The elegance of taper candles

October 15, 2023

You may enjoy candlelight in an elegant way with taper candles. These tall, thin candles have a long tradition of illuminating homes, churches, celebrations, and candlelit feasts.

What is a taper candle?

True to their name, taper candles taper from the bottom upwards, forming a subtle shape renowned for their elegance. Tall and slim, taper candles are one of the oldest types of candles and have been used as a source of illumination for millennia. A taper candle can be scented or unscented.

table decoration with candles and flowers

These days, there are a wide range of sizes, colors, and smells available, including natural choices like beeswax, and they are used for anything from wedding décor and dinner parties to religious celebrations.

Which wax is good for tapers?

Paraffin and beeswax are the best waxes for a taper candle. These two waxes are able to hold their shape while burning. You might find some blended tapers containing paraffin and beeswax blend. Soy candles don't perform well for a taper candle since the soy wax isn't stapled enough and has a lower melting point. However, you might come across a soy and paraffin blend as well.

Are taper candles dripless?

Unlike votives or pillar candles, the melted wax reservoir of a taper is tiny. The taper is designed so the flame will burn up all the melted wax as quickly as it melts. Drafts can cause the flame to dance about the tip of the candle and burn away the outer wall of the candle that typically contains the melted wax until the flame burns it off. High-quality tapers can't totally prevent leaking, but any product made of liquid wax may occasionally drip. Make sure to get the best candles you can find if you want to entirely avoid candle drip.

Best places for taper candles

Tapers 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 allows 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.

Taper candles are ideal on a coffee table

Place three to five tapers on your coffee table. The color of the candles depends on the color and overall style of the room. You can also put some books and a vase of beautiful flowers on the table. Be careful when lighting these candles, as the coffee tables are usually set in places where you walk.

Taper candles on the fireplace

One of the most popular places to style taper candles is the fireplace. This is because the fireplace provides the perfect backdrop for the candles. The flames from the candles will reflect off of the fireplace and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. All you need to do to enhance the room's focal point is place the taper candles on each side of the fireplace and light them. The added ambiance this will create is a nice perk of this styling placement too.

Tall candles for bedroom decoration

candles on a tray for bedroom decoration

Taper candles create a high mood in the coziest corner of your home. They are very elegant in the bedroom. Place them near your bed to illuminate your nighttime reading. You can put several conical candles on the cabinet or windowsill.

Tapers on the dining room table

One spot that always looks great for tapers is the dining room table. They elevate any dining experience, whether you’re having a romantic dinner for two or a large gathering with friends and family. There are a few things to keep in mind when styling tapers on your dining room table. Candles at different heights create a dynamic focal point and a more unique tablescape. And don’t forget to light the candles before your guests arrive – it will set the look for a perfect evening.

Tapers on kitchen tables

Taper candles are a great way to decorate a kitchen table. You can also put decorative fruits, a bowl full of dried fruits, and cinnamon around the candles. They are very beautiful, especially during romantic evenings.

Taper candles in the bathroom

Enjoy unforgettable moments in the bath under the tapers’ light. Depending on your space, try lighting a few candles on the bathroom windowsill. Even better, place taper candles on the edge of the tub surrounded by tea light candles, just don't forget about a glass of wine.

Taper candles in the outdoor space

outdoor dinner table decoration with taper candles

tall candles for outdoor wedding table decoration

One of the great things about taper candles is that they can be used beyond indoor spaces and in a variety of outdoor spaces - think porch, deck, or even a campsite! Get some tall and wide hurricane glass and you can place tapers inside along with little tea lights for some variety in depth. It's perfect for places like porches or decks where you want a bit of light without having an open flame. Another idea would be to melt down the bottom of a taper and stick it into a jar centered, placed along a porch or deck railing. All the wax will collect inside the glass and add to the outdoor ambiance. Take away There are many ways to decorate your home with taper candles, and the best way to do it depends on your personal style and what look you're going for. Whether you're lighting them for a romantic dinner, a festive holiday party, or just to add a touch of ambiance to your home, taper candles are a great way to do it. With so many different sizes, colors, and scents available, there's sure to be a taper candle that's perfect for you.

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