What Are Container Candles?
What Are Container Candles?
Container candles are candles made in a container, typically a glass jar or tin can (source: https://www.flytinbottle.com/blog/what-is-a-container-candle/). They consist of wax poured into and around a wick inside the container. As the wick is lit, the wax near the wick melts into a liquid pool of fuel. The wick absorbs the melted wax and sustains the flame as the fuel is burned. Container candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and scents. The container helps stabilize the candle and catch dripping wax.
Unlike taper or pillar candles, container candles burn from a pool of melted wax rather than a solid wax surface. The melted wax pool sinks lower as the candle burns, exposing more wick to fuel the flame. Container candles often last longer than other candle types since the melted wax pool provides a continuous supply of fuel. The containers also help protect the wax from drafts and airflow which could disrupt the burn. Popular container types include mason jars, tins, ceramic vessels, glasses and other heat-safe materials (source: http://www.candlecauldron.com/dictionary.html).
History of Container Candles
The exact origins of container candles are unclear, but they emerged sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Prior to this, most candles were made of tallow, beeswax or paraffin wax and had simple wick designs that were dipped or poured into molds
(“History,” Candles.org). The invention of stearin, a hard natural wax, in the 1830s helped drive innovations in candle making. With stearin, manufacturers could create freestanding candles in containers
(“The History of Candle Making – The Bottle Blog – BottleStore.com”).
Some sources attribute the creation of the first commercial container candle to perfumer Marius Michel in France in the mid-1800s. Michel put scented wax in containers, creating an early version of modern container candles
(“History of Candles,” National Candle Association). Others say container candles emerged in America around the 1920s as paraffin became the dominant wax. Paraffin burned cleaner than animal-based tallow, allowing for candles in glass containers. Manufacturers like Colonial Candle Company and PF Candle Co. helped popularize container candles in America in the 1920s and 30s.
In summary, container candles were invented in the late 1800s or early 1900s as innovations in candle making allowed for freestanding, scented and colored waxes to be burned cleanly in containers. They became commercially popular in the 1920s and 30s in America as paraffin wax grew dominant.
Different Types of Container Candles
There are many different types of containers used for candles, which allow for a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Some of the most common types of container candles include:
Glass Jar Candles: Glass jars are one of the most popular container types. They come in a wide range of shapes like cylinders, hexagons, octagons, and even sculpted designs. Glass allows for decorative labeling and provides a clear view of candle wax colors (source: https://www.roetell.com/a-complete-guide-to-types-of-candle-jars/).
Tin and Metal Tins: Round, rectangular, or decorative tin containers are commonly used for container candles. The metal conducts heat well and provides a rustic, vintage look. Tins often have removable lids (source: https://www.containerandpackaging.com/resources/your-quick-guide-to-naming-candle-types-and-styles).
Ceramic and Terra Cotta: From classic jars to shapes like skulls or geometric patterns, ceramic and terra cotta containers are popular for their organic, earthy appeal. These containers retain heat well to fully liquefy wax.
Concrete and Stone: Concrete and stone vessels provide a raw, natural aesthetic for soy or beeswax pillar candles. Containers are handcrafted in a range of abstract shapes and textures.
The size, shape and material of the container influence the look, feel and burn quality. Container candles allow for creativity and self-expression through decorative vessels and custom labeling.
How Container Candles Work
Container candles work through a simple process of melting wax and releasing fragrance. As the candle burns, the flame melts a pool of wax around the wick, known as the “wax pool.” This liquid wax then travels up the wick through capillary action, fueling the flame as it burns. The heat of the flame also warms the wax surrounding the wick, releasing the fragrance oil that has been blended into the wax (Lonestarcandlesupply.com).
The wax pool size depends on the diameter of the candle container, but it typically reaches around 1-2 inches across. A larger container candle will have a wider wax pool. As the wax pool melts, it exposes more of the wick so the candle can continue burning down into the container. The melting and pooling process repeats until all the wax has been used up (Flytinbottle.com).
The fragrance blended into the wax is released through both heat from the flame, and through the increased surface area of the melted wax pool. More fragrance is released as the pool reaches ideal depth after a few burns, creating an even and consistent scent throw. This gradual melt pool process allows the fragrance to be emitted slowly over many hours of burn time.
Fragrance Options
Container candles come in a wide variety of scents to suit any preference. Some of the most popular fragrance options include:
Fruity scents like apple, strawberry, peach, and citrus are refreshing and bright. Floral options like lavender, rose, and jasmine provide an elegant ambiance. Spices like cinnamon and clove are warming and cozy for fall and winter. Herbal scents such as eucalyptus and sage offer an earthy aroma. For freshness, ocean and linen scents are crisp and clean.
Classic scented candles tend to feature notes like vanilla, amber, and sandalwood for a sweet, woody fragrance. There are also unique scent combinations that blend multiple notes into complex aromas. Popular blends include black currant vanilla, mahogany teakwood, and pine forest.
