What to Buy Hosting & Dining The 14 Best Tapered Candles, According to Interior Designers These stylish tapers will steal the show during your next dinner party. By Alyssa Longobucco Alyssa Longobucco Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 5, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Food52 One surefire way to create a warm and welcoming dinner party environment is by using the right amount of candlelight. Tapered candles add soft light and dimension to gatherings for a cozy feel that rivals even the best-designed restaurants. With so many different lengths, styles, and options to choose from, we turned to two design experts to weigh in on their picks for the best tapered candles and how to properly use them. “What we love about tapered candles is that they are so versatile,” says interior designer Jennifer Hunter. “They work just as well in a traditional setting as they do for a sleek modern tablescape — the candle holder dictates the feel. Because of this, they’re one of our favorite ways to add height and layers to your dinner table.” “Taper candles work universally across various decor and event styles,” says Sierra Steifman, founder of The Floral Society and floral and event design firm Poppies and Posies. “From large black-tie events to small intimate gatherings, tapered candles add ambiance and dimension to any space.”From subtly scented picks to decorative designs, these are the best tapered candles worthy of a spot on your dining room table or fireplace mantel. Our Top Picks Best Overall: The Floral Society Lovely Taper Candles at Food52 ($60) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Year & Day Taper Candles at Yearandday.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Value: Yummi White Taper Candles at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best Set: HAY Candle Set of 6 at Nordstrom ($35) Jump to Review Best Colors: Danica Design Taper Candles at Bignightbk.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Everyday: Greentree Home Candle Everyday Taper Candle at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Decorative: Anthropologie Venetian Garden Taper Candles at Anthropologie ($22) Jump to Review Best Flameless: West Elm Wax-Dipped Moving Flame Taper Candles (Set of 2) at West Elm ($95) Jump to Review Best Statement: Dusen Dusen Taper Candles at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Dip-Dyed: Anthropologie Dip Dye Taper Candles, Set of 2 at Anthropologie ($18) Jump to Review Best Overall The Floral Society Lovely Taper Candles The Floral Society View On Food52 $60 View On Thefloralsociety.com These beauties from The Floral Society are classic tapered candles that you can use regardless of season or tablescape. Shaped with a gentle, elegant taper and available in two lengths (12 inches and 18 inches), these candles are made from high-grade paraffin and designed to burn drip-free, so you don’t need to worry about ruining your favorite linen tablecloth. The standard-sized base pairs perfectly with any candle holder, allowing endless design opportunities. Our top pick is also one of the most colorful on our list, with 13 different colorways. Ranging from petal pink and clay to rich moss and vibrant saffron, each hue is dipped 35 times for superior, long-lasting color. Go uniform with one all-over color, or mix and match a few for an eclectic, energetic scene. Height: 12 inches or 18 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 3-6 pairs | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Splurge Year & Day Taper Candles Year & Day View On Yearandday.com These cheery 10-inch taper candles from dinnerware company Year & Day are handpainted in New York using non-toxic pigment and are inspired by California’s Meyer lemon trees. While they’re almost too pretty to burn, they’ll do so beautifully, with a dripless design that minimizes the mess and allows you to enjoy the artwork for as long as possible. Because this zesty design is so stunning, we recommend placing them in simple candle holders that keep the tapers at eye level for maximum enjoyment. They’re definitely on the pricier side, but they effortlessly act as the perfect hero to your dinnerware scene, allowing you to style a standout table without much else. They also make a great gift for party hosts. Height: 10 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 8 hours per candle Best Value Yummi White Taper Candles Amazon View On Amazon $34 View On Yummicandles.com Nothing screams classic sophistication quite like a slew of white taper candles, and these Yummi designs are as budget-friendly as they come. For under $25, you get 12 candles, allowing you to splurge on a glowing tablescape for your next big event or dinner party. High-quality paraffin wax and an all-cotton wick prevent excessive drips, while the outer core of the candle is dipped in your preferred color. In addition to white, there are 33 other colors. These Yummi candles are available in four different heights: 10 inches, 12 inches, 15 inches, and 18 inches. The wide variety means you can easily create a trendy