What Are The Candles In Glass Called?
Candles in glass jars or containers have become an extremely popular candle style in recent years. Unlike traditional pillar or taper candles, candles in glass allow people to enjoy the candlelight while also having a stylish decorative piece. The glass container protects the candle wax and prevents drips, while also enabling creative designs and fragrances. While this type of candle has been around for some time, the wide range of available jar shapes, sizes, and colors have made them a favorite home decor and gift item.
History
The use of glass containers for candles first emerged in the early 19th century. In the 1820s, glassblowers in England, France, and America began hand-crafting beautiful colored glass containers to hold candles.1 These early glass candle holders were mostly used by churches, as colored glass was still expensive at the time.
By the 1840s, pressed glass allowed more affordable mass production of glass candle containers. Pressed glass jars and votives became popular household items throughout Europe and America, replacing metal and ceramic holders.2 The inexpensive pressed glass allowed candles to become decorative items in everyday homes.
In the early 1900s, Louis Walper invented glass candle containers with telescope tops to extinguish the flame and prevent smoke. This key innovation paved the way for wider use of safe and decorative glass candles.3
Types of Glass Candles
There are three main types of candles made from glass:
Jar Candles
Jar candles are a classic type of candle where wax is filled into a glass jar container. They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors and scents. Cylinder shaped jar candles are most common. Jar candles with lids can help retain scent when not burning (https://www.webstaurantstore.com/guide/739/types-of-candles.html).
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small, cylindrical candles in a glass holder meant to burn for 5-6 hours. They are designed to sit in candle holders and create ambient lighting. Votive candles come in colors or translucent (https://www.voluspa.com/collections/glass-candles).
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are a type of votive candle. They are a smaller version, meant to provide lighting for only 4 hours. Tealights sit in a round aluminum cup inside their glass container. They are inexpensive and often used in groups.
Jar Candles
Jar candles are one of the most popular types of candles sold in glass containers. As the name suggests, they are poured into jars made of glass. Jar candles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small 4 oz jars to large 22 oz jars. Some common sizes are 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz. The jars can have straight sides or a curved shape, like a mason jar. They are typically cylindrical but sometimes come in square or octagonal shapes as well.
Jar candles can be made from different materials like paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, or a blend. Paraffin wax is the most common. The wax is colored and scented before being poured into the glass jar container. Popular jar candle scents include fruity, floral, spice, woodsy, and seasonal scents. Jar candles usually have a single core wick in the center but sometimes have two wicks.
Aesthetically, jar candles allow you to see the candle wax through the clear glass as it burns. Many feature decorative elements like labels, fabric overwraps, ribbons, raffia, glitter, sequins, and other embellishments. Vibrant colors and ornate lid designs also decorate the outside of the glass jars.
According to Yankee Candle, jar candles burn cleanly and evenly all the way to the bottom of the glass jar when the wick is trimmed properly. Popular jar candle brands include Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and Candleberry. Jar candles make great gifts and home decor accents. Their stylish containers can be reused even after the candle is finished burning.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are a type of small candle typically made from paraffin wax and placed in a small glass container. According to Partylite, a major manufacturer of votive candles, they are commonly used to “create ambience” and allow for “safe, lovely lighting” [1].
Votive candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though the most common size is 1.5 inches wide by 2-3 inches tall, which allows them to fit into standard votive holders. The containers are often clear or frosted glass, but can also come in colored glass. Popular shapes include a traditional straight-sided cylindrical container as well as rounded, fluted, or faceted containers [2].
Votives typically burn for 5-10 hours. Decorative elements may include painted or frosted glass, embedded glitter or gems, reliefs or cutouts in the glass, or other accents. Scented votive candles are very common and come in fragrances like vanilla, lavender, cranberry, and more [3].
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are a type of small, round candle typically placed in a small metal or glass holder. They get their name from the teal blue color that the wax turns when lit, though tealight candles now come in many colors. Tealights are about 1-2 inches wide and up to 1 inch tall. The wick in the center is thin and short.
Tealights are made from paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax. Paraffin wax tealights are commonly found in stores and are inexpensive but do not burn as cleanly. Soy wax and beeswax tealights burn longer and cleaner. Tealights can be plain or decorated with glitter, flowers, seashells, gems, embroidery, and more. The decorations are either pressed into the wax or attached to the metal holder.
