A candle vessel does more than hold wax.
It changes how the candle feels in your hands, how it looks when lit, and how it lives in a space once the flame is gone.
Glass is clean and familiar. It reflects light, shows the flame clearly, and feels light both visually and physically. It suits minimal spaces and works beautifully when you want the candle itself to take centre stage.
Ceramic is different. It carries weight. Texture. Warmth. A ceramic vessel absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a softer glow. Each piece carries small variations, especially when handmade, and those differences are never accidental.
I’m drawn to ceramic because it feels lasting. Long after the candle has finished burning, the vessel remains. It can be reused, repurposed, or simply kept as an object. There’s something comforting about that sense of continuity.
From a practical point of view, vessels also affect how a candle burns. Thickness, shape, and heat retention all play a role. A well-chosen vessel supports an even burn and protects the surface beneath it.
There’s no better option between ceramic and glass. There’s only what suits the atmosphere you’re creating. Some homes want clarity and light. Others want softness and texture.
When choosing a candle, it’s worth paying attention to how the vessel makes you feel before it’s even lit. Often, that instinct tells you more than any description ever could.