When looking for a candle that provides the most light, there are a few key factors to consider: the type of wax, the wick, and the size/shape of the candle. The wax and wick work together to fuel the flame, while the size and shape help project the light further. Let’s explore what makes some candles brighter than others.
Wax Type
The wax you choose affects how hot and bright the candle burns. Beeswax and soy wax melt at lower temperatures, meaning the flame doesn’t get as hot. Paraffin wax melts at a higher temperature, producing a hotter flame. Hotter flames release more energy and light. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, while beeswax comes from bees and soy wax comes from soybeans. Paraffin burns hotter and cleaner, making it a good choice for maximum brightness.
Wick Material
The wick draws wax up to the flame and controls the size of the flame. Cotton wicks are the most common, but you can also find wood, paper, and plastic wicks. Wood and paper tend to burn faster and hotter, but also produce more soot. Cotton wicks offer a balance of moderate heat while limiting excess smoke. You want a wick that is wide enough to fuel the flame, but not so wide that it creates a raging fire. The width should match the diameter of the candle so the wax can liquefy quickly.
Wick Style
In addition to material, the style of the wick affects light production. Flat braided wicks like square braids and HDD (high density duplex) wicks have a larger surface area, allowing more wax to travel up and create a brighter flame. Some wicks have cores that help maintain their shape, improving capillary action for wax delivery. Wicks that resist bending/drowning will burn stronger. Lastly, some wicks have special coatings to limit mushrooming at the tip.
Candle Size
Larger candles put out considerably more light. That’s because the flame size increases with a greater wax pool. The relationship is not exactly linear – doubling candle diameter more than doubles the light. Moving from a 4″ diameter pillar to a 6″ pillar increases light by 2.5x. The shape also matters. Pillars project light outward radially, while jars emit light upward. For maximizing brightness, big pillar candles are ideal.
Candle Shape
As mentioned above, pillars radiate light outwards in all directions. The rounded shape allows wax to pool evenly. Votives and jars emit light upwards, which can be useful for highlighted specific items or setting a mood. Tea lights are very small, producing minimal light – their advantage is in the cozy ambiance of many tiny flames. Floating candles also emit glow upwards and cast dancing reflections on water surfaces. Pyramid candles have a wide base that tapers up, giving a balanced radial and upward light.
Flame Size
When burning, the size of the flame strongly influences brightness. A large flame puts out dramatically more light than a tiny one. You can control flame height by trimming the wick. With a new candle, let it burn 1-2 hours then snip the carbonized tip. This will stabilize the flame for ideal luminosity without letting it get too large. Properly matching wick width to the candle diameter results in a flame with bright steady glow.
Candle Color
Light color impacts the ambiance, though it doesn’t affect total brightness. White and yellow flames give off warm, inviting light. Blues and greens create a cooler aquatic theme. Reds and oranges add energizing colors. The colors come from special dyes and materials – plain paraffin burns white/yellow. Colored candles set a desired tone while providing the same candle power.
Scented vs Unscented
Heavily scented candles tend to produce more soot due to the fragrance oils interfering with wax burning. This can result in a hazier flame and diminished brightness. Lightly scented or unscented wax will burn cleaner, creating less smoke to potentially obstruct the light. Be cautious of manufacturers making brightness claims on candles loaded with scents, as performance may suffer.
Additives
Some candle makers add supplements to their wax blends claiming enhanced performance. Common additives include beeswax for firmer texture and cleaner burn, stearic acid for increased melt point, and paraffin or microcrystalline wax to boost the candle power. As always, verify any marketing claims through independent testing or customer reviews. Reputable companies back up promises with real evidence.
Multiple Wicks
Using more than one wick can dial up candle power. The flames combine for added brightness, and multiple wicks avoid issues with overloading a single large wick. Just be sure to space them evenly so they don’t compete for wax pool space. This technique works best in wide pillar candles. Placing wicks too close risks uneven burning.
Proper Placement
Optimizing candle location boosts the usable light in your space. Set pillars/jars on tables or shelves at comfortable heights to radiate illumination right where you need it. Use raised candle holders to lift flame height. Candles create both a task light source and an ambient glow. Take advantage of both by thoughtful arrangement to light up your room.
Trimming the Wick
As previously mentioned, keeping the wick trimmed to 1⁄4” helps the candle burn at its brightest. Long wicks create more smoke and tall flames that quickly liquify wax. Your candle will shine its best right after the tip is trimmed. Doing this periodically also reduces excess soot.
Avoid Drafts
Shielding candles from drafts prevents flickering flames and uneven wax pool. Use glass hurricane lamps or placement in a corner away from vents and windows. Blocking air currents allows the hottest and most luminous burn. Be mindful of airflow in the room so the candle can provide steady lasting illumination.
Frequent Use
Leaving a candle unused for long stretches allows the wick and wax surface to become rigid. This wastes fuel as heat slowly transfers below to melt the wax. Candles that you burn often perform better, with soft wax and flexible wicks. The initial 5 minutes after lighting has dimmer light before pooling kicks in. Frequent use avoids this cool-start period.
Upper Room Position
Setting pillar candles on the floor results in much of the light getting blocked before reaching eye level. Placing jars/pillars on shelves and table tops at mid-room height casts the glow across more space. Light radiates outward and upward, so avoid bottom-level placements. Some recommend positioning candles 1/3 up from the floor for best illumination.
Room Reflectivity
The brightness of candlelight depends heavily on the surrounding environment. Light colors and mirrored/glossy surfaces reflect and amplify the light. Dark paints and fabrics absorb light. For maximum brightness from your candles, have plenty of light colors in the space. Strategically placed mirrors can also cast flickering flame reflections.
Regular Dusting
Dust diminishes candle light in two ways – by building up on candle holders to block light, and depositing on the wax pool to create a hazy effect. Keep your candles free of dust by regularly wiping holders and using candle snuffers between uses to preserve a clean wax surface. A little maintenance goes a long way to preserve optimal shine.
Glass Holders/Hurricanes
The right holder improves both safety and brightness. Glass vessels block drafts while allowing light to pass through. Choose clarity over color – frosted, smoked, or painted glass cuts down visibility. Crystal holders beautifully amplify and refract light. Glass also contains safely without risk of surrounding objects catching fire. Pick stable weighted holders so tip-over doesn’t snuff out your candle before it finishes.
Outdoor Use Caution
While beautiful for outdoor ambiance, take care when burning candles on porches, patios, and decks. Wind can quickly blow out candles, sending hot wax spreading dangerously. Consider using electric candle alternatives outdoors. If you do use real candles, shelter them from wind in glass globes or lanterns and watch them closely.
| Candle Type | Light Output |
|---|---|
| Tea Light | Low |
| Jar Candle | Medium |
| Votive | Medium |
| Pillar Candle | High |
Conclusion
Choosing the right candle design has a major impact on brightness. Opt for large pillar candles made from paraffin wax with braided cotton wicks to maximize light output. Use glass hurricanes and position candles up high to optimize illumination. Trim wicks regularly and keep dust and drafts away to achieve peak candle power for you space. With the right selection and care, candles can serve as an appealing primary light source.