Do Pillar Candles Need A Tray?

Pillar candles are tall, cylindrical candles that are designed to stand upright. They come in a variety of sizes, from small votives to large pillars over a foot tall. Pillar candles create a classic, elegant look and are popular for use in centerpieces, on mantels, dining tables, and more.

The thin design of a pillar candle enables it to burn slowly and evenly. This makes them ideal for long-term use over several hours or days. Their vertical shape also makes pillar candles eye-catching focal points and stately decor accents in any space.

Pillar candles are versatile and can be paired with candle holders, hurricane vases, and trays for added decoration and function. They are commonly used to set an ambiance during special dinners and occasions. Their understated simplicity also works well for everyday use.

Purpose of Candle Trays

The main reason to use a candle tray is to catch any melting wax that drips down the side of a burning pillar or taper candle. Without a tray underneath, hot wax can drip onto your table, furniture, or flooring. This creates a mess that can be difficult to clean up and may even damage some surfaces.

Candle trays provide a safe platform to set your candle on so that any wax drips land in the tray instead of elsewhere. The tray catches and contains the wax, protecting your surfaces. This makes cleanup much easier since you can simply discard the solidified wax from the tray after blowing out the candle.

Trays also help prevent wax stains by keeping the dripped wax in one place instead of allowing it to spread out on the table or floor. The tray contains the mess, keeping wax from seeping into porous surfaces like wood or getting ground into carpets or rugs.

In summary, the main purpose of a candle tray is to catch hot wax that drips down when a pillar or taper candle burns. Trays contain the mess and prevent damage, stains, and difficult cleanup on your furnishings and surfaces.

Benefits of Using a Tray

Using a tray under your pillar candles provides some important benefits that are worth considering.

One of the main advantages of a tray is protecting your surfaces. When burning a candle, there is always a risk of wax dripping down the side of the glass and landing on your table, shelf, or floor. The wax can be difficult to clean up and may even stain or damage more porous surfaces like wood or textiles. A tray catches any escaping wax and prevents it from marring your furnishings or decor.

Trays also make cleanup easy. Once your candle finishes burning, you can simply pick up the tray and dispose of any built up wax. Without a tray, you’d have to carefully scrape off hardened wax from each surface the candle sat on. A tray contains the mess in one convenient receptacle.

In addition to protecting surfaces and simplifying cleanup, trays also help contain drafts and pool scented wax to maximize fragrance dispersion. They can be decorative elements that complement your candleholder style as well. Overall, using a candle tray is an inexpensive way to enhance your candle experience.

Downsides of Going Trayless

While some people choose not to use a tray with their pillar candles, going trayless does come with some potential downsides. The biggest issue is that wax can drip down the side of a pillar candle as it melts. This wax can stain and potentially damage furniture, tablecloths, carpets, and other surfaces.

Pillar candles are designed to pool wax at the base as they burn. Without a tray underneath, this pooled wax has nowhere to go. It can spread out and harden on whatever surface the candle is sitting on. Over time, wax can build up and become difficult to remove entirely.

Wax stains on wood furniture are particularly problematic. The wax can soak into the porous surface of the wood, making it hard to clean off completely. The stain may remain visible even after attempting to remove the wax. On antique or finished wood, wax stains can permanently damage the value and appearance.

Fabric surfaces like tablecloths, rugs, and upholstery are also prone to wax damage. The wax can adhere to the fibers and leave behind a stiff, sticky residue even after the bulk of the wax is removed. Attempting to get out the last of the wax can require harsh cleaning methods that may further degrade or discolor the fabric.

Tile, stone, glass and metal surfaces usually avoid permanent damage, but can still become coated in a thick layer of troublesome wax. Wax can also accumulate in cracks or crevices, making it difficult to fully eliminate.

Without a tray, spilled wax also poses a potential fire hazard if it lands on a flammable surface like carpet or wood. The tray contains the wax and prevents drips and spills that can spread the fire risk.

When a Tray May Not Be Needed

There are a few circumstances where using a candle tray may not be absolutely necessary. For instance, with candles that have shorter burn times like votive or tealight candles, the wax pool doesn’t have as much time to accumulate and drip down the side of the candle. These small candles may only burn for 4-6 hours before going out, so having a tray is less critical.

LED or battery-operated candles are another case where a tray isn’t needed. Since these candles don’t have a real flame or melting wax, there’s no risk of any wax drips or spills that would require catching in a tray. Using LED candles can allow you to get the visual effect and ambiance of candles without the mess.