Tealight holders also come in many varieties – plain metal, pewter, silver, glass, ceramic, wood, and more. Glass tealight holders allow the candlelight to shine through beautifully. Tealights are designed to burn for 4-6 hours, making them useful for short-term lighting needs.
Decorative Elements
There are many ways to decorate the outside of glass candles to make them even more beautiful. Some popular decorations include:
Ribbons – Ribbons come in every color and width imaginable, making them one of the most versatile decorations. Thin ribbons can be wrapped around the neck of the jar, while wider ribbons can be tied in bows. Ribbon is an easy way to match your candle to your decor.
Shells – Seashells make lovely natural decorations for candles, evoking a beachy feeling. Small shells can be glued around the outside of the jar, while larger shells can be placed on top. Pair shells with sand or glitter inside the jar for added interest.
Glitter – Adding glitter is an easy way to make your candle sparkle. Fine glitter can be mixed with Mod Podge and painted onto the outside of the jar. Larger glitter can be sprinkled into wet paint or glue for extra shimmer. Use glitter sparingly to avoid looking overdone.
Flowers – Dried flowers, leaves, and other botanicals make excellent candle embellishments. Attach a small bouquet to the neck of the jar, or press individual petals into melted wax on the top of the candle. Florals bring an organic touch.
There are endless options when it comes to decorating the outside of glass candles. Get creative with beads, buttons, lace, pinecones, sand, twine, sea glass, or anything else you can glue or tie on. The right embellishments can make your candle into a true decorative accent piece.
Uses
Candles in glass jars have many uses beyond simply providing light. Here are some of the most popular uses:
Home decor – Jar candles add a warm, cozy ambiance to any room. Their soft light and visual appeal makes them ideal decorative accents. They are commonly used on mantels, shelves, side tables, countertops, and more. Popular jar candle scents for home decor include vanilla, apple cinnamon, and fresh linen.
Gifts – Beautifully packaged jar candles make wonderful gifts for any occasion. You can personalize them with scents that match the recipient’s taste. Jar candles are popular for housewarmings, birthdays, holidays, bridal showers, and more.
Aromatherapy – Essential oil-infused jar candles allow you to benefit from aromatherapy. Light one with relaxing scents like lavender before bedtime or invigorating scents like grapefruit in the morning.
Events – Jar candles help set the mood for special events and occasions. For a romantic dinner, light a pair with a scent like vanilla or jasmine. For a holiday gathering, seasonal scents like balsam fir or pumpkin spice are perfect.
According to The Northumbrian Candle Works Blog, “Candles release negative ions and create a soothing environment,” making them ideal for relaxation and aromatherapy purposes (source). Their pleasing ambiance and ability to instantly change a room’s scent and mood makes candles in glass jars a versatile home accent.
Safety Tips
Burn candles in an open area with good ventilation according to the National Candle Association. Avoid drafts or air currents that can cause rapid or uneven burning. Allow at least 4 inches between burning candles.
Keep burning candles away from items that can catch fire like curtains, furniture, clothing, etc according to Jenkins Restorations. Only burn candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. Extinguish candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
Never burn a candle all the way down – stop usage before 2-3 inches of wax remains. The glass jar can crack from the heat as the flame gets close to the bottom. Always burn candles in appropriate holders that are heat resistant.
Do not move or carry a lit candle until completely cooled. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not touch the hot wax or glass – allow the candle to completely cool before handling.
Conclusion
Candles housed in glass containers have maintained their popularity over the years for a variety of reasons. Glass is an attractive material that allows the candle’s flame to be fully visible. The transparency of glass showcases the color and texture of the wax while protecting the flame from drafts. Glass also holds scents well, allowing fragrance to fully permeate a room. Votive candles, jar candles, and tealights each provide ambient lighting in their own unique ways. Their glow creates cozy atmospheres and warm ambiance. The flame of a candle in glass flickers and dances in a mesmerizing way. Beyond lighting, candles in glass containers have become a decorative accent for many homes. Their vessels come in various colors, shapes, and designs. Some feature ornate etchings or metallic paint for a touch of sophistication. The candle itself may be adorned with beads, stones, pressed flowers, or other embellishments. With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect candle in glass for any style or occasion. In summary, the timeless beauty, fragrance, ambiance, and decor created by candles in glass containers explain their sustained popularity through the years.
