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Whether you’re hosting an event or just want to decorate your house or party, floating candles are such a fun way to add flair.
You can place floating candles in vases filled with water or you can throw them in the bath, sink, or pool. Floating candles come in all shapes and sizes and to help you find the perfect options, we gathered all the information you need about them.
From rose-shaped candles to battery-operated candles that are flameless and waterproof, there are a bunch of great products for you to choose from. You will be sure to find a pick you like from the list of our favorite floating candles in 2024 below!
Top Floating Candles Models Reviewed
BOLSIUS Candles — Best Overall
Perfect for all different occasions, these floating candles are round-shaped and come in a pack of 40. The candles are super small and measure 1.75 inches, which makes them easy to use as decorations. The candles have 100% cotton wicks, are unscented, smokeless, made of paraffin wax, and burn for a long time. They can be placed in any body of water and they are small enough to fit into vases, plus, they burn for four-five hours.
Pros
- They’re smokeless
Cons
- They’re small
Royal Imports Candles — Runner Up
These candles are the ultimate pieces for decorating because they’re light, pretty and burn for a long time. The cotton wicks allow the candles to burn for a long time and give off a smoke-free burn. All of the candles are made in the USA and they give off a warm glow that burns for approximately eight hours. 24 candles come in a pack and they are packaged safely so that they don’t get ruined. You can get a six-pack, a 12-pack, 24-pack, 36-pack, or 72-pack.
Pros
- They’re made with cotton wicks
Cons
- The candles are thin
Biedermann & Sons Candles — Honorable Mention
If you’re sick of the same old round candles, then these floating candles are the right choice for you. They’re shaped like roses and they look pretty both lit and unlit. Included in the pack are 12 candles each 3.5″ in size. The candles burn for five hours and they don’t give off a lot of smoke while they burn a pretty amber color. They can easily be used for centerpieces at a wedding, around the house, or in the backyard.
Pros
- The candles are shaped like roses
Cons
- They only come in a pack of 12
Homemory Candles — Contender
Perfect for decorating inside the house, these candles are completely flameless, waterproof, and require batteries. You don’t have to worry about having a fire hazard thanks to these floating candles with fake wicks that give off a warm, amber glow. The candles are completely smoke-free and they require CR2032 batteries. Each tiny candle lasts up to 100 hours of light per battery. They’re available in two different colors – pale yellow and white.
Pros
- Flameless & waterproof
Cons
- The candles require batteries
Buying Guide: Floating Candles
Starting from a romantic date night to relaxing bath time, nothing can be as useful as floating candles for decoration. When placed on a water bath, in the pool, vase, or any other such place, they can create a majestic ambiance with their soft glow and remarkable sight. But to make the best out of these candles, you need to choose an appropriate product. To ensure that you don’t make a mistake or end up investing in a product that can’t meet your requirements, we have created a well-explained buying guide for you.
Why Floating Candles Are Better for Décor Than Freestanding Candles
Even though freestanding candles are more popular, floating candles are suitable for decoration purposes. In the below section, we have compared both these types of products so that you can easily decide which one to choose.
- Floating candles are small as compared to freestanding candles. Therefore, they will look much better in any décor setting.
- You can easily heighten a party, wedding event, or simply your bath experience with floating candles. On the other hand, freestanding candles won’t be able to create the same charming and majestic look.
- Floating candles are easy-to-use as most of them don’t form drips. But, regular candles do, thereby creating a mess.
- You don’t need anything special to use floating candles. On the other hand, for decorating with freestanding candles, you either need an empty tabletop or candle stands.
What Key Factors Should You Consider to Buy the Right Floating Candles?
Number of candles
As floating candles come in bulk quantities, you have to check the counter per pack so that you have enough pieces to complete the decoration. For example, if you simply want to decorate a large water bowl or vase, it’s better to go for a pack having 10 to 12 candles. But for decorating a large pool, bathtub, multiple water vases, and so on, you will need at least twenty candles. Therefore, choose a pack of 24 or 40 units so that you won’t fall short of floating candles.
Shape/design
Just like the number of units differs from one product to another, these floating candles come in various shapes or designs. You must choose a pack based on the purpose and décor style. For example, if you want to arrange a romantic ambiance, rose-shaped candles are best. On the contrary, the small, pebble-shaped products will help you decorate a small, formal event. If you want to use floating candles for decorating the pool, bathtub, or the water bath in your living room, go for a pack that has a classic design.
Size
Floating candles come in different sizes so that you can use them in the best possible way for decorating any water arrangement. For example, the larger candles will be best for decorating a small area like a water vase or a spa bathtub while the smaller units are perfect for pools, large baths, and so on. Apart from this, the number of units to be used will also depend on the candle’s size. For example, if you want to decorate a regular water vase centerpiece, you will need about three large-sized candles or six smaller units.
Material
Real floating candles are usually made from unscented wax with cotton wicks mainly. On the other hand, flameless or battery-operated candles are made from a plastic body with a LED light shaped in the form of flame. If you want to use the candles for a short time, go for a product made from wax as you won’t have to deal with molten wax. But for a longer time, it’s better to go with plastic candles since they won’t cause any drip, no matter whether you want to use them for a couple of hours or the entire evening.
Performance
When it comes to judging the floating candles based on performance, you have to consider a lot of subfactors. For instance, you must go for a product having a longer burn time so that you don’t have to light the candles frequently. Similarly, for keeping the air clean, use candles that won’t release any smoke, no matter whether they are made from a real wick or LED light. If you have chosen battery-operated candles, make sure to go for a pack that can glow brilliantly and won’t run out of charge easily.
How Much Do Floating Candles Cost?
Floating candles usually cost between $21.98 to $29.99 based on a myriad of factors. In the below section, we have explained a few reasons that will clarify your doubts about the varying price of these products.
- A pack with large-sized candles will cost more than the one with small units, regardless of the count.
- LED candles usually cost more than the normal ones because they are battery-operated.
- If the candles are made from clear wax and have a longer burn time, their price will be higher as compared to other packs.
Where and How Can You Use Floating Candles for Decoration?
When chosen correctly, you can use floating candles in a number of ways. Yet if you are confused, we hope the below-mentioned tips can prove to be useful.
- You can use floating candles to decorate a bowl-shaped water vase and place it on the center table in your living room.
- If you want to relax a bit, use the battery-operated, waterproof candles to create a calming ambiance in the bathtub.
- You can also use the candles at your spa, massage parlor, or aromatherapy chamber.
- Floating candles will form an amazing décor for occasions like weddings, birthdays, family get-togethers, and so on.
