What is the best wax for taper candles?

As previously stated, LaVanier recommends paraffin and beeswax for their structural integrity and minimal dripping. She also explains why vegetable waxes are not ideal when making taper candles. "Vegetable wax has a different structure that does not keep the edge of the wax pool firm, meaning they will drip more," she says. "Vegetable wax is also brittle, meaning a taper will crumble or break more easily."

How do you make a taper candle last longer?

Many of us have heard the trick of placing taper candles in the freezer to prolong their use time, but LaVanier cautions against it. "Freezing taper candles may cause them to crack or break in use," she says. Unfortunately, there is no known way to make a taper last longer other than purchasing a variety with a wide diameter versus one that's too thin.

How long do tapered candles last?

No matter what the wax material or length of your taper, this form of candle typically burns roughly one inch per hour. Some exceptions include tapers that maintain a consistent diameter from top to bottom and tapers made from beeswax. Tapers that “are the same diameter top to bottom (sometimes called stick candles) will burn longer than candles that taper from larger at the bottom to smaller at the top. Because beeswax creates a hotter flame that more efficiently uses the wax fuel, they will burn about 10% longer than paraffin," informs LaVanier.

The 11 Best Taper Candles of 2023

From holiday gatherings to chic mantle displays, taper candles instantly set the mood—no matter the occasion. Of course, finding taper candles with a long-lasting burn time, minimal wax drippings, and still looking effortlessly chic is difficult at best.

We spent hours researching the best taper candles on the market, considering factors like aesthetics, quality of the wax, and burn time to determine which options were worth purchasing. We also consulted with National Candle Association Spokeswoman, Kathy LaVanier, to better understand what features contribute to a quality taper candle. The resulting options are chic, versatile, and available in a variety of scents—including unscented.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Sense Island Taper Candles at Amazon

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Best Set:

The Floral Society Taper Set at Food52

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Best Budget:

Made By Design Unscented Taper Candle Set at Target

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Best Splurge:

The Parma Tile Shop Ivory Taper Candle Set at Minted

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Best Decorative :

Urban Outfitters Winnie Floral Taper Candle Set at Urban Outfitters

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Best Beeswax :

beeswaxtapers Beeswax Candle at Etsy

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Best Dripless:

Everlasting Candle Co. Wylie Signature Sets at CB2

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Best Unscented:

Anthropologie Whittled Taper Candles at Anthropologie

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Best Scented:

Diptyque Scented Taper Candle at Bloomingdales

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Best Flameless:

GenSwin Flameless Taper Candles at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sense-island.com

What We Like

Affordable
Lasting scent
Easily accessible

What We Don't Like

Prone to dripping
Burn time is not accurate

Each pack of these taper candles from Sense Island will quickly fill your home with subtle scents and a lasting ambiance well beyond that of other candles on the market. Our standout choice, these lightly vanilla-fragranced tapers sit at a conservative 10 inches and use a non-toxic soy wax blend for a clean burn.

And while the affordable price reflects differently, it is hard to distinguish these candles from their more expensive counterparts. Each set includes four candles, with users noting uniformity in size, shape, and color, which is often a giveaway on quality and cost. Plus, this set of candles is easily accessible through the brand’s website or Amazon, including other color and scent variations—if vanilla isn’t your thing.

Users also describe they are prone to dripping, but showcasing them in a vintage candelabra can instantly evoke a timeless aesthetic. All in all, they're a versatile, budget-friendly option that would work well for a variety of occasions.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Height: 10 Inches | Wax Type: Soy | Quantity per Set: 4}

Food52

View On Food52 View On Thefloralsociety.com

What We Like

Aesthetically pleasing
Clean burn

What We Don't Like

High price point

If you're looking for more options in a set, this collection from The Floral Society checks off all the right boxes. These sturdy paraffin wax-based candles come in various sizes and shapes to provide personality and extended burn times to every tablescape. Despite the higher price point, their color assortment and thick diameter (which prolongs burn time) make them worth adding to your home candle assortment.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Height: 18, 12, 10, and 6 Inches | Wax Type: Paraffin | Quantity per Set: 10}

Made By Design Unscented Taper Candle Set

Target

View On Target

What We Like

Easily accessible
Unscented
Generous return policy

What We Don't Like

Limited color selection
Lower burn time
Might break in transit

Target is well-known for having the best deals, and the company's in-house brand, Made By Design, offers the best budget-friendly taper candles on the market. Each pack comes with 12 tapers measuring an industry-standard 10 inches high. And while the color options are vastly limited, the chic options of white and cream work beautifully with any party theme or special occasion.

Some reviewers note the candles can break in transit, but Target's generous return policy means you have one year to get a replacement or refund. Odds are, however, you won't need it as these concerns are few and far between.

