Everything You Need to Know About Taper Candles

You’ve seen taper candles before. The long cylindrical candles narrow slightly away from the base. Tall and slender, they are as universal to our conception of candlelight as they are elegant and timeless. 

But what makes a good taper candle? And how can you best incorporate them into your home in a stylish and safe manner? Join us for a deep dive into the taper and learn everything there is to know about this classic product.

What is a taper candle?

Taper candles are among the oldest and most traditional forms of illumination in the world. Though candles in their various shapes and forms as we know them today were not invented until the 19th century, tapers have been around since 3000 BC.

Candles come in a variety of colors, from a classic ivory look to seasonal shades. Most candles are made from wax. The biggest indicator of candle quality, however, is what kind of wax is used to make it.

What makes a good taper candle?

The key to creating the best taper candles is to use a dense, high-quality wax. Every candle works by melting solid wax into liquid wax. However, not all candles drip wax down their sides. Few things are more indicative of candle quality than the amount of wax drip. The more drip, the looser the wax and the greater the mess.

When choosing a set of candles, it is therefore important to pick the highest quality dense wax. This set of Colonial Candle 12” hand dipped taper candles is virtually drip-free! They are a clean burning, artisanal product, and exemplify the very best in candle making.

Are taper candles dripless?

Though high-quality taper candles can not completely avoid dripping altogether, any liquid wax product always has a small chance of dripping. In order to avoid candle drip completely, be sure to select the best available candles. Then, take some additional precautions, as outlined below.

How do you burn taper candles without making a mess?

Though the most important factor in keeping your candle-lit rooms clean is the density of wax, there are other things to keep in mind to avoid big messes.

Because taper candles are so tall and thin, it is easy to position them in such a way that they are not entirely straight and level. Even the highest quality candles have no hope of fighting gravity. If a candle is not straight, it is much more likely to spill wax over its side.

How can you make sure your taper candles stay straight in their holders? By using one of the easiest, cheapest tools available today. The Colonial Candle Wax Buttons are disks of soft wax that will fasten your candles to their holder firmly. If your high-quality candles cannot lean, they are that much less likely to drip!

Are taper candles safe?

By minimizing dripping, you avoid some of the safety hazards of cheap candles. That makes high quality taper candles some of the safest candles available. But there are nonetheless precautions you should take whenever using candles in your home.

Always stay in the room with a burning candle and extinguish it before leaving. That way you can be sure that the candle does not accidentally fall or spread its fire another way.

Keep burning candles away from flammable objects or liquids. Billowing curtains or the overhanging leaves of your favorite plant should all stay at a distance while the candle burns.

Depending on the dimensions of your room, be aware how tall you want your candles to be. If they are on a mantlepiece, in a colonial-style low ceiling room, height may make a big difference in keeping your room safe while enjoying your candles.

Keeping all of those things in mind, taper candles remain very safe when used properly.

How tall should taper candles be?

Tapers range widely in length. Though all are thin and slender with a narrowing body, some handipt style taper candles have a racking, modern angle. Some are as short as 6 inches, some as long as over 20 inches. The most common length, by far, is the classic 12 inch version.

How long does a 12 inch taper candle burn?

A 12 inch taper has a burn time of approximately ten hours. That number refers to continuous burn time. One 12 inch candle, for instance, could burn for an hour every night for ten days.

Are taper candles in style?

Because of their timeless look and deep history, taper candles can fit the aesthetics of any interior. Whether the refined elegance of a space furnished with antiques, or the visionary comforts of a cutting-edge modern space, they can be at home in any context.

The legacy of tradition underlying the taper candle allows it to connect your space to celebration and memory, to relaxation and peace. Whether for a significant occasion, a romantic evening, or just the end of a long day, the presence of a candle can elevate the atmosphere of any moment.

Where do you put taper candles?

Taper candles can fit into any corner of a room. But because of their slender elegance and height, they are best suited for areas of focus.

A mantlepiece or comparable elevated surface allow the candles to reach their light into the dark corners of a room. But there is perhaps no better place for them than the center of a dinner table.

How to Lay Out Your Dinner Table

When setting up your dinner table for a special evening, consider placing an odd number of taper candles in the center. Odd numbers allow for a central candle, which creates a pleasant symmetry. It further allows you to play with candle and candle holder height to create a cascading, growing effect.

Let the candles be accents themselves, not just sources of light. By selecting a color to match or offset the rest of your décor, you can create a distinct atmosphere. Deep red candles may be more romantic. A classic white taper can underscore a sensation of elegance.

Other Decorating Tips for Taper Candles

Candles colored in various shades are among your greatest tools for decorative accenting. Even when not setting up for a dinner party, you can use taper candles of various colors to change the feeling of a space. A surprising new color of candle for a new season can transform a room’s atmosphere.

If you’ve been lighting your living room with cozy red candles all winter long, for instance, perhaps a bright green or blue can celebrate the arrival of spring.

Timeless Taper

The Taper Candle is among the most versatile and comforting pieces of home decor. When used properly and selected carefully, they are safe, dripless, and stylish. Browse the Colonial Candle catalogue for a wide variety of taper candles, from unique pairs to a set of 12, and start celebrating the joy of candlelight today!