Lantern

Pop a short votive candle inside your carved pumpkin for a spooky Halloween surprise. Choose a candle with a low burn time in case you forget to blow it out.

Tip!

Choose a cinnamon scented votive for some delightful pumpkin spice porch decor.

In Case of Emergencies

Votive candles are a great choice to keep on hand in case of power outages or blackouts. Their small size keeps them easy to stash away, while a beeswax material offers a long burntime to maximize their usefulness.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Get more out of your outdoor spaces all year long with votive candles made with citronella. Place them on the outdoor patio set, near the pool, or on candle stands to dot around the yard or pool areas.

Break Them Out Around the Holidays

Add a soft glow to your seasonal decor with flameless votive candles. Protect any dry garlands on the mantle or fabric figurines with an electric on/off feature. For added safety precautions, choose a votive with a timer.

Armed with the knowledge of, “what is a candle holder?” and several ideas on how to use them in your home. Check out all of our votive candles.