Price at time of publish: $ 7

_{Height: 10 Inches | Wax Type: Paraffin | Quantity per Set: 12}

The Parma Tile Shop Ivory Taper Candle Set

Wolf & Badger

View On Minted View On Wolfandbadger.com

What We Like

Unique design
Average burn time

What We Don't Like

Small quantity of candles for price

Sometimes, little luxuries can take a home, event, or holiday gathering to the next level. These taper candles from The Parma Tile Shop do just that with their uniquely twisted design and considerable burn time. Each of the two paraffin wax candles sits 11 inches tall and is handcrafted by Italian artisans who have been in the candle-making business for over 200 years.

With a clean burn and minimal dripping, these candles are the perfect splurge to make for your next gathering something special.

Price at time of publish: $48

_{Height: 11 Inches | Wax Type: Paraffin | Quantity per Set: 2}

The 9 Best Candle Holders of 2023

Urban Outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Aesthetically pleasing
High burn time

What We Don't Like

Prone to smoking when burned

Nothing is as timeless as florals, and when combined with the classic feelings embodied by taper candles, you're on your way to an elegant soirée. The Urban Outfitters Winnie Floral Taper Candles come in a set of four pieces in two different color scapes, so there's bound to be one that works better with your home.

These candles are fragrance-free and made from paraffin wax that comes with residual dripping as the candles burn. But, considering the generous 15-hour burn time, we'd say it's well worth it.

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Height: 11.8 | Wax Type: Paraffin | Quantity per Set: 4}

Etsy

View On Etsy

What We Like

Affordable
Clean burn

What We Don't Like

Inconsistency with sizing
Honey scent can be overpowering

Beeswax candles of any sort are a more environmentally-friendly option that can still feel elevated when executed correctly. These hand-dipped options from Etsy seller Beeswaxtapers use Michigan-harvested wax and a cotton-only wick to create customizable candle bundles ranging from one candle to 100. We appreciate that they won't drip when lit and have a honey scent, but they can be overpowering for those with fragrance sensitivities.

Price at time of publish: $

_{Height: 8 Inches | Wax Type: Beeswax | Quantity per Set: 1, 6, 12, 50, 100}

Everlasting Candle Co. Wylie Signature Sets

CB2

View On CB2 View On Everlastingcandleco.com

What We Like

Wax- and drip-free
Eco-conscious
Clean burn

What We Don't Like

Higher price point
Each taper must remain in oil vessel

One pain point with taper candles is their tendency to drip wax as they burn. The Signature Wylie Set from Everlasting Candle Co. flips the script on that narrative by using steel candles in an elongated taper-like structure to create a clean burn with the brand's Pristine Oil. This method allows for longer burn times and ease of use compared to other tapers on the market. Plus, with a few different colorways available, you don't feel like you're missing out on personality or style.

Price at time of publish: $75

_{Height: Not Specified | Wax Type: None | Quantity per Set: 3}

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Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

What We Like

Aesthetically pleasing
Unscented
High burn time

What We Don't Like

Unique shape might not fit in all candle holders

If your tapers are unscented, you want to ensure they don't slack on quality and style. These options from Anthropologie tackle both head-on, thanks to several color assortments of this crystal-inspired taper candle. Included in every six-pack of candles are three 10-inch tapers and three eight-inch tapers that offer a clean burn with proper wick maintenance.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Height: 8.5 and 10 Inches | Wax Type: Paraffin | Quantity per Set: 6}

Diptyque

View On Bloomingdales View On Diptyqueparis.com View On Smallflower.com

What We Like

Strong scent throw
Aesthetically pleasing
High burn time

What We Don't Like

Only sold in single
Higher price point

Diptyque is a candle brand known for distinctive scents, aesthetically pleasing displays, and high-quality ingredients, so it's no surprise that their tapers are no exception. The ever-popular Feu de Bois fragrance swiftly fills the room once this lightly grayed taper candle is lit, instantly setting a holiday-inspired scene in any home. The price point is significantly high, considering there is only a single candle in each order; however, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality and memories.

Price at time of publish: $34

_{Height: Not Specified | Wax Type: Not Specified | Quantity per Set: 1}

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Remote controlled
Multiple color options

What We Don't Like

Light isn’t bright
Timer is inconsistent

If you have young kids or many pets, an open flame feels dangerous, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the ambiance set by taper candles. These flameless candles from Amazon are remote-controlled and come in several color options, perfect for the home. Molded from wax, users note how authentic they look thanks to the flickering, battery-operated flame. And, at nearly 10 inches tall with 6 candles in a pack, you can’t beat their price.

