What Are The Best Tealights?

What Are Tealights?

Tealights are small, round candles set into metal or plastic cups to allow the wax to liquefy safely as the candle burns. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a tealight is “a small circular candle, often in a circular metal container, used as decoration and sometimes in a device for keeping something such as food warm” [1].

The metal or plastic cup contains the melted wax and allows the candle to burn down completely. Tealights are available in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 1 to 3 inches in diameter. They are made from paraffin wax and come with or without scented oils. Common scents include floral, fruity, spicy, and seasonal scents like pumpkin or pine.

Tealights produce a small, flickering flame and are mainly used decoratively for ambiance or aromatherapy. They can also provide a small amount of heat. Popular uses include scattering tealights in glass votives or hurricane lamps to light up an outdoor area, using tealights in table centerpieces, warming food on a buffet with tealight holders, and creating mood lighting indoors.

Types of Tealights

Tealights come in a variety of types including:

• Paraffin – These are made from petroleum wax and are the most common and inexpensive tealights. Paraffin tealights burn the longest of any type.
• Beeswax – Tealights made from beeswax are all-natural. They have a lower melting point than paraffin, so they don’t burn quite as long, but produce less soot.
• Soy – Soy tealights are made from vegetable oils and also burn cleaner than paraffin. They have an even shorter burn time of just a few hours.
• Gel – Gel tealights contain a mixture of paraffin and mineral oil gelled with polymers. They have vibrant colors and interesting textures.
• Scented – Scented tealights are infused with essential oils to produce lovely aromas like vanilla, apple cinnamon, etc. Most scented tealights are paraffin-based.
• Unscented – Unscented tealights produce no added fragrance and are preferred for some uses.
• Votive – Votive tealights are a taller cylindrical shape while still in a metal holder. They usually have a longer burn time.
• Pillar – Pillar tealights are wider cylinder shapes and mimic traditional candle pillars.

When choosing tealights, consider whether you need a long or short burn time, if you want a scented or unscented candle, and any preference on material like paraffin versus soy or beeswax (source). The type of tealight can impact the lighting ambiance and experience.

Tealight Holders

Tealight holders come in a variety of materials and shapes to suit different décor styles and purposes. Popular materials include glass, ceramic, metal, and wood. Glass holders allow the candlelight to shine through for a warm, ambient glow. Ceramic and metal holders often have cutout designs that cast pretty shadows and patterns. Wood holders provide an earthy, natural look.

Some classic tealight holder shapes include rounds, squares, stars, hearts, and cylinders. Novelty shapes like pineapples, seashells, and animals can add whimsy. Tealight holders range from single holders for one tealight to multi-candle holders. Larger tealight lanterns work well for outdoor use.

Tealight holders have many uses. Place several around a bathtub or living room to set a relaxing mood. Use holders to accent table centerpieces, wow guests at a wedding or event, or line a walkway for ambiance. Hanging tealight holders cast a warm glow for outdoor spaces. Fragrance diffuser holders allow tealights to melt scented wax or oils. The versatility and inexpensive price of tealights makes holders an easy way to add charm and décor.

Safety Considerations

Tealights can create mesmerizing ambience and pleasant aromas, but they also require some basic safety precautions. According to Tealight Melter Safety Tips, the most critical rule is to never leave a burning tealight unattended. These small candles can easily tip over, and their low-melting wax makes them prone to flaring up if the wick is too long. Always keep tealights in sight and extinguish them before leaving a room.

It’s also essential to keep tealights at a safe distance from anything flammable. Safety Tips for Candles and Tealights in the Home recommends keeping them away from curtains, furniture, clothing, paper, and other potential fire hazards. Choose candle holders made from non-flammable materials like metal, glass, or ceramic. Avoid placing tealights directly on plastic, wood, or other surfaces that could ignite.

With some basic precautions, tealights can be used safely to create cozy, soothing environments. But never forget these are open flames that require constant monitoring and care.

Top Tealight Brands

Some of the most popular and highest quality tealight brands include Yankee Candle, PartyLite, Crafts4All, and Pure Country Candle.

Yankee Candle https://www.yankeecandle.com is one of the most well-known candle brands and offers an extensive selection of tealight scents and styles. They are known for their strong scents and long burn times. Popular options include the Yankee Jar Ultimate Tealights and the Illuma-Lid Tealights.

PartyLite https://partylite.com is another leading brand that produces tealights with beautiful packaging. They have a great range of fragrances like Blushing Peony, Warm Vanilla, and Ocean Breeze. Their tealights provide 45-50 hours of illumination.

Crafts4All https://crafts4all.com makes unscented tealights that are designed for candle making and crafting projects. They come in standard white as well as an array of vibrant colors. These are a budget-friendly option sold in bulk packs.

Pure Country Candle https://www.purecountrycandle.com focuses on natural soy wax tealights infused with premium essential oils. Scents include Lavender, Eucalyptus Mint, and Sweet Orange. Their tealights have lead-free cotton wicks.

Factors in Choosing Tealights

When selecting tealights, there are several key factors to consider:

Type of Wax

Tealights are typically made from paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, while soy wax is made from soybeans. Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. Soy wax and beeswax are often preferred for a more natural, environmentally-friendly option. However, paraffin wax tends to be the most inexpensive option.

