The Difference Between Taper & Pillar Candles

Candles have been used for centuries to provide light, warmth and ambiance in various settings including hospitality venues such as hotels, restaurants, and spas. With the plethora of candle options available in the market today, it can be difficult to determine which is the right one for your business. In this short article, we will explore the difference between taper and pillar candles, and how to use each in hospitality venues to create the perfect atmosphere.

Taper candles are long and narrow, and as the name suggests, tapered from the base to the top. They are designed to fit into candle holders and should not be used as standalone decorations because they have no support. Most commonly used in formal settings, such as a candlelit dinner or a wedding ceremony, the tall, slim shape of taper candles creates a sophisticated and elegant look, with the soft glow they produce being perfect for intimate dining and socialising such as Valentine’s Day.

Pillar candles, on the other hand, are wider and shorter than taper candles, and have a more substantial and robust look. They are self-standing and do not require a holder, making them a versatile choice for any venue. Pillar candles can be used in a variety of ways, from creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in a hotel lobby or lounge, to providing a cosy ambience in a restaurant or spa. Their size and weight make them an excellent choice for centrepieces, especially when they’re paired with a decorative candle holder, helping to bring the complete table look together.

When selecting candles for your business, it’s important to consider the size and style of the candles, as well as the colour and scent, Different colours evoke different moods and emotions. For example, brown is an earthy colour that helps guest relax and feel comfortable, whilst yellow is seen as vibrant and exciting making it a poor choice for a relaxed environment. Similarly selecting an overpowering scent will distract from your food offering which is why the majority of HORECA businesses tend to opt for unscented candles, giving them the perfect ambience with the focus remaining on the food.

In conclusion, taper and pillar candles each have their own unique benefits, and when used correctly, can greatly enhance the overall dining experience for your guests.

It's simple to create a unique table-setting to inspire your customers, by matching your candles to your napkins, cutlery pockets, table covers and more. All our premium candles are RAL certified. The strict RAL certification process guarantees that our candles burn cleanly, contain no hazardous materials, are safe and reliable and retain their shape. Globally recognised, some of our candles have also achieved Swan Nordic Ecolabel certification. The Swan Nordic Ecolabel identifies the best products on the market from an environmental perspective.