A stylish display of colourful candles in different vessels. Sourced from CBC, photography by Micahel Kai Young.

Choosing the Perfect Vessel for Your Candle Creations

6 mins read

When it comes to making candles, the container you choose is pretty key. It's not just a place to pour your wax—it's part of the whole vibe. For those of you running a candle business, picking the right jar is a big deal. It's about giving your candles that extra something that catches the eye and sets the mood.

If you're thinking about what's next for your product line, let's chat about glass jars for candle making. They're a classic choice for a reason. In this guide, we're going to explore why glass jars are such a hit for this craft, and how they can really make your candles stand out. 

After all, it's those little details that turn a regular candle into something special. 

What to look out for when choosing a candle vessel

Picking the right vessel for your candles is like choosing the perfect outfit for a night out. It's got to look good, feel right and make a statement. Whether you're a candle-making newbie or a pro, these factors are key in deciding which vessel will take your candles from ‘meh’ to ‘wow’.

Size

Size is all about the role your candle's gonna play. Is it a cameo appearance on a cosy dinner table or the main event in a living room? Smaller sizes are great for a subtle touch, while larger ones are there to make a statement and last through those never-ending stories. 

If we’re getting technical, here are the average candle sizes for you to consider when choosing a vessel:

Candle Type

Size (Height x Diameter)

Approx. Weight

Tea Light

2 x 4 cm

14 grams

Votive

6.5 x 5 cm

57 grams

Small Jar/Tin

5 x 6.5 cm

113 grams

Medium Jar/Tin

7.5 x 7.5 cm

227 grams

Large Jar/Tin

10 x 9 cm

454 grams

Pillar

15 x 8cm

900 grams


Diameter

Speaking of size: Diameter’s a bit like the secret sauce of your candle, it determines the size wick you’ll need and sets the stage for good or bad things to come. Too big a wick, and it might burn out too fast, leaving a wax wasteland. Too small a wick and you've got a tunnel to nowhere. You've got to hit that sweet spot where the wick and wax live in harmony for that perfect glow.

Lids

Lids are the cherry on top. They keep your candle clean and snazzy, and they hold in all those fantastic scents for the grand reveal. Plus, they add that extra touch of style—from rustic wood to sleek metal, lids can really dress up your candle.

Thickness

The thickness of your vessel is like its armour. Too thin, and it might surrender to the heat. You want something that can stand the heat of the battle, keeping the flame burning bright and safe. With that in mind, always opt for high-quality vessels made from strong materials like glass that have been specifically designed for candle making. 

Cost

And then there's cost. It's a balancing act—finding that perfect vessel that looks a million dollars but doesn’t eat into your profits. Whether you're aiming for luxe or budget-friendly, your vessel's cost plays a big role in how your candle's priced and who's going to take it home.

Choosing the right vessel is about blending all these elements into a perfect harmony that speaks to your brand and your candle's character. It’s those little details that can turn your candle into the star of the show. 

Material

Think of the material like the personality of your candle. Glass is like that classy friend who's always put together. Ceramic gives off artisan vibes, perfect for those who love a bit of uniqueness. Tin? It's your laid-back, go-anywhere buddy. And concrete, well, it's the cool, edgy one in the group. Your choice sets the stage for how your candle fits into life’s various scenes. Keep reading to discover more about materials.

Now, let’s explore some of the options in more detail. 

Glass jars for candle making

A trio of glass jars for candle making in various sizes.

Glass jars for making candles are like the little black dress of the craft world—they just never go out of style. They're the popular choice for a bunch of good reasons. Firstly, their transparency lets your candle's true colours shine through, making them a top pick for showing off those fancy layers or vibrant hues. 

They're super versatile, too, easily fitting into any décor theme from ultra-modern to rustic. Plus, they're kind to Mother Earth, being recyclable and reusable. And let’s not forget, they're safe and sturdy, keeping that candle burn nice and cosy. 

In the candle biz, glass jars are the reliable all-rounder you can always count on. A bonus benefit is that your crucial candle labels will stick seamlessly to glass, for that smooth, polished look. 

