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What Are Votive Candles?

Nothing sets the mood for tranquility and relaxation like a stunning candle arrangement. But with countless options in the candle market, finding the perfect product and candle type for your space can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in to guide you! Explore the charm and versatility of votive candles to create your ideal ambiance.




What is a Votive Candle?

Votive candles are small, versatile candles that add charm to any space, whether at home or in the office. Unlike tea light candles, which come in self-contained cups, votive candles are typically sold independently and require a votive container for safe use. However, some votive candles come pre-poured into reusable containers, making them both practical and stylish.

Votive candles are usually at least one inch tall, offering longer burn times compared to shorter tea lights. Both candles share a similar diameter of 1.5 to 1.75 inches, allowing you to interchange them in the same holder. With their larger size and customizable container options, votive candles are a great way to enjoy extended burn times and your favorite candle scents.


Do I Need a Tea Light or a Votive Candle?

When choosing between tea light candles and votive candles, consider three main factors: burn time, cleanup, and cost.


Tea lights are smaller and burn for up to four hours, making them ideal for short-term uses such as yoga classes, religious services, or ceremonies. On the other hand, votive candles are taller and offer a longer burn time, perfect for longer events like weddings, receptions, meetings, or romantic dinners.


Cleanup is another factor to consider. Tea lights come in self-contained metal or plastic containers, making them easy to replace once they’ve burned out. Votives, however, melt into the container, requiring a bit more effort to clean out the remaining wax before replacing them.


Cost is also important to keep in mind. Tea lights are typically more affordable and great for bulk orders, which is why clients like spas or religious institutions often choose them for large events. Votive candles, while more expensive, last much longer and are better suited for occasions where you need candles to burn for extended periods.

Ultimately, the choice between tea lights and votive candles depends on your specific needs and the type of event. For short-term, cost-effective options, go for tea lights. For longer-lasting, elegant candles, votives are the way to go.


For a wide selection of candles for any occasion, visit Sparta Candles Company today!


Votive Candles and Ambiance with Sparta Candles Company

Candles are an effortless and affordable way to create a warm, inviting ambiance in any room, and votives are the perfect choice for versatility. Their compact size makes it easy to change the look, scent, or atmosphere of a room in an instant.


Votives are loved for their timeless appeal. Light a few on a coffee table to add a touch of charm, or fill a room with an assortment of votive sizes, colors, and scents for a tranquil, relaxing experience.


Whether you're enhancing your bathroom, living room, or breakroom, Sparta Candles Company votive candles bring a sense of elegance and calm to any space.


Choosing a Candle Wax Refill

Candle wax refills come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and scents to suit any space.

Typically, a candle wax refill fits perfectly in standard jars, with options available for different container sizes. However, sizes and shapes can vary depending on the brand and refill type.

Choosing the right candle wax refill for your home depends on your personal preference, décor style, and desired ambiance. Some people prefer a single refill to create a subtle fragrance or a simple, elegant touch. Others may opt for multiple refills to enhance a special occasion or create a more dramatic atmosphere. Candle wax refills are the ideal choice for any setting, as they allow you to easily transform the look and feel of your space by switching out fragrances or containers.


Candle Warmers and Containers

Candle warmers are incredibly versatile, complementing nearly any décor and fitting into any space. Whether your room is small or large, warmers can enhance the ambiance and add a touch of elegance.


Many candle warmers come separate from a container, so to avoid wax spills, it's essential to choose a suitable holder. You can find candle holders at home goods stores, craft markets, or even make your own. The possibilities are endless, and you can continue using the same warmers even as you change the look of your home.


Alternatively, pre-poured candle warmers come in glass containers, ready to use and enjoy right away.


Scented and Unscented Votives

Some individuals are highly sensitive to scents and may prefer unscented candles. On the other hand, others enjoy using candles to incorporate aromatherapy into their home or business, or simply to freshen up their space with lightly-Scented Candles votives.


When selecting a fragrance for your votive, it largely comes down to personal preference. However, it's important to note that some manufacturers use artificially-derived scents in their products. At Sparta Candles, we opt to scent our candles with 100% natural, plant-based essential oils such as soothing lavender, uplifting lemon verbena, and refreshing eucalyptus citrus.


Unscented candles are the perfect choice for those purchasing large quantities of votives. A surplus of scented votives in a small space can overwhelm the senses, particularly for those who are sensitive to fragrance. Restaurants or other businesses where taste and smell are crucial may prefer unscented candles to avoid interfering with their customers' overall experience.




Where to Use Votive Candles with a Candle Warmer Canada

Votive candles are widely used in various settings around the world, from private homes and businesses to restaurants, religious establishments, and self-care facilities. Their versatility makes them ideal for endless applications.