Price at time of publish: $33

_{Height: 9.6 Inches | Wax Type: Not Specified | Quantity per Set: 6}

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Etsy

View On Etsy

What We Like

True to color
Clean burn

What We Don't Like

Low burn time
No distinguishable scent

Beeswax is one of the best waxes you can use for taper candles. And, with so many color options available, Beelight Candles takes the prize for our favorite colored tapers. Each 10-inch candle arrives in a shade that perfectly mimics the images shown on the seller's Etsy storefront and provides a dripless burn once lit. While you can't purchase these candles in a set, you can customize your color assortment by making individual purchases, an ideal method for anyone who frequently hosts dinner parties or holiday gatherings in their home.

Price at time of publish: $6

_{Height: 10 Inches | Wax Type: Beeswax | Quantity per Set: 1}

The 16 Best Scented Candles of 2023

Final Verdict

Thanks to the minimalist design, light vanilla scent, and affordability, the Sense Island Vanilla Taper Candles are our overall choice for taper candles. Each set comes with four 10-inch tapers, and while we favor the vanilla-scented and white variety, there are other scents and colors available from the brand. If you prefer something that won't drip or produce a flame, the Everlasting Candle Co. Wylie Signature Sets check off all the boxes when it comes to a taper-style candle. And, if you're in the market for something that meets all your aesthetic needs, The Floral Society Taper Set is worth the investment.

Burn Time

Typically smaller in size, taper candles will have lower burn times when compared to traditional candle counterparts. The overall candle length and wax type are strong indicators of how long your taper will burn when lit. The longer the candle length and the more stable to candle wax, the higher your burn time will be. Most 10- and 12-inch taper candles will last anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on the brand. Fortunately, most brands today will provide the overall burn time on the packaging or their website.

Wax Type

The type of wax used to make any candle can make or break the overall experience. LaVanier suggests using taper candles made from paraffin or beeswax instead of alternatives like soy or coconut. "Paraffin has a high melting point that allows for less dripping. Its structure is strong, which keeps the taper straight and reduces chipping. Beeswax produces a hotter flame, which helps the taper candle consume wax more completely, further reducing sooting and dripping," she details. Unlike paraffin and beeswax, vegetable wax varieties have weaker structural integrity when in taper form, resulting in ample dripping and breaking.

Wick Material

Although traditionally, taper candles will have a cotton wick with a paper core, LaVanier explains the material of your wick is not as important as the braid size and type. "How the wick is braided will determine the size of the flame, which then will affect how long it burns and how much it may drip," she says. A good rule to keep in mind when shopping for taper candles is the thinner the braid, the shorter the burn time.

Quantity

The quantity of taper candles included in a set depends on the brand, the price you are willing to pay, and the quality of materials. A brand that uses organic or hand-harvested materials to make the candles might include fewer pieces in a set and charge more, given the work and craftsmanship that went into constructing the taper candles. Alternatively, a designer brand might only sell one or two candles at a premium price because of the designer label. No matter what the case, opting for sets that provide you with the number of taper candles you need without sacrificing quality and aesthetics makes a perfect middle ground when making a product purchase.

FAQ

What is the best wax for taper candles?

As previously stated, LaVanier recommends paraffin and beeswax for their structural integrity and minimal dripping. She also explains why vegetable waxes are not ideal when making taper candles. "Vegetable wax has a different structure that does not keep the edge of the wax pool firm, meaning they will drip more," she says. "Vegetable wax is also brittle, meaning a taper will crumble or break more easily."
How do you make a taper candle last longer?

Many of us have heard the trick of placing taper candles in the freezer to prolong their use time, but LaVanier cautions against it. "Freezing taper candles may cause them to crack or break in use," she says. Unfortunately, there is no known way to make a taper last longer other than purchasing a variety with a wide diameter versus one that's too thin.
How long do tapered candles last?

No matter what the wax material or length of your taper, this form of candle typically burns roughly one inch per hour. Some exceptions include tapers that maintain a consistent diameter from top to bottom and tapers made from beeswax. Tapers that “are the same diameter top to bottom (sometimes called stick candles) will burn longer than candles that taper from larger at the bottom to smaller at the top. Because beeswax creates a hotter flame that more efficiently uses the wax fuel, they will burn about 10% longer than paraffin," informs LaVanier.

Samantha Parsons has been a freelance writer for The Spruce since 2021 with bylines in publications like Real Simple, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. She is constantly speaking with experts, like National Candle Association Spokeswoman, Kathy LaVanier, and testing dozens of products each month to make sure she recommends the best on the market. She spent copious time on this piece to ensure the above taper candles were equally functional and aesthetically pleasing. When she is not writing, Samantha works for a skincare brand and stays up-to-date on the latest news and releases across industries.

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