At Creative Candles, we love the timeless elegance and ambiance that candles can bring into our homes and lives. Coming in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types, each one has its own unique characteristics and uses.
Among the many types of candles available, two of our favorites are votive candles and tea lights. While they may seem similar at first glance, these two types of candles have distinct qualities that make them unique. Let’s explore the differences between votives and tealights to help you choose the type of candle that best fits your needs.
What is a Votive Candle?
Votive candles are small cylindrical candles around 2 inches tall and 1.5 to 1.7 inches in diameter. Unlike some candles, they are designed to be used in votive holders (a small glass container that holds the candle securely). These candles usually burn for around 15 hours, making them perfect for bringing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to your home.
What is a Tealight Candle?
A tealight candle (also known as a tea candle or tea light) is a small, cylindrical candle typically 1.5 inches in diameter and only 0.5 inches tall. Tealights come in metal containers meant to be thrown away with the candle when it has run out. These candles typically burn for around 4 hours, making them perfect for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere in your home.
Tealight vs Votive Candles
Size
One of the main differences between votive candles and tealights is their size. Votive candles are larger and taller, while tealights are smaller and shorter. As a result, votive candles have a longer burn time than tea lights.
Burn Time and Use
Because votive candles can burn for up to 15 hours, they are better suited for long-term use, such as in weddings, meetings, receptions, or even romantic dinners. On the other hand, tea lights are better suited for short-term use, such as in religious services or ceremonies, yoga classes, or in candle holders, oil warmers, and other decorative accessories where a four-hour burn time is ideal.
Candle Holder Type
Another difference between these two candles is in their holders. Votive candle holders are typically made of glass, while tealight holders are made of metal. This can affect how you change them out and replace them. While a tealights metal holder can be thrown out when the candle has burned up and replaced with a new one, the glass containers votives come in require you to melt the remaining wax out of the container before you can place a new candle in it.
Votives vs Tealights: Both are Beautiful
As we can see, when it comes to choosing between votive candles and tealights, it’s important to consider the candle's size, burn time, and intended use. By understanding the differences between these two types of candles, you can choose the one that fits your needs and create the perfect ambiance for your home or special occasion.
At Creative Candles, we've been creating small-batch, artisan-made premium candles since 1961. By preserving the centuries-old art of candle making, we’re ensuring that the world has access to premium, high-quality candles that provide the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
