What Are The Dimensions Of An Electric Tealight?

An electric tealight is a battery-powered LED light designed to mimic the look of a traditional wax tealight candle. Electric tealights provide flicker-free ambiance without the fire risk of real candles. They are commonly used for decoration, lighting, and creating cozy atmospheres.

Knowing the dimensions of an electric tealight allows you to ensure proper fit when using them in candle holders, lanterns, votives, and other applications. It also helps with spacing and layout when using multiple tealights for displays. Since electric tealights come in different shapes and sizes, being aware of the range of dimensions available can help you select the perfect product for your needs.

Typical Dimensions

The majority of electric tealights on the market fall within a standard size range. Most electric tealights have a body diameter of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) and an overall height of 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm). The wax candle element typically has a diameter around 1 inch (2.5 cm) and a height of 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm).

Many tealights will have a circular base about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) wide to stabilize the candle. The metal or plastic housing that encloses the LED and battery components is usually quite slim at just 0.1 to 0.2 inches (0.25 to 0.5 cm) thick on the sides.

In summary, standard electric tealight dimensions are usually:

• Total height: 1.5 – 3 inches (3.8 – 7.6 cm)
• Body diameter: 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm)



• Wax candle diameter: Around 1 inch (2.5 cm)
• Wax candle height: 0.5 – 1 inch (1.3 – 2.5 cm)
• Base diameter: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.6 cm)
• Housing thickness: 0.1 – 0.2 inches (0.25 – 0.5 cm)

Variations in Size

Electric tealights come in a range of sizes, with larger and smaller models available from different brands. The most common sizes range from about 1-3 inches in diameter, and .5-2 inches in height. However, there are also more specialty options outside of that typical range.

For example, some mini tealights can be as small as .5 inches in diameter and .25 inches tall. These tiny tealights work well grouped together for decor. On the larger end, some tealights meant for outdoor use can be up to 4-5 inches in diameter and over 3 inches tall. Their larger size and brighter bulbs make them suitable for porches, patios, and pathways.

Votive style tealights tend to be around 1.5-2 inches in diameter and 1-1.5 inches tall. Pillar style tealights range from 2-3 inches in diameter and 1.5-2 inches tall. Battery-operated tealights also come in a variety of dimensions, but most are sized similarly to standard tealights that work with tea light candles.

So when searching for tealights, it’s important to note the size dimensions to find the right fit. Whether looking for mini accent lights or bright path lights, there are electric tealights sized for the purpose.

Dimensions for Common Uses

When selecting an electric tealight for common uses like centerpieces, ambiance lighting, or holiday decor, the dimensions can make a difference in the desired effect. Here are some typical dimensions that work well:

Centerpieces: For table centerpieces, small tealights around 1-2 inches wide and 1/2 inch tall often look best and don’t take up too much space. Having multiple smaller tealights grouped together in a centerpiece provides a cohesive candlesque glow.

Ambiance Lighting: For ambiance around the home, larger tealights around 3-4 inches wide and 1 inch tall help provide a warmer, more ambient effect. The slightly bigger size allows the light to be more visible and spread further.

Holiday Decor: For holiday decorating, tealights sized 2-3 inches wide and 3/4 inch tall are ideal. They are big enough to stand out on the tree or mantel, but not too bulky. The small profile makes them easy to tuck into decorations and wreaths.

So consider where and how the tealights will be displayed. The dimensions make a difference in the lighting effect for common uses of electric tealights.

Battery Dimensions

Electric tea lights are powered by small button cell batteries. The most common battery used is the CR2032 coin cell battery. According to Homemory, the CR2032 battery used in their flickering LED tea lights has dimensions of 0.8 inches (20 mm) in diameter and 0.12 inches (3.2 mm) thick (1). This slim battery fits conveniently inside the base of the electric tea light below the LED.

Some brands may also use slightly larger CR2450 coin cell batteries which have a diameter of 1.05 inches (24.5 mm) and thickness of 0.2 inches (5.4 mm) (1). These larger batteries can provide longer runtimes but may result in a slightly taller tea light profile.

