Long Candles: Extra-Long Tapers & Décor Ideas

Tall candles have been a favorite for generations as functional sources of light and elegant décor accents. Defined by their imposing height—typically 10 inches or taller—candles bring drama and elegance to any setting, lighting up a dinner romance, polishing a wedding centerpiece, or casting warm ambiance in your living room. In this article, you’ll learn what makes long candles unique, explore the various types available, discover styling ideas, and pick up essential care and safety tips to ensure your long candles burn beautifully and last as long as possible.

What Are Long Candles?

Long candles are any votive or pillar candle more than, for instance, the 10 inches and up usual length of these candles. They’re prized for their narrow form and more extended burn duration. Long taper candles used to be the primary light source indoors; now they’re used primarily for ambiance and decoration to create formal and casual rooms with a streamlined, commanding form.

Types of Long Candles

Taper Candles

• Dimension: Columnar, tall candle designed to be used in candlesticks.
• Heights: 10″, 12″, 14″, 18″.
• Materials: Paraffin, beeswax, soy wax.
• Best Uses: Dinner tables, mantles, candelabras.

Pillar Candles

• Dimension: Solid, thicker pillar that does not need a holder.
• Heights: 6″”–12″” (taller ones up to 10″+).
• Materials: Stearin mix, paraffin.
• Best Uses: Outdoor lanterns, coffee table centerpiece.

LED Long Candles

• Dimension: Battery-powered simulations with flickering LEDs.
• Benefits: No flame, drip-proof, pet and child-safe.
• Ideal Uses: Restaurants, weddings, and any space where open flame isn’t practical.
  

Benefits of Using Long Candles

1. Extended Burn Time: Their greater wax volume means you’ll enjoy hours more light compared to shorter tapers or votives.
2. Elegant Ambiance: The tall, slender shape draws the eye upward, creating a sense of height and drama in any room.
3. Multi-Faceted Styling: Available in various colors, finishes (matte, metallic), and scents—thyme to perfumed mixes like lavender or cedar.
4. Designing a Focal Point: A collection of long candles makes a dramatic centerpiece for table runners, altars, or picnic meals.

How to Choose the Right Long Candle

• Purpose & Placement:

For the dining table, choose trendy dripless long tapers that compliment your fancy candlesticks and fancy table runners.
free-standing decor: long pillar candles with flat base

• Wax Type:

Paraffin: Clear flame, inexpensive.
Beeswax: Honey-like natural scent, burn longer, produce less smoke.
Soy: Clean-burning, plant-based, holds scent well.

• Color & Finish:

Neutral whites/ivories for classic décor.
-Bold colors or metallic for modern décor or holiday entertaining.

• Scented vs. Unscented:

Unscented for minimal distraction on formal events.
Lightly scented for relaxation at home—avoid overpowering perfume during dinner.

Styling and Décor Ideas

• Traditional Candlelight Dinner: Green or low-arranging flowerplaced trim six long ivory tapers along your table length.
• Rustic Centerpiece: Position pillar candles in various heights on a wooden disc, fill with pinecones or autumn leaves.
• Outdoor Setting: Position long LED candles in glass lanterns or hurricane vases along a garden path for weather-resistant, secure lighting.
• Event Installations: Hang long candles in hanging candelabras or glass orbs to create a suspended “forest” of light for weddings or parties.

Safety and Care Tips

• Trim the Wick: Trim prior to lighting to ¼” to encourage even flame and minimize smoke.
• Correct Holders: Tapers should have a close fit—loosely fitting candles will drip molten wax.
• Avoid Drafts: Move away from open windows, vents, or blowers in order to prevent uneven burning and excessive dripping.
• Maintain Burn Time: Never burn for more than 4 successive hours; let the candle cool before re-lighting.
• Safe Extinguishing: Use a snuffer to prevent smoke and stop hot splash of wax.

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