19 Types of Candles for a Cozy Home in 2024

People have been making all types of candles​ for thousands of years. The National Candle Association states that “candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years” meaning candle making is one of the oldest continuing crafts! 

Picking a cozy candle for your own home is a little easier than making one but you still need to understand the basic types of candles with names, wick options and waxes to pick the best option. Are there different types of candles? Yes! Learn all about the various types of candles here. 

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• What Types of Wax Are Used to Make Candles?
• The Many Types of Candle Wicks - Which is the Best?
• 19 Types of Candles for Your Home

What Types of Wax Are Used to Make Candles?

1. Soy Wax

Soy wax is a popular natural and renewable wax source derived from soybeans, making it an excellent alternative to animal-based or synthetic waxes. Its eco-friendly profile has made it a go-to option for many candle lovers. 

These candles generally have a neutral scent when unscented and a creamy, opaque appearance. When scented, they carry a more subtle fragrance compared to other waxes.

Benefits

• Long burn time: Soy candles burn more slowly, allowing you to enjoy them longer.
• Clean burn: They produce little to no soot, resulting in cleaner air in your home.
• Strong fragrance throw: Soy wax holds and releases fragrances effectively.
• Biodegradable: Since it’s plant-based, soy wax is an environmentally sustainable choice.

Downsides

• Soft texture: Soy wax is softer and requires a container to hold its shape.
• Frosting: Soy wax can develop a white, frosted appearance, which some find unattractive.

2. Beeswax

Beeswax has been used in candles for centuries, with its origins in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Chinese. This wax is produced by bees and harvested naturally, making it a sustainable choice. Beeswax has a soft, natural honey scent even when unscented. It tends to have a golden or amber hue, creating a warm, rustic look.

Benefits

• Natural air purifier: Beeswax emits negative ions when burned, helping to purify the air.
• Long-lasting burn: It burns slowly due to its high melting point.
• Neutral scent: Beeswax has a natural honey-like fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm.

Downsides

• Higher cost: Beeswax candles are often more expensive due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting the wax.
• Weak fragrance throw: When fragrance is added, beeswax doesn’t hold scents as well as other waxes.

3. Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is one of the most common wax types used in modern candles. It is derived from petroleum and was first used in candles during the Industrial Revolution. Paraffin candles are available in a variety of colors and textures, often featuring a glossy finish. When scented, they provide a robust, long-lasting fragrance, making them ideal for those who love highly perfumed candles.

Benefits

• Strong fragrance throw: Paraffin wax is excellent at holding and releasing strong scents.
• Affordable: It’s one of the most cost-effective wax options available.
• Even burn: Paraffin candles burn evenly, producing a steady flame.

Downsides

• Non-renewable: Since it’s derived from petroleum, paraffin wax isn’t eco-friendly.
• Soot production: It can release soot and chemicals into the air, which may affect indoor air quality.

4. Gel Wax

Gel wax is a unique, translucent material made from mineral oil and polymer resin. Unlike other waxes, gel wax has a jelly-like consistency and is often used in decorative candles. Gel wax is typically transparent and colorless, though it can be dyed for decorative purposes. It doesn’t hold fragrance as well as other wax types, so gel candles often have a milder scent.

Benefits

• Clear appearance: The see-through quality of gel wax allows for creative designs with embedded objects like seashells or flowers.
• Long burn time: It burns slower than other waxes, providing extended light.

Downsides

• Overheating risk: Gel wax has a higher burning temperature, which can cause thin glass containers to crack.
• Non-biodegradable: Since it’s made from mineral oil, it’s not environmentally friendly.

5. Palm Wax

Palm wax is another natural wax derived from palm oil. It’s easily recognizable due to its unique crystalline or feathered appearance, which adds a decorative touch to candles. Palm wax has no distinct smell when unscented and its crystal-like finish gives it an elegant and decorative appearance, making it a favorite for decorative candles.

Benefits

• Durable: Palm wax is harder than many other wax types, which means it can hold up better in hotter conditions.
• Distinct appearance: Its textured, marbled look makes it visually appealing.
• Long burn time: The harder wax composition leads to slower burning.

Downsides

• Environmental concerns: Palm wax production can contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction, making it a less sustainable choice for some.

The Many Types of Candle Wicks - Which is The Best?

A vital part of the candle is the wick. Learn which is best for your needs and preferences. 

1. Wooden Wick

Wooden wicks, made from thin strips of wood, provide a modern aesthetic and a soothing crackling sound. They burn evenly and are perfect for creating ambiance, but can be harder to light and produce a shorter flame. If not trimmed correctly, they may cause smoking or soot buildup.

2. Waxed Wick

Waxed wicks are cotton wicks coated in wax, typically paraffin or soy. The wax helps them stand upright and burn evenly, reducing tunneling. They are easy to light and versatile, suitable for most candle types. However, they can burn faster and may produce soot if not properly trimmed.

3. Braided Wick

Braided wicks are tightly twisted cotton or fiber wicks known for their steady flame and slow burn, making them ideal for longer-lasting candles. They reduce smoking but require regular trimming to maintain a clean burn. While effective, they can be more expensive than simpler wicks.

