Do you wanna know how to keep taper candles upright?
To keep them from falling over?
Isn’t it frustrating that there isn’t a standard width for taper candles or candle holders!
There isn’t a guarantee that the candle will fit snuggly in your candle holder.
Annoying!!
I’ve seen all sorts of suggestions online, so I decided to put them to the test and see which ones actually work best.
The Problem
Often, taper candles don’t perfectly fit their holders.
The base of the candle might be too thin for the holder, or the opening for the candle, too big, causing it to wobble.
This is not only a safety hazard (the candle falling over and dripping wax!) but it’s also ugly.
Testing the Best Way to Secure Taper Candles
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. I may get commissions (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links. You can read my full disclosure for more details.
For this experiment, I’m using the same short taper candles with a standard base size.
1. Cling Wrap/Saran Wrap
This suggestion seems logical – the clear wrap should be discreet inside the holder.
I took a piece of cling wrap and wrapped it around the base of the candle, and then placed it inside the candle holder.
The candle still wobbled.
Conclusion: Not a fan!
2. Aluminum Foil
Next up, aluminum foil.
I attempted two methods – wrapping around the base and creating a strip around the candle. Unfortunately, neither approach offered the stability needed to keep my taper candles upright.
The foil was easily dislodged and might be visible in some holders.
Conclusion: Nope.
3. Rubber Bands
This is an interesting idea!
I used a single rubber band, wrapped it around the base of the candle, and then doubled it up for extra security, then placed it inside the candle holder.
The tightness of the rubber band created some resistance when placing the candle in the holder, and it seemed to significantly reduce the wobble.
Conclusion: I like this option!
4. Tape to Keep Candles Upright
I wasn’t too confident about this one.
The concept is wrapping tape around the candle with the sticky side facing out, so that it would hopefully adhere to the holder’s interior.
It did reduce the wobble somewhat, but the tape was visible and easily moved up and down the candle.
Conclusion: Not ideal.
5. Candle Wax
A common suggestion is to use melted wax to secure the candle inside a candle holder.
The idea is to melt wax into the base of the candle holder. Then while it’s still liquid and soft, place the candle into the candlestick.
There are two approaches:
1. Lighting the Top: I wasn’t a fan of this method. Melting wax from the top can alter the candle’s shape and leave a visible drip line.
2. Melting the Base: This was much better! I dripped melted wax from another candle into the base of the holder, creating a new “base” for the taper to sit on. After the wax hardened, the candle was secure with no wobble!
Conclusion: Candle wax prevented my candles from falling!
6. Packing Material
This suggestion involved using packing foam cut into circles to fit around the candle’s base.
It might work in a pinch, but I found it tricky to get the right size, plus the foam was also visible if I cut it too large.
Conclusion: Not a good option
7. Adhesive Buttons
Adhesive buttons are small wax circles that supposedly adhere the candle to the candlestick base.
The button didn’t stick well to my candle, and I’m unsure about its effectiveness.
Conclusion: Not a fan.
8. Sticky Tack/Museum Wax
This was the star of the show!
A tiny amount of tacky putty applied to the candle’s base created a secure bond with the holder.
It blended well with the candle and required some effort to pull the candle out.
Conclusion: This is a fantastic option, especially for clear candle holders.
Top Picks to Stop Taper Candles from Falling
Based on this experiment, my top recommendations for keeping taper candles upright are:
- Sticky Tack or Museum Wax: Easy to use, creates a strong bond, and blends well with the candle.
- Melted Candle Wax (Base): Effective and creates a secure fit.
Final Thoughts on the Best Way to Secure Taper Candles
I hope this experiment has been helpful!
Now you have some great options for keeping your taper candles secure and your tablescapes looking fabulous.
Time to find some taper candles and make your tablescape stunning!
*Safety Reminder
Always remember candle safety!
Never leave burning candles unattended and keep them away from flammable materials.
Other Similar Posts:
- A Guide to Choosing the Right Napkin Size for Every Occasion
- Tips for Storing Your Best Dishes
- Is it Better to Store Drinking Glasses Up or Down?
- Are Tablecloths Old-Fashioned?
- 7 Tricks to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer
- List of 13 Must-Have Table Setting Pieces
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Use Cloth Napkins Everyday
