Best Ball Candles

(Image credit: Amazon)

published 13 July 2020

Ball or sphere-shaped candles are a different take on traditional pillar candles. They burn at the same rate as other candles, come in a variety of colors, and have both scented and unscented options. Here are some of the best ball candles for everyday and special occasion use.

Best overall

Bolsius Ivory Ball Candles

Elegant and scentless

These unscented ball candles from Bolsius are a soft ivory color to match most home and party decor. Each candle of this two-pack measures 2.75 inches and is both smokeless and dripless as it burns. Candles will burn for 16 continuous hours, or longer if burned intermittently. The bottoms of the Bolsius ball candles are flat enough to sit on a table or shelf and not roll, but they also work in candleholders, too.

Best value

Mega Candles 6 Unscented White Ball Candles

A Mega deal

This package from Mega Candles comes with six white, unscented ball candles. You have the option to buy 3-inch or 4-inch candles. Each ball candle burns for about 30 hours if used intermittently, or 20 hours if burning consecutively. These candles are hand-poured and can be used individually or grouped together, and fit on candlesticks and trays. They also float and can be used as centerpieces.

Best scented

Habersham Sunflower Lemon Vanilla

Flame-free, no burning

The Habersham Sunflower is a candle that you don’t burn. Made from wax, this candle doesn’t have a wick. Instead, it is infused with a vanilla scent that is let off naturally while giving your home a cheery and beautiful display piece. The diameter of the Habersham sunflower ball candle is 4 inches, so it will fit in, or on, traditional candle holders. However, the candle is designed to stand on its own and is beautiful without adding a stand.

Best colored

Bolsius Red Ball Candles

A little flair

For a more festive look, check out these ball candles by Bolsius. They come in a set of two with each measuring 2.75 inches in diameter. The candles burn smokeless and don’t drip as they burn, either. They will burn continuously for 16 hours, so they are good to use for centerpieces at weddings or as part of your Christmas decorations. These red ball candles are unscented.

Best for parties

Bolsius Unscented Floating Candles

Unscented party decor

These ball candles are less than two inches long and are designed to float in water, which makes them perfect to use at weddings or other events as part of centerpieces or decorative displays. The bottoms are flat enough you can place them on a decorative dish or plate, or simply set them on a table or walkway. These ball candles burn smokeless for up to 5 hours and are unscented. You can choose between a set of dark red or white candles.

Best holders

Dublin Decorative Candle Holder Set

Display of elegance

As with all other candles, you need a way to safely display your ball candles, and this pair of holders is a good option. The Dublin candle holder set has amazing detail with a textured diamond pattern, and a deep, coffee brown finish. The bottom of each holder has velvet attached to it so your furniture doesn’t get scratched. The candle holders are two different sizes, but together they look balanced.

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Ball or sphere-shaped candles give you a different look than traditional pilar-shaped ones. Most will float in water to give an elegant display at parties, weddings, or in your own home. They can stand on their own or look great on candleholders. The most popular ball candles are the Bolsius ivory two-pack ball candles. Each candle is just under three inches in diameter and will burn for 16 hours straight. And as they burn you won't see any smoke coming from the flames, or wax dripping down the sides. Bolsius also has red ball candles if you want a little more color.

For parties and weddings, you may want a smaller ball candle to float in water features or centerpieces. For this, we recommend the Bolsius unscented floating candles.

Nikki writes for multiple Future Publishing brands covering topics from antivirus to kitchen appliances to SAS. She has over 15 years of research and writing experience, including eight years of testing and reviewing consumer products. Nikki earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and Political Science with a focus on empirical research. In her spare time, Nikki serves as a member of several school councils and volunteers for a local arts board.