The wax, wick, and vessel also impact how the fragrance is dispersed when burning a container candle. Testing different candles allows you to find the perfect match for your nose.
Sources:
https://marlowecandlecompany.com/product-category/container-candles/
https://www.secandleco.com/products/large-16-oz-mason-jar-all-signature-scents-collection-quick-order
Decorative Uses for Container Candles
Container candles make for beautiful decorative accents in any home. Their glass jars allow the candlelight to glow through, creating a warm ambiance. They are commonly used as centerpieces on dining room tables, mantels, shelves, and more. Container candles come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit any decor style.
For dining tables, large container candles make an elegant statement as the focal point. Clustering smaller container candles together also creates a nice table display. On mantels and shelves, staggered rows of container candles provide a cohesive arrangement and visual interest when lit. Their light casts a beautiful glow throughout the room.
Container candles are also popular decorative elements at events like weddings, parties, and holiday gatherings. Mass displays of coordinating container candles offer an easy yet impactful way to decorate an event space. Their flames add a romantic and festive flair when placed throughout a venue.
Repurposed or upcycled container candles make for homemade, rustic-chic decor. Old glass jars can be cleaned out and filled with new wax and wicks to give new life as decorative and functional candles.
With endless options for shapes, sizes, scents, and colors, it’s no wonder container candles are a go-to choice for adding style, ambiance, and warmth to any space.
Safety Tips
When using container candles, proper safety practices are crucial to avoid fire hazards. Never leave a burning candle unattended according to Candles.org. Container candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Avoid placing the candle near flammable materials like curtains or paper. According to Fillmore Container, you should extinguish the candle once the wax pool has reached the container’s edges to prevent overflow. Allow the wax to fully harden before relighting. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before each lighting to prevent dangerous flare-ups. Make sure the candle is sitting on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Never move a burning candle. Avoid falling asleep with a candle still burning. Proper precautions will help you safely enjoy the light and fragrance of container candles.
Care and Maintenance
Properly caring for and maintaining container candles is important to ensure they burn cleanly, evenly, and safely. Here are some tips for container candle care:
Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks can cause smoky, sooty burns and mushrooming wicks. Trim wicks before each use.
Allow the wax pool to form completely across the top of the candle before extinguishing the flame. This helps prevent tunneling.
Don’t burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Longer burns can cause excessive heat buildup.
Allow the wax to harden completely before relighting or moving the candle. Liquid wax can spill and leave marks on surfaces.
Keep wicks centered as the candle burns down. Wicks can be re-centered by poking it gently with a toothpick.
Store candles with lids on in a cool, dry place. Light, heat, and humidity can all impact candle quality over time.
Clean the container regularly to remove dust and wax residue. Use a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to clean glass containers (source).
Avoid placing candles near drafts, vents, frequently opened doors or windows. This can cause uneven burning.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
Where to Buy
Online and in-store, there are a variety of retailers that sell high-quality container candles for home decor and gifting. Some top options include:
Amazon – The everything store has an enormous selection of container candles across styles and price points. Popular brands on Amazon include Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and Village Candle. Pillar candles, votives, jars, and tumblers, Amazon is a one-stop-shop.
Candle Warmers Etc. – This retailer specializes in candle warmers but also carries a nice collection of container candles. Brands stocked include LumaBase, MagicLight, and their own collection of candles. Reasonably priced.
Anthropologie – Known for unique home accents and gifts, Anthropologie offers artisanal and creatively designed container candles. Diptyque, Voluspa, and Anthropologie’s own candles are standouts. Higher price points cater to the luxury shopper.
West Elm – This modern home store stocks an edited assortment of stylish and minimalist container candles. Look for soy wax candles in cool ceramic vessels and other contemporary materials. Sophisticated, urban aesthetic throughout.
Local candle shops – Many towns have a dedicated candle shop or boutiques that feature a handpicked selection of container candles from various makers. Excellent place to find unique, artisanal, and local brands not available in major retailers. Support small business.
For the widest selection and convenience, online stores like Amazon provide thousands of container candle options. But for a curated collection of distinctive brands, check local and small businesses. The container, fragrance, burn time and other details can vary greatly depending on manufacturer.
Make Your Own
Making your own container candles at home is a fun DIY project that allows you to customize scents and designs. The basic steps for making container candles are:
- Choose a container like a glass jar or tin can.
- Add wax melt tabs or wax flakes to a melting pot and melt the wax completely.
- Prepare the wick by cutting it to size and attaching a tab at the base using hot glue.
- Place the wick in the center of the container and pour in the melted wax.
- Allow the candle to fully harden before trimming the wick.
- Optional: Add fragrance oils, dye blocks, or decorations.
With a few simple supplies like wax, wicks, and jars, you can make stylish and aromatic container candles at home. Follow safety precautions and refer to online tutorials for more detailed, step-by-step instructions on the container candle making process.
Sources: https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/make-container-candles/, https://www.candlesandsupplies.com/blog/how-to-make-container-candles
