Pillar, container, taper, tealight, molded, votive… You say you’re a candle person, but which candle are you really into?
It all comes down to the character of the candle, doesn’t it? I believe people sometimes choose a candle simply because of the smell or presentation, but those details reveal the character of the candle. Some are insanely beautiful, but once you start the flame, they burn out of shape rather quickly. Some are single-purposed, but it’s the focus that makes them stand out. And, of course, there are those that are quite discreet, but their timelessness is revealed in every moment.
I think it’s a lot like humans.
The Pillars
Pillars are the independent ones, making a stand for themselves. Sometimes they fancy a delicate outlook, but it doesn’t necessarily represent their core.
This type of candle comes in various sizes; it could be tall or short, thin or thick, but they all follow that cylindrical shape. It’s quite easy to tell them apart.
If you ask me, the Japanese is leading in this genre. I recommend you visit @onoff__candle and @m.lily_candle on Instagram to see how they carve elegant beauty out of a pillar candle.
The Tapers
Tapers are sometimes mistaken for tall, thin pillars, but really, does it matter?
Tapers are classic, and their old-school appeal attracts romantics and nostalgics. I’m gladly guilty of that. But don’t get me wrong, even with their profound heritage, tapers have shown they can bloom with creativity. I’ve seen some tastefully hand-painted ones here and there.
By the way, Creative Candles has a good article about the basics of tapers. I’m too lazy to type it all out.
The Containers
Containers always have two profiles - the container and the wax. One cannot function fully without the other. They need to find their mutualism. However, managing so many characteristics is not always easy, and making them harmoniously connected is even harder. You may have seen some container candles focus more on one profile than the other.
Because of the dual-profile characteristic, I believe the creative possibilities for container candles increase exponentially. So it’s very disappointing to see 8 out of 10 candles in unified glass containers with a pure heart of soy wax. The only way to differentiate them is by the pretty stickers on the outside. You may argue this is “minimalism,” but I call that lazy. Minimalism doesn’t mean killing creativity.
At Live With Hu, we like to play with fire. We just started, but our first marriage of high-quality ceramic jars and colorful natural wax blend was already a success. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
The Tealights
Tealights are trés mignonnes. They never fail to add a gentle touch to the ambiance. I’d like to think that people who like tealights also enjoy other cozy things like espressos or cats. I can relate; both are great.
Because they are so tiny, they allow a whole different play for creativity. They can be the perfect light source for a decorative lantern, and their short lifespan makes them extra practical for a slow bath or a romantic dinner. If you round the edges, they can even float on water… Well, I really should start making these.
The Molded
Molded candles are created by pouring melted wax into a mold, letting it set until it solidifies. The mold is then removed, leaving a final product in any shape you can imagine. Molded candles are usually naked since their aesthetic profile is already reflected by the shape. As you can imagine, to stand out, you need (or be) a goddamn good mold maker too.
I have mixed feelings about molded candles. They can be really elegant, but it’s the uniqueness and timelessness that catch my eye. Unfortunately, this is often lacking in the world of molded candles, especially if the crafter uses a premade mold instead of creating their own.
The Artistic and Religious
I’ll talk about religious candles first because it’ll be short. They are also called votive candles, found in churches, where people light them for prayers. That’s all I can say about these candles; they don’t really speak to me.
Then there are the artistic kinds. If you’re a candle addict, I’m sure your social media algorithm has pushed posts about handmade flower candles. Each petal is dyed and shaped by hand, and different pieces are assembled to create the final product. I don’t know if you need a sculpture art degree to be qualified, but it sure takes years of practice to master. I respect those candle crafters; they are real artists! Here are a few recommendations: @yuragi365 @nirvanacandle_iii (you will see the Japanese is winning again!)
I believe the loyal customers of these art candles are also the most artistic souls. They probably also appreciate art galleries and a good cup of tea.
The candle you place in your home is a mirror of your personality. Buying a candle that burns and smells is easy, but choosing a product that matches your character and beliefs is much more fun.
Now the important question - is a Live With Hu candle your cup of tea? It’s up to you to find out. ;)