What Are Tealight Candles and Their Uses? Complete Guide

Candles have been used for centuries for light, timekeeping, and rituals, coming in various shapes and sizes. Among them, tealights stand out for their unique design and functionality. But, wait why do people call them tealight candles? Do they have tea in them or is it something else? Join us as we explore every small thing about these candles and discover how they can light up your life in more ways than one.

Definition of Tealight Candles

Tealights are often called tea candles. They are small, round, and cylindrical candles encased in a thin metal or plastic cup. The term “tealight” comes from their original use: they were designed to be positioned under teapots to retain the tea warm.

People use them for decorative purposes, creating a warm ambiance in homes, restaurants, and special events. These candles have a rich history and come in various types, each serving unique purposes.

Types of Tealight Candles

Beyond their decorative use, tealights also serve practical functions such as heating teapots, diffusing essential oils, and providing emergency lighting.

Traditional Tealight Candles

Traditional tealights are the most common type. These candles are unscented and used for lighting purposes. These tealights are economical, easy to use, and commonly found in households for everyday lighting needs.

Scented Tealight Candles

Scented tealights release pleasant aromas when burned. They are ideal for creating cozy surroundings. These candles have different tastes in scents, from lavender to vanilla.

Decorative Tealight Candles

Decorative tealights are not just about adding color and design; they are versatile elements that elevate any décor scheme. These candles feature decorative details like glitter or metallic finishes. People use tealights in floral arrangements, lanterns, or floating candle displays, decorative tealights create a captivating atmosphere for events like weddings, birthdays, or romantic dinners.

LED Tealight Candles

For those who prefer a flameless option, these candles provide the same warm glow without the fire. They are battery-operated and used repeatedly, making them a cost-effective and safe alternative.

Uses of Tealight Candles

Home Decor

These scented candles are a popular choice for home decor due to their versatility and compact size. You can place them in various holders and use them as centerpieces or accent lighting.

Aromatherapy

Tealights are also familiar with aromatherapy. The gentle heat from the candle helps to diffuse the oils, creating a soothing and therapeutic environment.

Special Occasions

These candles are perfect for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and holidays. They add a flicker of warmth and elegance to any occasion.

Emergency Lighting

Tealights can provide a reliable light in a power outage situation. Their small size makes them easy to store and use in emergencies.

How to Make Your Tealight Candles

Materials Needed

To make your tealights, you will need wax, wicks, containers, a double boiler, and essential oils or dyes for customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler.
2. Set the wick in the middle of the container.
3. Pour the melted wax into the container, filling it to the desired level.
4. Let the wax cool and solidify.
5. Trim the wick to the appropriate length.

Customization Ideas

Customize your candles by adding essential oils for fragrance or dyes for color. You can also experiment with different wax blends and container shapes.

Benefits of Using Tealight Candles

Tealights are small and easy to store. Their size also allows them to fit in a wide range of holders and burners. From home decor to aromatherapy, tealights are incredibly versatile. These candles are affordable and widely available. They offer a cost-effective way to add a touch of elegance and warmth to any setting.

Related Article: Votive Vs Tealight Candles

Are Tealight Candles Safe?

Tealights are safe if used properly. Always supervise them, placing them on heat-resistant surfaces in stable holders away from flammable materials and drafts. Ensure good ventilation to avoid harmful fumes. Trim wicks to about 1/4 inch to prevent large flames and soot.

Final Thoughts

Tealight candles have evolved from their practical origins under teapots to become versatile tools for creating ambiance and enhancing decor. They give warmth, gentle light, and soothing scents, making candles for everyday use and special occasions, enriching any setting with elegance and stability.

FAQs

Are Tealight candles better than candles?

They are better for creating ambiance, and accent lighting, and are used in decorative holders due to their small size and versatility. However, larger candles, like pillar or taper candles, provide more light and burn longer.

Why are they called tealight candles?

Tealight candles are called “tealights” because they are used under teapots to warm the tea. Although their use has expanded, the name remains due to their initial purpose.

Do tealight candles get hot?

Yes, tealights do get hot. The flame and the metal or plastic cup can become hot while the candle burns. Handling them carefully and placing them on a heat-resistant surface to avoid burns or damage is important.