The Best Pillar Candles | 2023

Popular for everything from everyday use at home to use as a wedding decoration, pillar candles stand out for looking elegant and being versatile. Able to stand freely without a container, these candles offer a long burn time due to their thickness and height. Plus, they’re known for not dripping like other types of candles.

Pillar candles come in various sizes to suit your preferences and desired burn time. If you prefer small candles, you might opt for pillars that measure 3 inches tall and 3 inches around and burn for under 45 hours. Something larger measuring 3 inches by 6 inches could give you at least 65 hours of burn time, while larger pillars can burn for over 85 hours. If you’d like a mix of sizes or extra candles for a longer burn time, consider pillar candle sets.

You’ll come across pillar candles made from several types of wax. Paraffin wax is very popular and economical, but it often burns fast and can create issues for those with allergies. Pillar candles made of beeswax tend to cost more and have a longer burn time, while soy candles are a natural option that is known for burning evenly but needing to be stored properly to avoid damage.

Other considerations include the pillar candle’s color, shape and scent. White and ivory pillar candles are very popular, but you can find almost any color or opt for candles with embellishments and special textures. While most pillar candles are round, others are square or triangular or even resemble an animal or object. To avoid issues with sensitivities, unscented pillar candles are ideal, but you can also opt for pleasant scents such as lavender, vanilla, coconut or rose.

Along with regular pillar candles you can burn, you can always consider flameless LED candles as a safe and convenient alternative. These come in more limited options but are suitable for use anywhere since they usually run on batteries. Flameless pillar candles can also have cool features such as a remote control or the ability to change the flame’s color or flickering style.

• While they don’t need a holder, pillar candles can look even nicer if you put them on something to display. You can also create pillar candle arrangements for special occasions, but make sure you keep the candles at a safe distance from each other.
• Your pillar candle may have a plastic wrapping or labels on it. You should remove these before you light it.
• It’s recommended to trim your pillar candle’s wick so that it’s just a quarter inch long. This prevents issues such as a flaring flame.
• When placing your pillar candle, keep it away from anything flammable such as curtains, bedding or paper. You should also have it sitting on a heat-safe surface such as a plate or tray rather than directly on a table. 
• To prevent getting burned, consider using a long lighter instead of short matches to light your pillar candle. Keep your hands, clothing and hair away during the process.
• You may have heard a rule of thumb that you should let your candle burn for just two hours and then cool off. However, pillar candles are made differently where they need around three or four hours to build up a sufficient wax pool. At that time, extinguish the candle and be sure to push in its edges. You should then wait until the pillar candle has fully cooled before you begin your next burning session.
• Keep an eye on the candle while it’s in use and keep pets and children away from it. Don’t use it when sleeping either.
• If you notice any problems with the flame moving erratically or becoming too high, extinguish your pillar candle right away.
• Try using a candle snuffer or wick dipper rather than simply blowing out your pillar candle. This will be a safer option and also lead to less mess and smoke.
• Once your pillar candle has burned down to around two inches, this indicates it’s time to get a new one. Lighting a pillar candle that short can create safety issues.