Pillar vs Taper Candles: What Is the Difference?
Pillar candles are thick, free-standing candles that hold their shape as they burn. Taper candles are tall and slim and need a candlestick or holder to stay upright. In short: choose a pillar for long, steady light with no accessories, and a taper for height and a classic dinner-table look.
What are the main differences at a glance?
| Pillar candle | Taper candle | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide, usually cylindrical or shaped, stands on its own | Long and slim, often narrowing towards the top |
| Holder | Not needed, but use a heat-safe plate | Needed, a candlestick or holder that fits the base |
| Burn | Slower overall, because it holds more wax | Burns down faster |
| Typical use | Centrepieces, lanterns, shelves, mantels | Dinner tables, celebrations, festive candlesticks |
What is a pillar candle?
A pillar is a solid candle wide enough to stand on its own. It does not need a holder, though you should always burn it on a heat-safe plate or tray. Pillars come in many sizes and shapes, from plain cylinders to textured and patterned designs.
Because a pillar holds a lot of wax, it gives long, steady light. A firm wax like pure beeswax suits pillars well: it holds its shape and burns slowly and cleanly. The main thing to get right is the wick, because it has to melt a wide surface. A wick that is too small tunnels down the centre; one that is too large smokes. Our beeswax wick guide helps you choose.
What is a taper candle?
A taper is a tall, slim candle made to sit in a candlestick. It cannot stand on its own, so the base needs to fit your holder snugly. A loose fit wobbles; a base that is too wide will not seat.
Tapers burn down faster than pillars because there is less wax, and their narrow shape makes them more sensitive to drafts, which can cause dripping. Burn them away from open windows and fans, and keep the wick trimmed.
Which one should you choose?
- Long evening, little attention: pillar. It burns for longer and needs no holder.
- Formal dinner or celebration: taper. It adds height and an elegant line to the table.
- Shelf, mantel or lantern: pillar.
- Festive candlesticks, such as at Christmas: taper.
- Want more depth in a display: use both.
How do you combine pillars and tapers?
Pillars add mass at table level; tapers add height. Together they look more considered than either alone. Two easy layouts:
- A small group of pillars in the centre, with a taper in a candlestick on each side.
- A row down the table that alternates low pillars and taller tapers.
Use pillars of clearly different sizes rather than nearly identical ones, and leave some space between groups so the shapes stand out.
How do you burn them safely?
- Trim the wick to about 5–6 mm before each lighting.
- Burn pillars on a heat-safe plate and tapers in a holder that fits properly.
- Keep candles away from drafts, curtains and anything flammable, and leave space between lit candles.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Store candles somewhere cool and out of direct sun so they do not soften or bend.
Can you make pillars and tapers yourself?
Yes, and pure beeswax is a good choice for both. With a silicone mould the process is the same for either shape:
- Thread the wick through the hole in the base of the mould and centre it at the top.
- Melt the beeswax gently in a double boiler and pour it at 70–75 °C (158–167 °F), in a steady stream to avoid air pockets.
- Let it set at room temperature until it is fully solid.
- Flex the silicone and release the candle. No release agent is needed.
For the full method, see How to use our moulds and our guide to melting beeswax.
FAQ
Which burns longer, a pillar or a taper candle?
Usually a pillar, because it holds much more wax. Actual burn time depends on the size, the wick and the wax.
Do pillar candles need a holder?
No, they stand on their own. Still burn them on a heat-safe plate or tray to protect the surface underneath.
Can I use pillar and taper candles together?
Yes. Low pillars with taller tapers behind or beside them give a table display more depth than one type alone.
Can I make both pillars and tapers from beeswax?
Yes. Pure beeswax is firm and works well for both. Pour it into silicone moulds at 70–75 °C (158–167 °F) and let it set at room temperature.
Make your own
Our Pillars mould makes three sizes of classic pillar, and the taper candle moulds collection has slim dinner candles in several lengths. Both are handmade in Latvia from Italian silicone, made for pure beeswax, and ship worldwide.
