Different Types of Candles: Wax, Sizes & Styles

A Candle for Every Occasion

Looking to set the perfect mood with fragrance and ambiance? At Yankee Candle®, choosing the right candle goes beyond just picking a scent. With an extensive variety of candle types, fragrance families, sizes, and decorative styles, we make it easy to discover a candle that suits every mood, room, and occasion. Whether you're setting a cozy mood for movie night, dressing up your dinner table, or refreshing a space with your favorite aroma, Yankee Candle® has something just for you.

Exploring Different Candle Types:

Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to selecting the perfect candle, understanding the different candle types is key. Each type offers its own benefits—from burn time and scent throw to decorative appeal and environmental impact. Let's take a closer look at the various types of candles and what makes each one special.

Types of Candle Wax:

Features, Benefits & Uses

One of the most important choices when buying a candle is the type of wax. At Yankee Candle®, we use only premium-quality waxes—each selected to enhance fragrance diffusion, burning performance, and more.Whether you're passionate about smooth-burning candles or you want something that delivers maximum scent strength, there's a wax that fits your lifestyle.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a favorite among environmentally conscious candle lovers. Made from soybean oil, this wax delivers a smooth burn with minimal soot. Its ability to hold Internal fragrance makes it a standout choice. Soy wax is included in the premium plant wax blend of our Tumbler Candles.

Benefits of Soy Wax Candles:

Always use caution when using your candles. Below are simple candle safety guidelines for all candles regardless of style or size.

• Plant-based
• Less smoke and residue compared to paraffin wax
• Offers consistent and long-lasting fragrance
• Low soot compared to paraffin wax
• Found in many modern-style candle lines

Perfect for: Eco-conscious shoppers and those who prioritize clean air and sustainability

Beeswax

Harvested naturally from bees, beeswax is prized for its purity and gentle, natural scent. These candles emit a subtle honey aroma and give off a golden glow that's both warm and comforting. Beeswax is also hypoallergenic, making it a wonderful option for homes with sensitivities.

Benefits of Beeswax Candles:

• All-natural and nontoxic
• Long burn time with minimal smoke
• Naturally aromatic with a light honey scent
• Emits negative ions that may help purify the air
• Hypoallergenic and allergy-friendly

Perfect for: Those who appreciate a natural ambiance and want a luxurious, clean-burning candle

Paraffin Wax Candles

As one of the most widely used candle waxes, paraffin wax is known for its excellent scent throw, vibrant colors, and affordability.

Benefits of Paraffin Wax Candles:

• Excellent for strong and bold scent diffusion
• Burns evenly with vibrant colors
• Cost-effective and versatile
• Long-lasting performance
• Available in a wide range of styles and formats

Perfect for: Candle enthusiasts who want powerful fragrance and decorative variety at a great value

Soy-Paraffin Wax Blends

Why choose between smooth-burning and strong scent? Soy-paraffin blends offer the best of both worlds. These blends are formulated for smooth, even burns and exceptional fragrance performance.

Benefits of Blended Wax Candles:

• Combines the smooth burning of soy with the scent strength of paraffin
• Balanced performance and fragrance throw
• Lower soot output than pure paraffin
• Ideal for high-performance candles

Perfect for: Anyone who wants a combination of a smooth burn and powerful fragrance diffusion

Different Candle Types:

Sizes, Formats & Functions

The size, shape, and format of a candle do more than influence how it looks — they define how it burns, how long it lasts, and how it transforms your space.At Yankee Candle®, we offer a wide variety of candle types to suit every room, occasion, and personal preference.

Whether you're discovering candles for the first time or you're a seasoned scent lover curating your collection, understanding the differences between formats can elevate your experience. From long-burning jars ideal for cozy evenings to quick-burst votives perfect for scent layering, each type offers its own unique benefits.

Tea Light Candles

Small but impactful, Tea Lights are versatile and charming. Perfect for special events, romantic dinners, or relaxing baths, they work beautifully in groups and inside decorative holders.