Fragrance

Scented tealights contain fragrance oils to provide pleasing aromas like vanilla, apple cinnamon, pine, or lavender. Unscented tealights have no added fragrance. Scented varieties are ideal for aromatherapy uses. Those sensitive to scents may prefer unscented.

Burn Time

Tealight burn times range from 2-6 hours on average. Longer burn times mean the candle will last through more use before needing replacement. Shorter burn times work well for a quick scent boost or fleeting ambiance.

Price

Tealight prices range from $0.10-$0.50 or more per candle. Buying in bulk brings the per unit price down. Higher priced options usually indicate candles made from premium wax, fragrances, or burn times. Evaluate price alongside quality and burn time.

Considering these key factors will help determine the best tealights for your needs.

Best Tealights for Ambiance

When selecting tealights to create a warm, inviting ambiance, you’ll want to look for options with long burn times, subtle scents, and bright flames. According to General Wax, tealights burn for anywhere from 2-6 hours, so opting for ones at the higher end of that range will provide hours of flickering ambiance. Popular unscented options praised for their long burn time include Ikea’s Unscented Tealights and Yankee Candle’s Unscented Tealights, which last up to 5 hours.

For subtle, inviting scents, lavender, vanilla, and clean cotton are soothing options. Storables recommends Yankee Candle’s Lavender Vanilla scented tealights as a top pick, with a 30+ hour burn time and a relaxing floral-herbal aroma. Voluspa’s French Cade Lavender tealights also get top marks for their exceptional quality wax, lovely scent, and 4 hour burn time.

To maximize ambiance, look for tealights with bright, luminous flames. The range of brightness can vary widely between tealight brands and types of wax, so reading reviews is key. According to buyers, some of the brightest burning tealights are made by Ikea, Yankee Candle, and Homesick.

Best Tealights for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses scents to promote relaxation, improve mood, and provide other therapeutic benefits. Tealights infused with essential oils can make excellent aromatherapy candles. The key is choosing tealights with pure, high quality essential oils at sufficient concentrations to provide aroma therapeutic effects.

Some top scented tealights for aromatherapy include:

• Lavender Tea Lights from GoodLight Candles – Made with soy wax and pure lavender oil, these tealights promote relaxation and sleep (Source: https://goodlightcandles.com/products/lavender-tea-lights).
• Eucalyptus Mint Tea Lights from Partylite – Blended with therapeutic eucalyptus and mint oils, these tealights help clear sinuses and improve focus (Source: https://www.partylite.com/candles/tealight-candles/scented-tealight-candles.html).
• Lemon Tea Lights from When In Aroma – Made with lemon essential oil, these energizing tealights boost mood and concentration (Source: https://wheninaroma.com/products/soy-wax-tea-lights).

For best results, choose 100% soy wax or beeswax tealights with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, and tea tree. Always research the quality and purity of oils used. Allow enough tealights burning time for the aroma to fill the space. Position tealights strategically in aromatherapy diffusers or small contained areas. With quality aromatherapy tealights, you can create custom scented spaces to relax, rejuvenate, and uplift your mood.

Tips for Using Tealights

Tealights create ambiance and visual interest when used thoughtfully. Here are some tips for getting the most out of tealights in your home decor:

Placement is key. Cluster tealights together on tables, mantels, and shelves for maximum impact. Place them in areas where the light can spread and reflect, like near mirrors or light colored walls. Avoid jamming them too close together or this can limit the flame and make them more prone to overheating (https://www.queenb.com.au/blogs/blog/tips-for-better-burning-8-9-hour-tealight-candles).

Group tealights with varying heights to add visual interest. You can easily create staggered heights by placing tealights on small glass vases, candle holders, or small plates. For bonus ambiance, choose holders made from reflective materials like glass or metal.

Pair tealights with holders designed to enhance their light. Beautiful lanterns, cut-glass containers, and sculptural holders direct and amplify tealight glow. Choose holders that suit your decor style, like sleek modern designs, ornate vintage pieces, or natural wood holders (https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2021/03/22/how-to-decorate-with-tea-lights/).

Creative Tealight Ideas

Tealights can be used in a variety of creative ways to add ambiance, decoration, and warmth to any space. Here are some ideas for using tealights decoratively:

Centerpieces

Floating tealights in glass vases, bowls, or jars make simple yet elegant centerpieces. Arrange candles with flowers, seashells, marbles, or other decor for beautiful tablescapes. According to this Pinterest board, tealights can be placed in mason jars wrapped with jute or lace for rustic wedding centerpieces.

Outdoor Lighting

Line pathways, steps, or patios with tealights in glass votives or containers to create a magical ambiance outdoors. Use tealights to illuminate gazebos, porches, or trees. For Christmas, fill paper bags with sand and tealights to make luminaries. Per this source, tealights can be tucked into painted terra cotta pots for colorful accents.

DIY Projects

Tealights can be incorporated into handmade crafts and DIY projects. Make tealight snowmen, houses, and ornaments for winter decor. Use battery-operated tealights instead of real candles for safety. Upcycle tealight holders into jewelry holders, mini vases, or gifts. The options for DIY tealight projects are endless!