If you’re new to beeswax candles, the variety can feel a little overwhelming. Pillars, tapers, tealights, jar candles — they’re all made from the same pure beeswax, but they burn differently, look different, and suit different moments. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right one.

Pillar Candles: The Statement Maker

Best for: Living rooms, mantles, centerpieces, long burn sessions

Pillar candles are freestanding, sculptural, and built to burn for a long time. A 3” beeswax pillar can burn for 60–80+ hours, making it one of the most economical candle choices over time. They don’t require a holder — just a heat-safe plate or tray underneath — and they look beautiful grouped at varying heights.

Our 3” Pillar Trio is a great starting point if you want to see how pillars work in your space. Three candles, three heights, one cohesive look.

Choose a pillar if: You want a long-burning candle that doubles as a decor piece.

Taper Candles: The Dinner Table Classic

Best for: Dining tables, candlestick holders, formal settings, ambiance

Tapers are the tall, slender candles you place in candlestick holders. They’re elegant, timeless, and the go-to choice for dinner parties and special occasions. Beeswax tapers burn cleaner and drip less than paraffin when kept out of drafts.

Our Hand Dipped 12” Taper Candles (6 ct) are made the old-fashioned way — dipped by hand, one layer at a time, on our California homestead.

Don't forget holders: We carry several taper candlestick holders for your tables, too! Don't forget to add some.

Tealight Candles: The Everyday Essential

Best for: Bathrooms, lanterns, scattered ambiance, everyday use

Tealights are small, self-contained, and incredibly versatile. Drop them into a glass holder, float them in a bowl of water, line them along a windowsill, or tuck them into a lantern. Each one burns for 3–4 hours — perfect for a bath, a dinner, or a quiet evening.

Our Bulk Loose Tea Light Candles are made from 100% pure beeswax and are a staple in most of our customers’ homes. Once you switch to beeswax tealights, you won’t go back. Always make sure you have a tealight holder for your tiny candles or they will melt into a puddle!

Choose tealights if: You want an affordable, flexible candle you can use anywhere, every day.

Jar Candles: The Long-Burn Workhorse

Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, contained spaces, everyday ambiance

Jar candles are contained, safe, and designed for long, consistent burns. They’re ideal for spaces where you want a candle burning for hours without having to watch it. Our jar candles are also refillable — which makes them both sustainable and economical over time.

Our Classic Beeswax Jar Candle 12oz is one of our most popular products for exactly this reason. Light it in the morning, let it burn through the day, and refill it when it’s done.

Choose a jar candle if: You want a set-it-and-forget-it candle for everyday use in a contained space.

Not Sure? Try Them All.

If you’re still not sure which type is right for you, our Bees Knees Kit includes a mix of candle types so you can experience each one and decide what works best in your home. It’s the easiest way to start your beeswax candle journey — and most people find they end up loving all four.

Browse our full range in the New to Beeswax collection — curated specifically for first-time beeswax candle buyers.