Candle warmer lamps are a rising home decor trend, but do they really work? Spoiler: I’m adding one to every room in my apartment—here’s why
I’m a candle enthusiast through and through. While I love stocking up on the best fall and Christmas candles, I’m burning my favorite scents year-round in every room of my apartment.
The downside? Burning candles all day, every day means they don’t last long. So, when I came across candle warmer lamps on social media, they felt like the answer to my prayers. Not only are these lamps stylish home decor accents, but they’re also a safer and longer-lasting way to enjoy candles. After watching countless viral videos featuring them, I knew I had to try one for myself.
What is a Candle Warmer Lamp?
It’s the cutest candle accessory we’ve ever seen! A candle warmer lamp works like a regular lamp, but instead of providing light, the bulb distributes heat to melt the wax thoroughly. They come in a variety of lampshade styles, but what makes them special is the built-in candle stand and the shade that hovers perfectly over it. The heat from the bulb melts the wax evenly from top to bottom, creating an ideal environment to enjoy your favorite candle scents.
This got me wondering, are scented candles toxic? The short answer is, not really. Studies show that burning a candle doesn’t release unsafe amounts of harmful chemicals. Still, I was intrigued by how candle warmer lamps help preserve candles.
Dimmable and Stylish for Your Bedroom
1. Marycele Electric Candle Warmer Lamp
If you often burn small to medium candles, the Marycele candle warmer lamp is a great choice. Its elegant glass shade adds a decorative touch and provides soft, warm lighting.
Like the other options on our list, it’s ready to use right out of the box. We appreciate its lower temperature, which is safe for homes with kids or pets, as the base and shade only get warm.
While smaller candles create less fragrance in larger spaces, medium-sized candles offer better scent throw. If you’re looking for a stronger fragrance, you might prefer one of our other picks.
Though it lacks a timer like the CozyBerry Candle Warmer Lamp, its modern design, effective warming, and dimmer setting make it a great addition to any room.
What We Like
- Modern, elegant aesthetic
- Effectively warms and melts small and medium candles
- Includes a dimmer
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a timer
- Fragrance throw can vary
Perfect for Candles, Birthdays, and Christmas
2. Modern Electric Candle Warmer Lamp
If you prefer burning oversized candles, you’ll need a candle warmer lamp that can accommodate taller, wider candles—and we suggest Modern’s Candle Warmer Lamp. In testing, we discovered this product doesn’t just fit larger candles; it actually worked best and delivered a more impressive fragrance with bigger options.
Just like the Hestia Magic Candle Warmer Lamp, our overall best pick, this lamp from Modern features helpful features like an adjustable dimmer switch and effortless setup (it even includes extra light bulbs, just in case!). But we especially love that this model includes a timer, allowing you to set it to automatically shut off after one, two, or four hours.
During our testing, this lamp ensured our candles melted evenly. However, take note: The lamp shade can get hot to the touch when it’s on, so it’s best not to touch it.
We were also fans of the design of this candle warmer lamp with its clean, classic lines. Its relatively small footprint makes it perfect for side tables or nightstands without taking up too much space.
What We Like
- Versatile, attractive brass and wood design
- Includes a dimmer and three timer settings
- Incredibly simple setup
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work as well for smaller candles
- Less fragrant than burning a candle
Electric and Stylish for Long-Lasting Scents
3. Geezo Fragrance Candle Warmer Lamp
The Geezo Fragrance Candle Warmer Lamp is the perfect blend of elegance and functionality for any home. This electric candle warmer offers a safer, longer-lasting way to enjoy your favorite scents without the worry of an open flame. With its sleek design and warm glow, it adds a stylish touch to any room while melting your candles evenly to release their fragrance. The gentle heat helps preserve the life of your candles, allowing you to savor their aroma for longer periods. Whether on a side table, nightstand, or in your living room, the Geezo Candle Warmer Lamp enhances both your home decor and your candle experience
What We Like
- Modern, elegant aesthetic
- Effectively warms and melts small and medium candles
- Includes a dimmer
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a timer
Perfect for Scented Candles and Cozy Ambiance
4. Dimmable Electric Candle Warmer Lamp
If you’re looking for a candle warmer lamp that gives you control over brightness and melting speed, the Sokcvsea lamp is a great option. It’s sized to fit a range of candles, from small to large, and is easy to set up and use, though it melts wax slowly.
We particularly liked the dimmer feature, which allows for more control over both brightness and wax heating. The two sets of controls on the dial are intuitive and easy to use, with no need for instructions.
However, while the dimmer settings add versatility, we found that on the low and medium settings, the wax didn’t melt much within 10 minutes. You’ll need to run the lamp longer on these settings. If you want quicker melting and a faster fragrance throw, consider the adjustable version of this lamp for better results.
What We Like
- Highly effective dimmer
- Compact design for versatile placement
- Works with many candle sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Melts wax very slowly on low and medium settings
Stylish Aromatherapy for Your Home
5. ElusiaKa Ceramic Electric Wax Melt Warmer
For those seeking a candle warmer that’s both stylish and functional without taking up too much space, the ElusiaKa Ceramic Electric Wax Melt Warmer with its leaf motif is an excellent choice. This beautifully crafted warmer has garnered over 2.5k positive reviews, with users praising its sleek, modern design that complements any room without being overly distracting. Its ceramic construction ensures durability while also providing a clean and simple aesthetic. Additionally, the warmer is easy to use and clean, making it an ideal option for anyone who enjoys the soothing ambiance of melted wax without the fuss. Whether you’re using it for aromatherapy or just to enjoy your favorite scents, this candle warmer offers both elegance and practicality for your home.