19 Types of Candles for Your Home

Check out the types of candles below and pick your favorite to add to your home decor. 

1. Tea Lights

What are little candles called? They’re called tea lights and they’re a small, versatile type of candle often used for creating ambient lighting. These types of candles are typically placed in decorative holders or votive glasses, offering a soft glow and are perfect for accent lighting in centerpieces or relaxing environments.

2. Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are a popular type of candle that stands on its own without needing a container. These thick, long-burning candles are often used for decoration, adding elegance and charm to dining tables, mantels or special events while providing long-lasting light.

3. Jar Candles

Jar candles are a type of candle poured directly into glass or ceramic jars, making them self-contained and safe to burn. These candles come in a variety of scents and sizes, offering a convenient and stylish way to enjoy fragrance and light in any room.

4. Taper Candles

Taper candles are a classic type of candle known for their long, slender shape. Often used in candlestick holders, these elegant candles are perfect for formal dinners, weddings or holiday gatherings, adding a timeless and sophisticated touch to any occasion.

5. Wood Wick Candles

Wood wick candles are a unique type of candle that features a wooden wick, producing a crackling sound as they burn. These candles offer a rustic aesthetic and create a cozy, fireplace-like atmosphere, making them perfect for adding warmth and ambiance to your home.

6. Paraffin Wax Candle

Paraffin wax candles are a common type of candle made from petroleum-based wax. These candles are known for their ability to hold and throw strong fragrances, making them ideal for filling larger spaces with scent. They burn evenly but can release soot over time.

7. Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are a natural type of candle made from the wax produced by honeybees. They burn cleanly and emit a soft, honey-like fragrance. These candles are eco-friendly and known for purifying the air by releasing negative ions, making them a healthy choice.

8. Scent-Free Candles

Scent-free candles are a type of candle designed for those who prefer ambiance without fragrance. These candles provide soft lighting without overpowering scents, making them ideal for people with sensitivities or for use in spaces where scent isn’t desired, like dining areas.

9. Fall Scented Candles

Fall-scented candles are a type of candle designed to evoke the comforting, cozy aromas of autumn. Scents like cinnamon, pumpkin and apple make these candles perfect for setting a warm, seasonal atmosphere in your home, ideal for welcoming in the cooler months.

10. Gel Candles

Gel candles are a transparent type of candle made from mineral oil and polymer resin. Often featuring embedded decorative items, these candles create a unique visual experience. They burn for long periods but may not hold fragrance as well as other types of candles.

11. Summer Scented Candles

Summer-scented candles are a type of candle designed to capture the fresh, vibrant scents of summer. Fragrances like citrus, coconut and ocean breeze evoke the carefree energy of the season, making these candles perfect for brightening up your home during the warmer months.

12. Aromatherapy Candles

Aromatherapy candles are a type of candle infused with essential oils to promote relaxation, focus or rejuvenation. These candles are perfect for enhancing meditation, yoga or winding down after a long day, using scents like lavender or eucalyptus to create a calming environment.

13. Floating Candles

What are fancy candles called? Well, several different types of candles can be considered fancy’ but floating candles are one of the fanciest. This decorative type of candle is designed to float on water. They add a magical touch to centerpieces, ponds or pools during special events.

The gentle light on the water creates a serene and elegant atmosphere for weddings or outdoor gatherings.

14. Food Scented Candles

Food-scented candles are a type of candle that mimics the smells of delicious treats, such as vanilla, chocolate, or freshly baked cookies. Perfect for creating a cozy, comforting atmosphere, these candles evoke warm, nostalgic feelings and are ideal for kitchens or living spaces.

15. Soy Candles

Soy candles are a natural type of candle made from soybeans. Known for their clean burn and long-lasting qualities, these eco-friendly candles are biodegradable and hold fragrance well. They are a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking for a sustainable candle option.

16. Votive Candle

Votive candles are a small, cylindrical type of candle often placed in holders. These candles burn for several hours and are perfect for creating cozy lighting in intimate spaces. They are commonly used in home décor, churches or special events for a warm ambiance.

17. Candlestick Candles

What are very thin candles called? Candlestick candles! These are a traditional type of candle used in candlestick holders. Slim and tall, they are ideal for formal settings like dining tables or mantels. Their timeless design adds sophistication to any occasion, making them a classic choice for special events. 

18. Decorative Candles

Decorative candles are a type of candle designed primarily for visual appeal, often featuring intricate shapes or patterns. While they can be burned, they are often used as statement pieces in home décor, adding a stylish touch to mantels, tables or centerpieces.

19. Candle Melts

Candle melts, also known as wax melts, are a type of candle that doesn’t use a wick. Instead, they are melted in a warmer to release fragrance without an open flame. They are perfect for those who want the scent of a candle without the fire risk.

Candles are a timeless way to create a cozy atmosphere in any home. There is such a wide variety of options, from types of candle shapes to types of candle wax to types of candle scents, so there’s a candle to suit every style and preference. Explore these 19 types of candles and make your home a haven of relaxation and comfort.

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