Candle Holders & Accessories for Beginners

In depth

Let’s start by understanding the basics of candle holders. A ‘candle holder’ simply provides a stable base for a lit candle to stand on. They come in an enormous variety of materials – glass, metal (often brass, silver-plated, or steel), ceramic, wood, even stone. Glass holders are great for creating a soft, diffused glow and are generally quite easy to clean. Metal ones can offer a more substantial, weighty feel and often have a brighter, sharper light output. Ceramic and wooden holders tend to be warmer in appearance and can add a rustic or traditional touch. Don’t worry too much about the material initially; focus on the shape and style that suits your space and personal preference. You'll find straight-sided cylindrical holders, tapered ones that concentrate the flame upwards, and those with decorative elements like scrolls or cutouts.

Now, let's talk about ‘wax melts’ – these are little blocks of scented wax that you place in a separate holder (often called a ‘melt dish’) alongside your candle. As the candle burns, it heats up the melt, releasing its fragrance into the room. They're a really easy way to add scent without needing to constantly re-light a candle. The size of the melt dish is important; it needs to be large enough to hold a decent amount of wax and still fit comfortably within the base of your candle holder. You’ll often see ‘snap tight’ lids on these dishes, designed to prevent spills when the heat from the burning candle warms them up. It's worth noting that not all candles come with melts – you’ll usually need to purchase these separately if you want to use them.

Consider the ‘vessel’ of your candle holder. This is the actual container the candle sits in. Some holders are designed to be 'open vessels', meaning the flame is exposed to air, which can create a brighter, more intense light and burn for longer. Others are ‘closed vessels’, where the top of the holder partially covers the flame – this reduces wax consumption but also creates a softer, dimmer glow. The size of the vessel directly affects how quickly the candle burns through its wax; a larger vessel means it will last longer, but you’ll need to buy more candles overall. It's good practice to choose a vessel that’s appropriately sized for the candle – too small and it might overheat; too large and it won't provide enough stability.

The concept of ‘wick size’ is key to understanding how your candle will burn. The wick is the braided cotton thread that actually produces the flame. A larger wick burns faster, creating a bigger flame and consuming more wax. Conversely, a smaller wick creates a gentler flame and lasts longer. Most candles come with a 'standard' wick size, but you can sometimes find candles where the wick has been altered – perhaps to burn cleaner or slower. If you notice your candle is flickering excessively or producing a lot of soot, it might be that the wick is too large for the vessel; however, changing wicks yourself isn’t generally recommended unless you have experience, as improper adjustments can damage the candle and potentially pose a fire hazard.

Alongside the basics, you'll encounter accessories like ‘candle snuffers’. These are small devices – often metal or ceramic – used to quickly extinguish a candle flame without blowing it out. Blowing out a candle can scatter hot wax droplets, which is messy and potentially dangerous. A snuffer provides a cleaner and more controlled way to put the flame out. Similarly, you might see ‘candle trays’ or ‘coaster mats’. These are designed to protect surfaces from drips and spills – especially important with open-vessel candles where wax can easily run. They're also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall presentation of your candle display.

Finally, it’s worth briefly addressing things that aren't critical for a beginner purchase. Terms like ‘burn time’, ‘fragrance throw’, and ‘lead-free wicks’ are often discussed, but don't let them overwhelm you initially. 'Burn time' is simply how long the candle will last on a single burn; this varies hugely depending on the size of the vessel and wick. 'Fragrance throw' refers to how strongly the scent spreads throughout a room – this also depends on factors like room size and ventilation. ‘Lead-free wicks’ are generally standard these days, as lead in wicks is no longer used due to health concerns; you’ll rarely find candles with lead wicks sold in the UK. Focus on finding a candle holder and wax melts that you love aesthetically and that burn cleanly for a reasonable amount of time – you can explore more nuanced details later.