What We Like
- Works with wax cubes, essential oils, and wax cups
- Comes with a 30-day guarantee
What We Don’t Like
- The outside ceramic becomes very hot (not recommended for those with young kids)
A Stylish Addition to Any Room
6. Aikut Elegant Electric Candle Warmer Lamp
If aesthetics are a priority for your home decor, this wooden candle warmer is a perfect fit. It seamlessly blends into modern and minimalist spaces. Key features include a dimmable light and an automatic shut-off function, allowing you to customize the heating settings to your preference.
What We Like
- Comes with two halogen bulbs
- Can adjust brightness
What We Don’t Like
- No size adjustment, so taller candles won’t work with this lamp
A Stylish and Functional Addition to Any Space
7. EQUSUPRO Decorative Electric Wax Melts Warmer
This candle warmer doubles as a decorative vase when turned off, but when plugged in, it glows beautifully while melting the wax and releasing a soothing fragrance. “It looks fragile but it is sturdy,” says one five-star review. You can melt both incense oil and wax on top, making it a versatile addition to any space. Its stylish design is perfect for a home gym, meditation area, or office.
What We Like
- Removable wax dish
- Heats wax quickly
What We Don’t Like
- Hot to the touch with prolonged use
Perfect for Any Room in Your Home
8. Mindful Design Farmhouse Wax Warmer
A farmhouse-chic candle warmer with an exposed Edison bulb that glows beautifully at night? Count us in! Perfect as ambient lighting by your bookshelf or as a charming addition to your entryway table next to a catchall dish. Plus, its extra-long cord makes it easy to place anywhere in your home.
What We Like
- Removable wax dish
- Heats wax quickly
What We Don’t Like
- Hot to the touch with prolonged use
Perfect for Home Fragrance & Ambience
9. Happy Wax Outlet Wax Melt Warmer
This versatile candle warmer works perfectly as a night light in your baby’s nursery or bedroom, while also acting as an odor eliminator. No need to rinse or wash the dish—simply toss out the wax once it cools.
What We Like
- Silicone is dishwasher safe
- Emits a soft light
What We Don’t Like
- Can only hold two wax melts at a time
Stylish Aromatherapy for Your Home
10. Happy Wax Signature Wax Melt Warmer
When you cozy up on the sofa to watch your favorite show, this candle warmer adds a soft, ambient glow to the room. Its sleek cylindrical design and neutral color palette blend effortlessly with any home decor.
What We Like
- Silicone is dishwasher safe
- Emits a soft light
What We Don’t Like
- Can only hold two wax melts at a time
What is the purpose of a candle warmer lamp?
Unlike burning a wick, which quickly consumes the wax, a candle warmer lamp uses a heating bulb to slowly melt the wax from the top down. This process releases the candle’s scent throughout your space while making the wax last significantly longer. It’s also a safer alternative for enjoying your favorite fragrances.
Do candle warmer lamps really work?
Absolutely! The heating bulb effectively melts the wax, releasing its scent. While it’s a slower process than burning a candle, it offers a safer and cleaner way to enjoy scented candles.
Is a candle warmer better than burning?
Yes, candle warmers are much safer than burning. Open flames can release toxic fumes and create soot, regardless of the candle type. Candle warmer lamps melt the wax thoroughly without producing harmful fumes, making them a healthier option.
What type of candle warmer is best?
The best candle warmers combine functionality with style, often featuring elegant lamp shades and sturdy stands to hold the candle. Many also include dimmable lights for easy brightness adjustment. With a variety of designs available, the ideal choice depends on your personal decor preferences.
The Final Candle Warmer Lamp Verdict
Since January 2023, I’ve used my candle warmer lamp daily, and it has proven to be a game-changer. Despite the glass shade breaking during a cross-country move last summer (entirely my fault due to poor packing), I immediately ordered a replacement because I couldn’t imagine life without it.
My candles remain just as fragrant with the lamp as they are when lit with a wick—but they last significantly longer. In fact, I’ve been warming the same candle for nearly six months, and the wax is still at the rim! It’s made me consider investing in high-quality soy candles, knowing they’ll last practically forever with my candle warmer lamp.
As surprising as it sounds, I’ve made it my personal mission to convert friends and family to this safer and more efficient way of enjoying candles. It’s now my go-to gift for all occasions, big or small. When guests visit, their first question is always, “What smells so good?”—a testament to the beautiful aroma from the candle being warmed under my lamp.
Why You Should Trust Us
Madi Koetting is a seasoned expert on Taste of Home’s social media and editorial team, with extensive hands-on experience testing and reviewing products across top brands like Reader’s Digest, The Everygirl, Stylecaster, Family Handyman, and more. Over her career, she has reviewed thousands of home and lifestyle products, making her uniquely qualified to evaluate the highly acclaimed candle warmer lamp.
Alexandra Mantella, the Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, contributed research and updates to this article. With over five years of expertise in product testing, research, and commerce writing, Alexandra previously served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila. Her meticulous research ensures the most reliable and up-to-date information is provided.