For example, you can enhance a family dinner by placing votives as a centerpiece, or use lavender-scented votives in your day spa or yoga studio to promote relaxation. In restaurants, unscented votives create a romantic ambiance. Whether you use one or many, votives will surely add charm to any space.


Votives also play a significant role in religious services, offering a long-lasting alternative to tea lights in some establishments. Many faith traditions use candles in sacred rituals or as symbolic gestures. When selecting candles for religious practices, it’s important to consider the quality and content of the wax.


For those in Canada, a candle warmer provides a safe, efficient way to enjoy your votives without the worry of an open flame.


Why the Wax Matters

With so many options available in the candle market, does it really matter which company you choose for your 12oz jar candle?


The short answer is yes, and here’s why. Many candle companies use paraffin wax in their votive candles, but studies have shown that burning paraffin candles in your home can be harmful to your health. When researchers compared paraffin candles to natural wax candles, they found that paraffin emitted harmful chemicals such as alkanes, alkenes, and toluene, all of which can be dangerous to humans. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of health issues like cancer, asthma, and allergies.


The root cause of these harmful emissions is the wax itself. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, the same substance used to make gasoline. If you've ever noticed a black soot buildup on your ceiling after burning a candle, it was likely made from paraffin wax. The chemicals responsible for this soot also end up in your lungs, posing further risks.

While paraffin candles are affordable, many consumers are unaware of the long-term dangers these products can pose. Opting for natural wax alternatives in your 12oz jar candle can help you enjoy a safer, cleaner burning experience.


Plant-Based Candles

As more people learn about the risks of paraffin wax, manufacturers are turning to safer alternatives. Beeswax, soy, and palm wax candles are becoming increasingly popular.

At Sparta Candles, we believe in crafting candles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and healthy for our customers. That's why our 12oz jar candles are made with all-natural palm wax, responsibly sourced from Southeast Asia. Palm wax is completely safe and free of chemicals or additives.


Derived from the oil palm tree, palm wax is an incredibly renewable resource. This plant produces up to ten times more oil than any other oil-producing crop, making it a highly sustainable choice for our 12oz jar candles.


However, we acknowledge that every natural resource has its challenges, and palm oil is no exception. The increasing demand has led to deforestation in Southeast Asia, which threatens the rainforests that are home to essential wildlife, such as the Orangutan.


At Sparta Candles, we understand our responsibility to protect the planet’s valuable resources. We are committed to supporting sustainable farming practices, conservation efforts, and social responsibility in the production of our products.


Promoting Sustainability

Our paraffin-free, non-GMO, 100% plant-based votives support sustainable suppliers. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact by utilizing all-natural materials, including palm oil for the wax, essential oils, and cotton wicks. Every aspect of our products is designed with eco-consciousness at the forefront.


GoodLight is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a recognition of our dedication to supporting sustainable palm oil farmers. These farmers focus on renewable energy, wildlife conservation, positive social impact, and responsible farming practices.

We also collaborate with the Orangutan Land Trust, an organization devoted to preserving the natural habitats of Orangutans in Southeast Asia. Irresponsible palm oil farming practices have put the Orangutan's habitat at risk. The OLT works with local leaders to protect these remarkable creatures through initiatives that safeguard both wild and captive Orangutans. Every year, GoodLight donates 1% of our annual sales to the Orangutan Land Trust.

Additionally, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We partner with Carbonfund.org to offset our environmental impact by planting trees, creating recyclable and compostable products, and minimizing carbon emissions in our shipping process.


Health-Conscious Votive Candles

At Sparta Candles, we believe your votive candles should not only promote a healthy planet but also a healthy environment for your home or office. Unlike many manufacturers who use toxic paraffin wax, chemical additives, and metal-trimmed wicks, we are committed to providing all-natural, chemical-free products.


Our scented votives are free of artificial fragrances—every scent is derived from pure essential oils. Additionally, each candle features a cotton wick, free from harmful dyes and additives.

We strongly believe that chemicals have no place in your home, office, or place of worship.




When Your Votive Stops Burning

Votive candles typically burn longer than tea lights, but eventually, the flame will burn out. Since votives are placed in holders or containers, you'll need to clean out the melted wax before replacing your votive.


To safely remove the wax, heat your oven to its lowest setting. Place the container on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for about 10 minutes. Use oven mitts to remove the container and wipe away any remaining wax with a paper towel.


You can compost the leftover wax through an industrial or municipal composting program. At Sparta Candles, we’re committed to sustainability, ensuring that nearly every part of our votive candles can be reused, recycled, or composted.


Simply replace the melted candle with a fresh votive and continue enjoying the warm glow.

To learn more about our votive candles, our products, and our dedication to environmental sustainability, visit our website at SpartaCandles.


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