staggered look down the center of your table or nestled in between your placemats. If you're hosting a crowd, opt for the 10-inch taper candles so guests won’t have trouble seeing each other from across the table.Height: 10, 12, 15, or 18 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 12 | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Set HAY Candle Set of 6 Design Within Reach View On Nordstrom $35 View On Design Within Reach $18 View On Hay.com These are not your basic tapers. Instead of a traditional tall and narrow shape, these candlesticks feature either spirals or twists, giving them an added dose of dimension and visual interest that will make your tablescape sing. Each set of six is made in Italy from quality paraffin wax and comes in expertly selected hues that work together and look beautiful on your tablescape. They’re so eye-catching that you’ll barely need to decorate your dinner party scene with anything else — just grab a set of these, pull out your favorite stoneware dinnerware, and you’re ready to entertain. Height: 11.5 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 6 | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Colors Danica Design Taper Candles Hawkins New York View On Bignightbk.com View On Hawkinsnewyork.com If bold color is your thing, you’re going to want to invest in tapered candles that can hold their own alongside your colorful pasta bowls and matching stemware. While many of the picks on our list have beautiful hues, a lot of them are on the more subtle side — and these tapered candles by Danica Design are certainly not that. Available in rich shades of poppy red, Mediterranean blue, and pumpkin orange, they’re the perfect accompaniment to the most vibrant veggie dishes on your menu. Clocking in at 9 inches tall, they’ll last for hours and look just as good placed in tall candlesticks as they do in short ceramic holders. They’re made from a blend of paraffin and beeswax and feature their saturated shades all the way through, instead of just dipped on the outside like some other designs. Translation: You won’t see white wax peeking through as you burn these. Height: 9 inches | Wax: Paraffin and beeswax | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Everyday Greentree Home Candle Everyday Taper Candle Design Within Reach View On Amazon $26 View On Greentreehomecandle.com If you’re in the habit of elevating the everyday, these Greentree Home candles are the perfect accompaniment to your next weeknight dinner. With a chunkier taper shape and plenty of better-than-neutral shades to choose from, these inexpensive flames are the ideal way to upgrade your next date night or Friday night takeout. Each hand-poured candle is made of 100% North American beeswax and made by hand in the Catskill mountains of New York, with a focus on sustainable practices and materials. The base of each taper candle is sized to fit most standard holders, and they are sold in pairs and at various heights (6 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches), making it easy to mix and match the sticks to score your ideal scene. Height: 6, 10, and 12 inches | Wax: Beeswax | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: Up to 10 hours Best Decorative Anthropologie Venetian Garden Taper Candles Anthropologie View On Anthropologie $22 Looking to ensure your dining room always feels fully dressed? Snag a set of these handpainted candles from Anthropologie and they’ll do the work for you. The bespoke pattern incorporates a palette of blues and purples — and a myriad of flora and fauna — to up the style quotient of your table whether it’s dressed to the nines or just awaiting its next hosting moment. Thanks to the handpainted nature of these candles, each one has its unique variations, so you’ll score a one-of-a-kind piece of art with each purchase. The candles are 12 inches tall, so you have the flexibility to pair them with tall candlesticks or low-slung holders. Keep in mind, once you begin burning this candle, the painted design will begin to disappear, so make sure you give them their moment in the spotlight before lighting that wick. Height: 12 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 10 hours per candle Best Flameless West Elm Wax-Dipped Moving Flame Taper Candles (Set of 2) West Elm View On West Elm $95 There are a few things live flames don’t pair well with — namely young kids, clumsy guests, or a mother-in-law with a penchant for flowy sleeves. If that’s the case, you may worry you’ll have to forgo the ambiance lent by tapered candles but — good news! —you don’t. These flameless candles from West Elm are as good as the real deal, and we’d bet even the most discerning dinner party guest won’t notice the difference. The key to their lifelike look is the wax-dipped body, which gives them the same finish and texture as an all-wax candle. The flame itself is also a good dupe, thanks to a gentle flicker and wave that makes it look like the real thing. Each candle takes an AA battery and has a power button so you can be ready to entertain with the flick of a switch.Height: 9.75 inches | Wax: Paraffin wax-dipped | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: Battery-powered Best Statement Dusen Dusen Taper Candles Area Ware View On Amazon $20 View On Areaware.com View On Burkedecor.com For a funky and fresh scene straight out of the trendiest eatery, look no further than these modern candlesticks. Designed by Areaware in collaboration with Dusen Dusen, a brand known for its eclectic and off-beat home goods, they feature a unique ribbed texture that varies slightly between candlesticks for the ultimate playful vibe. Each candle is made of paraffin wax and sized to an approachable 12 inches, which is a Goldilocks height — tall enough to make a statement, but not so tall that they’ll interrupt the flow of conversation (or food!) during dinner. Even better, they come in ‘80s-inspired funky-fresh shades, like electric blue and neon yellow, making them the perfect choice for hosts looking to be a little different. Height: 11.5 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 10 hours Best Dip-Dyed Anthropologie Dip Dye Taper Candles, Set of 2 Anthropologie View On Anthropologie $18 View On Shopterrain.com If your aesthetic skews more boho than floral and feminine, these dip candles will be the perfect accompaniment to your next bash. They feature a half dip of colored wax at the base of the candle, marrying classic white with a punchy hue for a playful twist on the traditional taper. As they burn, you’ll slowly work your way through the white wax at the top, ending up with just a colored candle by the end of use. It’s like getting two styles for the price of one. Made from paraffin wax, these hand-poured candles are 10 inches long and available in a variety of all-purpose colors, from grassy green and ocean blue to vibrant coral. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a game day potluck, you can find the perfect color combination for your design. Height: 10 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 10 hours per candle Best Beeswax Bluecorn Beeswax 100% Pure Beeswax Taper Candles Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Bluecorncandles.com Beeswax candles are made with no chemicals and no pollutants, making them a safe and environmentally friendly option for folks looking for a cleaner burn. They also produce very little smoke, since they aren’t oil-based like paraffin candles are — but that’s not even the best part of these Bluecorn Beeswax taper candles. That accolade goes to the diverse combinations available for this design, which makes it easy to find the perfect complement to your dining room or kitchen. These candles are available in four different heights and a selection of stunning shades including eggplant, rose, and raw beeswax. Additionally, if you plan on going through a lot of tapers, Bluecorn Candles offers a subscription service on their site, too. Height: 8, 10, 12, and 16 inches | Wax: Beeswax | Number in set: 2 | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Scented The Floral Society Bayberry Scented Taper Candles (Set of 4) Food52 View On Food52 $30 View On Thefloralsociety.com If you’ll be relying on your taper candles to add ambiance to cocktail parties or game nights, it’s okay to opt for a lightly scented flame. Like with any fragrance, you’ll want to stick to something light enough that it won’t bother any scent-sensitives. This bayberry taper candle from The Floral Society satisfies that ask (and more!), with a wintery, peppery fragrance. Suitably, these 9-inch tall candles are made in a subtle olive green that is just as beautiful for winter celebrations as it is for a summer dinner al fresco. But that’s not all: These candles may bring more than just charm and ambiance to your table. An age-old tradition states that “Bayberry candles burned to the socket, bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket.” Height: 9 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 4 | Estimated burn time: 1 hour per inch Best Unscented West Elm Unscented Wax Taper Candles (Set of 6) West Elm View On West Elm $16 When hosting a party with food as the focus, you want to avoid burning any heavily fragranced candles, which can interfere with the other delicious smells wafting through the air. To keep all the ambiance without any of the smell, seek out a set of unscented taper candles, like this collection from West Elm. Made from paraffin wax and available in two versatile neutral hues (white and ivory), these candlesticks are simple in the best way, adding ambiance without drawing too much attention to your table. Another thing to note? These candles are straight-sided, which means they’re devoid of the narrowing top seen in many taper candles. This gives them a slightly more modern appeal, allowing them to pair perfectly with a graphic candle holder or bold serveware. Height: 12 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 6 | Estimated burn time: 10 hours per candle Best Extra-Long Anthropologie Classic Taper Candles, Set of 4 Anthropologie View On Anthropologie $30 Another classic Anthropologie pick, these candles are 18 inches