In both cases, the small, flat batteries can easily fit into the compact space inside an electric tea light. Their diminutive dimensions allow the overall tea lights to remain lightweight and portable.

Dimensions with Covers

Electric tealights often come with decorative covers that can influence the overall dimensions. Covers made of metal, glass, or plastic will increase the width and height compared to an uncovered tealight. However, most tealight covers add only a small amount to the dimensions.

For example, a metal cover may increase the width and height by about 0.5 to 1 inch. So a tealight with dimensions of 2 x 2 inches may become around 2.5 x 2.5 inches with a metal cover. Covers made of thinner materials like paper or fabric likely add only 0.25 to 0.5 inches in each direction.

The additional height from a cover is most relevant if using electric tealights in a confined space like a wall sconce or small candle holder. Be sure to measure the holder opening to ensure the tealight with its cover will fit inside.

Dimensions for Travel

When traveling with electric tealights, more compact sizes tend to be preferable. The standard tealight dimensions of 1.5 inches tall by 2 inches wide can take up valuable space in a suitcase or bag. Look for mini or travel-sized electric tealights that are under 1 inch tall and 1.5 inches wide.

Mini tealight sizes maximize room for other items you need to pack for your trip. The smaller electric tealights often have a battery compartment on the bottom, so no battery holder is required. This further reduces the amount of separate pieces you need to bring. Opt for battery-operated over cord-powered to avoid dealing with cords and adapters.

If decorating a hotel room or rental space while away, mini tealights work well grouped together on tabletops and shelves. The small size allows you to easily arrange numerous tealights as part of your decor. When flying, mini tealights are also less likely to get damaged or crushed in your luggage.

For travel efficiency, functionality, and convenience, look for electric tealights with compact dimensions under 1 inch tall by 1.5 inches wide.

Sizing for Decor

The size of an electric tealight can greatly influence its decorative appeal. Small tealights around 1-2 inches wide work well for table scattered ambiance and romantic mood lighting. The compact size allows them to fit into small decorative holders and not overwhelm table arrangements. However, very small tealights under 1 inch can be hard to see and don’t provide as much lighting.

For decorative lanterns, larger tealights around 3-4 inches wide better fill the space and cast more ambient light. But oversized tealights in small lanterns can look disproportionate. The general rule is to select a tealight about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the lantern’s interior dimensions for optimal decor impact. Too large and it may overpower, too small and it gets lost.

Subtler decorative accents like centerpieces often use mid-sized tealights around 2 inches wide. This provides some ambient light without being overbearing. But for statement pieces, an oversized tealight up to 6 inches can make a dramatic decorative impact and anchor the decor.

So consider the desired lighting ambiance, the holders used, and the overall decor when sizing electric tealights for decorative purposes.

Influence on Lighting

The size of an electric tealight can impact the type of lighting effect it produces. Smaller tealights, around 1-2 inches wide, will provide more concentrated, focused lighting. The small flame size creates a brighter hot spot without much diffusion. Medium sized tealights, around 3-4 inches wide, offer a balance of brightness and diffusion. The larger flame disperses light more evenly. Larger tealights, 5 inches or bigger, give very diffused, ambient lighting. The wide flame spreads light out over a bigger area for soft, glowing illumination. Extremely large tealights, 8 inches or more, act almost like small table lamps, producing ample illumination across a whole surface. In summary, smaller electric tealights concentrate light in a tight beam, while larger sizes create broad, diffused lighting effects.

Conclusion

In summary, electric tealights typically range from 2-3 inches in diameter and 2-4 inches in height, with the flame portion accounting for about 1 inch. Mini tealights can be under 2 inches across for things like jewelry boxes or desktop use. Large tealights for outdoor lighting or centerpieces may be over 3 inches wide. Battery-operated models need an extra half inch or more of internal space for the batteries. With covers, frosted glass globes, or travel tins, additional height and width are required.

When selecting electric tealights, consider your intended use and desired ambiance. Small tealights work well for subtle accent lighting indoors, while bigger ones make a statement on a dining table or outdoor walkway. The flame size and brightness also varies with dimensions. Measure the space you want to illuminate and match the tealight size accordingly for the best lighting effects.