The benefits at a glance:

  • Transparent: Colours and textures can shine through
  • Versatile: They fit anywhere, from trendy to traditional settings
  • Eco-friendly: Easy to recycle or repurpose
  • Safe: They’re heat-resistant and built to last 
  • Personalisation: They can be branded or decorated in countless ways

Tin containers for candle making

<span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A small artisanal candle, hand-poured into a tin container from </span><a href="https://www.sandersonsdeptstore.co.uk/home-c26/candles-c71/the-sheffield-candle-co-sheffield-spice-small-p45186" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://www.sandersonsdeptstore.co.uk/home-c26/candles-c71/the-sheffield-candle-co-sheffield-spice-small-p45186"><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Sandersons Boutique Store</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>

When it comes to candle making, tin containers are the casual, quirky cousin to glass jars. They've got a vibe that's all their own, bringing a touch of industrial chic to the table. Tin containers are perfect for those looking to add a bit of edge to their candle line-up.

They're super lightweight, which makes them a breeze to transport or ship—a big plus if you’re sending your creations far and wide. Tin is also great at keeping scents locked in, so when your customers pop open that lid, they’re in for a real treat. And the best part? Tin containers give your candles a sort of laid-back luxury, like a perfectly worn-in leather jacket. They’re cool without even trying.

The benefits at a glance:

  • Lightweight: Easy to handle and cheaper to ship
  • Scent retention: Keeps those fabulous fragrances intact
  • Laid-back style: Adds an effortlessly cool vibe to your candles
  • Durable: Resistant to damage, making them travel-friendly
  • Customisable: Can be painted or printed for unique branding

Ceramic vessels for candle making

<span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A ceramic candle vessel, decorated with bees and flowers from </span><a href="https://lornasyson.co.uk/product/british-hedgerow-ceramic-candle/" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://lornasyson.co.uk/product/british-hedgerow-ceramic-candle/"><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Lorna Syson</span></a>

Ceramic vessels are like that one piece of statement jewellery that instantly elevates any outfit. They bring an air of artisan elegance to your candles, perfect for those looking to add a touch of luxury and uniqueness. Each ceramic vessel can be a little piece of art, making the candle inside feel even more special.

These vessels are fantastic at holding in heat, which means they help your candles burn evenly and beautifully. Plus, their weighty, substantial feel gives a sense of quality and permanence. Ceramic vessels are for those candles that don't just want to be burned; they want to be displayed and admired.

The benefits at a glance:

  • Artistic flair: Each vessel can be a unique work of art
  • Heat retention: Great for an even, consistent burn
  • Luxurious feel: Adds a premium touch to your candles
  • Durable: Resistant to heat and long-lasting
  • Versatile design: Wide range of glazes and finishes for customization

Concrete vessels for candle making

<span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A trendy concrete candle painted in pastel colours from the </span><a href="https://theconcretecandleco.com.au/products/candy-christmas-candle-2" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://theconcretecandleco.com.au/products/candy-christmas-candle-2"><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Concrete Candle Co.</span></a>

Concrete containers for candle making are like the trendy loft apartment of the candle world—they bring an urban, modern edge to any space. These containers are all about making a statement with their minimalist, industrial look. Perfect for those who love a contemporary vibe, concrete containers add a cool, architectural element to your candles.

What’s great about concrete is its sturdiness and heat resistance, making it a practical choice for candle vessels. Plus, its unique texture offers an interesting contrast to the soft glow of a candle, creating a striking visual appeal. Concrete containers are like the strong, silent type—they're understated yet impactful.

The benefits at a glance:

  • Modern aesthetic: Offers a sleek, contemporary look
  • Robust and durable: Great for a long-lasting candle container
  • Textural contrast: Adds visual interest to your candle design
  • Heat resistant: Ideal for safe and steady burning
  • Customizable surface: Can be painted or left raw for a natural look

Choosing your candle’s perfect home

As we wrap up our review of candle vessel materials, it's clear that each option brings its own unique charm and character to your candles. Whether it's the industrial chic of concrete, the artisan elegance of ceramic or the laid-back cool of tin, the choice of material can transform the entire candle experience.

However, when it comes down to versatility, eco-friendliness and sheer aesthetic appeal, it's hard to beat glass jars. They're like the chameleon of the candle world, seamlessly adapting to any style or setting. Glass jars not only let the beauty of your candle shine through but also offer endless possibilities for customisation. They’re the perfect blank canvas for your creativity, whether you’re aiming for simple elegance or something more elaborate, so make sure they’re in your candle supplies kit!

So, as you ponder which vessels to choose for your next candle creation, remember that glass jars might just be the all-rounder you need to make your candles truly stand out. 


1 Response

NI Candle Supplies LTD
Sonya tanti

Hi i am looking for pure bees wax
Do you have anything in stock?
Thanks
Sonya
———
NI Candle Supplies LTD replied:
Thanks for your comment Sonya, unfortunately we do not offer pure beeswax in our range; sorry. 


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