If you will only be lighting the candles occasionally and blowing them out after a short time, the wax pool won’t have time to deepen and expand too much. As long as the candles are extinguished before too much melting occurs, you may be able to go trayless. Just be very diligent about extinguishing the candles before the wax can drip down the sides.

Tray Alternatives

If you don’t have a proper candle tray on hand, there are some common household items that can work in a pinch. However, these may not be as effective at catching drips and protecting surfaces. Some alternatives include:

• Coasters – Place candles directly on top of drink coasters. Coasters designed for mugs or glasses may be too small for pillar candles. Look for larger, thicker coasters made of absorbent materials like wood or cork.
• Plates – Flip over a small plate or saucer and place the pillar candle on top. The raised edges should catch any wax drips. Use plates that can withstand heat and are made of stoneware, metal, or other non-flammable materials.
• Aluminum foil – Fold sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil into a square about 6 inches wider than the candle’s diameter. The foil should catch melted wax while insulating surfaces underneath.

While these common items can temporarily substitute for a proper candle tray, they may not contain spills as effectively. Wax may drip off the edges or seep underneath. Proper trays are designed to fully protect surfaces while keeping the candle elevated. Look for affordable tray options to use for pillar candles whenever possible.

Choosing a Tray

When selecting a tray for your pillar candles, there are three main factors to consider: material, size, and style.

Popular tray materials include metal, glass, wood, and ceramic. Metal trays like copper or silver look elegant and conduct heat away from the candle. Glass is affordable and allows you to see the candle. Wood trays provide an organic, rustic feel but can be prone to scorching. Ceramic and porcelain trays are durable, attractive options that come in many styles.

Size is important for both safety and aesthetics. The tray should be several inches wider on each side than the candle’s width to catch drips. Too large of a tray dwarfs the candle, while too small is risky. Standard tray sizes range from 4 inches for tea lights up to over 12 inches for large pillar candles.

Stylistically, choose a tray that matches your decor. Gold, silver, black, or white trays suit a variety of aesthetics. Patterned, etched, or colorful trays make a statement. The shape can also vary – round, square, rectangular, and oval trays are common. Select based on the candle size/shape and visual appeal.

With the right tray choice, your pillar candles can shine bright while staying tidy and safe.

Tray Placement

When placing your candle tray, it’s important to consider visibility and airflow. An elevated surface that is eye-level or higher will make the candle more noticeable and highlight its flickering flame. This could be on a mantle, coffee table, console table, bookshelf, or side table. Avoid placing the candle down low where it can easily get blocked from view.

You’ll also want to position the tray in an area free from drafts. Candle flames are very sensitive to air currents, which can make them flicker unpredictably, tunnel, or even blow out. Ensure the candle is not situated directly in front of a fan, vent, or open window where gusts of air may interfere.

Additionally, keep the tray at least 3 feet away from other combustibles like curtains or upholstered furniture as a safety precaution.

Caring for Candle Trays

Proper care of your candle trays is essential for longevity and safety. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your trays:

Cleaning Wax

As your candles burn down, excess wax may drip onto the tray. To clean:

– Allow the wax to fully harden and cool before attempting to remove.

– Use a plastic or metal scraper to chip off large pieces of wax.

– For any remaining wax residue, lay down paper towels and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Gently rub to dissolve the wax. Wipe clean with fresh paper towels.

– Avoid immersing trays in hot water as this can damage finishes over time.

Storage

When not in use, store candle trays in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight. Allow trays to fully air out before storing to prevent wax residue from sticking.

If storing stacked, place a sheet of felt in between each tray to prevent scratching. Wipe down before storing to remove dust.

Trays can be safely stored in enclosed cabinets or on open shelves. Ensure the storage location is away from heat sources or anything that may damage or warp the tray over time.

Summary

When it comes down to it, using a tray under your pillar candles is not an absolute necessity, but it is highly recommended in most cases. Trays catch melting wax and prevent it from staining surfaces underneath, while also protecting those surfaces from heat damage. For situations where aesthetics are important, trays provide a polished, decorative look.

However, there are some exceptions where going trayless may be acceptable. This includes using pillar candles outdoors, setting them on surfaces where wax and heat aren’t a concern, or placing them on plates or coasters that can serve as improvised trays. Just be mindful of potential risks.

If you decide to forego a tray, be sure to place your candle on a surface that is heat-resistant and easy to clean. Monitor the candle while burning and have materials ready to manage melted wax. With proper care and caution, it’s possible to safely burn trayless in certain conditions. But for most uses, investing in a high-quality, purpose-built candle tray is advised.