✨ Tea Lights

Tea light sizes and what they fit

The standard tea light is about 1.5 inches in diameter and sits in a metal or plastic cup, which is what lets it melt safely and pop into holders of all kinds. Slightly larger 'maxi' tea lights exist for bigger holders, and some come without cups for use in oil-warmer style burners.

Before buying, check your holders: most decorative tea light holders are sized for the standard cup, but oversized or unusually shaped holders may need maxi lights. The cup matters more than most people expect — it contains the melted wax and keeps the light replaceable.

Realistic tea light burn times

A standard tea light burns about four to six hours, which covers a dinner service but not an all-day event. Long-burn or '8-hour' tea lights are larger and rated for extended use — worth it for venues and events where swapping candles mid-service is impractical.

Check the stated burn time before buying in bulk, and remember real-world conditions shorten it: drafts, cold rooms, and long wicks all reduce burn time. For all-day events, either buy long-burn tea lights or plan to replace standard ones partway through.

Choosing tea light holders

Tea lights are designed to disappear into holders, so the holder does the decorating. Glass, ceramic, metal, and wood holders all work; the key is an opening that fits the standard cup and lets the glow escape. Clear and frosted glass maximize light, while metal lantern-style holders cast patterns.

For safety, always use a holder that contains the cup, and keep holders on a stable, heat-safe surface. Because tea lights burn hot in their cups, avoid placing them directly on varnished or heat-sensitive surfaces.