Why Choose Tea Light Candles:

• Burn time: 3 - 5 hours
• Compact and portable
• Affordable and easy to layer throughout your space

Perfect for: Creating ambiance in smaller spaces, holiday decorations, or accent lighting

Large Tumbler Candles

Known for their clean lines and freestanding versatility, Large Tumbler Candles make a bold style statement. Their long burn times and elegant appearance make them perfect for decorative arrangements.

Why Choose Tumbler Candles:

• Burn time: Up to 80 hours
• Ideal for centerpieces and mantel displays
• Available in various heights and diameters
• Freestanding and includes a lid to keep the wax clean of debris and dust when not in use

Perfect for: Formal gatherings, home décor, and long-lasting fragrance

Yankee Candle® Minis

Curious about trying a new scent? Our Minis are stylish and perfect for experimenting without commitment. They also make charming gifts and allow you to layer scents across rooms.

Why Choose Minis:

• Burn time: Up to 10 hours
• Small size for fragrance testing or gifting
• Stylish packaging on Minis adds a decorative touch

Perfect for: First-time buyers, gift-givers, and anyone who wants to explore multiple fragrances

Large Jar & 3-Wick Candles

When you want maximum impact,Large Jar Candles and3-wick candle styles deliver both aesthetics and performance. Designed for open floor plans or larger rooms, these candles fill your space with long-lasting fragrance and a radiant glow.

Why Choose Large & 3-Wick Candles:

• Burn time: 110–150 hours (Original Large Jar Candles)
• Burn time: 25-40 hours (3-Wick Candles)
• Three wicks allow for even melting and enhanced scent throw
• Perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and open-concept homes
• Decorative jars that can be repurposed after use

Perfect for: Making a statement and scenting large spaces with ease

Candle Safety Tips: Burn Smart, Burn Safe

Candles add warmth and charm to any setting, but safety always comes first. Here are essential tips for a safe and enjoyable candle-burning experience:

• Remove all packaging before lighting
• Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces
• Keep away from children, pets, and flammable objects
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn
• Avoid drafts and air vents
• Keep wax pool free from debris like matches and wick trimmings
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Store lighters and matches safely
• Discontinue use when ½" of wax remains

How to Choose the Right Candle Type for You

Still unsure which candle is best for your needs? Here are some helpful tips for choosing based on your space and goals:

Common Candle Q&A’s

Which candle type is best for fragrance?

If you're looking for strong, room-filling fragrance, consider our Large Jar Candles,3-wick candle stylesor candles made with paraffin wax or soy-paraffin blends.These candle types are formulated for maximum scent throw and work well in larger rooms or open-concept spaces.

How do I know which candle type is right for my space?

It depends on the size of your space and the atmosphere you want to create.

• Small spaces (like bathrooms or offices) : Tea Light Candles or Yankee Candle® Minis
• Medium spaces (like bedrooms or kitchens) : Small or Large Tumbler Candles
• Large spaces (like living rooms or open layouts): Large Jar Candles or 3-Wick Candles

Consider your décor style too—decorative glass jars add flair while tumblers offer a timeless, elegant look.

Are there candle types best for gifting?

Yes! Yankee Candle® Minis, fragrance flights, and curated gift sets are perfect for gifting. They allow the recipient to try new fragrances and come in beautiful packaging that makes a great impression. If you're unsure which scent to pick, a gift card is always a great option.

Shop All Yankee Candle® Types Today

From timeless classics like our Original Jar Candles to the stylish simplicity of our Yankee Candle® Minis, we offer a wide range of candle types to suit every personality and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of home fragrance, our thoughtfully crafted candles are here to help you celebrate life’s special moments, big and small.

Ready to explore all the different candle types we offer?

Browse our entire candle collection and discover the perfect candle to elevate your everyday moments—one scent, one flame, one room at a time.