Collection: the best pillar candles come with a clean conscience

The best pillar candles are paraffin-free and made from natural plant-based wax like palm wax or beeswax. GoodLight offers four different sizes of white unscented pillars and the burn times range from 20 hours to 60 hours. To determine the best pillar candle for your needs, first ask yourself what your intended use is and for how long you plan to burn the pillars each time. Keep in mind that the rule of thumb is to burn the pillar for an hour per inch in diameter. So our 3” x 3” pillar should be burned in 3 hour intervals. This will help you avoid tunneling and side wall blowouts.

Pillar candles are free standing, cylindrical shaped candles that burn for extended periods of time. They are designed with a firm outer layer that contains the melted wax, therefore no holder is necessary, although we recommend burning them on a pillar base, small plate, or tray to catch any possible drips that may occur. Once lit, the wax will melt out towards the sidewall of the pillar creating a beautiful soft glow through the sides. If burned properly, the pillar will melt and reduce in height, although the side walls could maintain the original height. Pillar candles are beautiful for home decor and creating a warm atmosphere. They are ideal for weddings and events.

Pillars are designed with a firm outer layer that contains the melted wax, therefore no holder is necessary. However, we recommend using a pillar base, small plate, or tray to catch any possible drips that may occur while burning the candle. If the pillars are going to be in a high traffic area or placed in a draft or breeze, we would suggest placing the pillar candle in a clear glass hurricane style vase.

Tunnelling is when you end up with a narrow and deep hole in the center of your pillar candle. This occurs when you do not burn the pillar for enough time to allow the melted wax to reach the sides of the pillar. Keep in mind that the rule of thumb is to burn the pillar for an hour per inch in diameter. For example, our 3” x 3” pillar should be burned in 3 hour intervals.

The life of a pillar candle depends on the size of the pillar, how often you light it, and for how long it burns for each session. GoodLight offers four different sizes of pillar candles and the burn times range from 20 hours to 60 hours. Based on the rule of thumb mentioned above, the 3” x 6” pillar that burns for up to 60 hours will yield 20 individual sessions of 3 hours each. If it’s an everyday candle, that pillar could last for two weeks or even less. If it’s a special occasion candle that you don’t light frequently, the pillar could last all year. It’s up to you!