tall, with a gentle taper that’s elegant and timeless. When we say these taper candles are tall, we mean they’re tall — they’re likely better suited to styling up on a sideboard or mantel than a tabletop, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful. If you do want to add them to the tablescape for your upcoming dinner party, we recommend pairing them with low-profile candle holders, so as not to add extra height. Like other Anthropologie picks, these taper candles are available in a bunch of pretty colors, including a posh pink that would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day soireé. While these candles do drip a bit more than other options on our list, the wax can be easily chipped up and shouldn’t stain or permanently mark your favorite tablecloth. Height: 18 inches | Wax: Paraffin | Number in set: 4 | Estimated burn time: 11 hours per candle Factors to Consider Burn Time As you shop for taper candles, you’ll want to pay attention to several details in each product listing. Chief among them is their burn time. The phrase essentially refers to how long each candle will last and is often communicated either by a lump amount of time (say, 10 hours per candle) or by time-per-inch (say, 1 hour per inch of candle). These timeframes are just estimations and can also be dependent on how well you take care of your candles or what type of environment you burn them in. Wick Material Most quality candle wicks are made of braided cotton fibers, which will ensure an even and controlled burn. When shopping for taper candles, you’ll want to generally avoid any wicks that are twisted instead of braided, which can get a little untamed when burned and generally indicate a lower-quality candle. Quantity If you’re a frequent host, you’re going to want to have a good stockpile of candles at home to ensure you’re never without the ambiance that a taper candle can lend. All of the selections on our list come with at least two candles per purchase, with some offering as many as 12 tapers per set. As you’re shopping, make sure to read how many candles are included with your purchase — you generally want to team at least two tapers together on your table for a cohesive look. Placement For safety purposes, you should consider placement when designing with any open flame. Make sure to choose a candle holder that fits the taper securely, without any rocking or wobbling that can cause the candle to tumble out. You want to keep your candlesticks away from any drapery or loose fabric, including curtains or tablecloths. Finally, keep them out of reach of young children and never leave live flames unattended. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best wax for tapered candles? While taper candles come in a variety of different types of wax, the best varieties are either paraffin or beeswax. “We primarily use very high-grade paraffin wax for our taper candles,” says Steifman. “It burns clean, is smokeless, and dripless when not in a draft. Beyond that, it doesn’t emit toxins in the same way as a lower-grade paraffin wax would, and burns straight down with nothing left in the candle holder at the end.” Are some waxes better for the environment? Soy and beeswax are largely considered the best eco-friendly types of wax. When beeswax is sourced responsibly and sustainably, it’s considered a renewable resource and is both non-toxic and hypoallergenic. Soy is also eco-friendly, however, it is not stable enough for a taper or pillar candle and is typically only used in making vessel candles. How do you make a taper candle last longer? Proper care is key to keeping your taper candles in tip-top shape and ensuring they last and burn as long as possible. “For a clean, optimal burn, we recommend trimming candle wicks to no longer than 1/4 inch and using a snuffer when extinguishing a candle to avoid wax splatter and maintain the integrity of the wick,” suggests Steifman. You want to trim your wick before every use, making sure to remove any “bloom” on your wick before relighting it. How do I de-wax candleholders? With most paraffin and beeswax candles, it should be pretty easy to chip off any rouge drips or hardened wax from your candleholders. If you have a candleholder or candle stick that’s caked in wax, you can pour boiling water into the holder until the wax softens.Alternatively, you can stick the candleholder in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to shrink and dislodge from the surface. Anything that doesn’t come off on its own can be chipped away gently with a butter knife. What is the best way to store dinner candles? You’re going to want to treat tapered candles with a gentle hand to ensure their beauty for years to come. “We always recommend keeping the original box and wrapping for storage,” says Hunter. “This helps prevent the candles from breaking or getting squished.” Adds Steifman, “When storing candles, we recommend keeping taper candles in a drawer or cupboard, away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading and warping.” Our Expertise Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit