The type of candle you choose will be predicated by what you plan to do with it! If you're planning on burning the candle often, a good choice would likely be a jar or pillar candle; if you're purchasing the candle for a specific purpose, such as a dinner or a service, a taper or votive candle may be better suited for your needs.
How to choose candles to match your decor?
Setting your candles out at home will add warmth and visual interest to your space. To achieve a varied look that isn't overwhelming, however, it's best to focus on diversifying your candles based on either color or size and shape, but not both.
With the exception of novelty candles, you'll likely prefer having pieces that match the aesthetic of your home. Survey the shapes and colors you've gathered in the room in which you plan to use the candles. Are they natural and neutral, or bright and bold? Because your candles will be a focal point of your home, choosing candles to match is key.
If your decor leans minimalistic and simple, choose white, cream, navy, or black candles; if your decor is louder and brighter, choose a primary colored candle to make a gorgeous statement with your new accessory!
Tapered candles are an excellent choice for dining rooms because they lend an air of romance to your table, whereas pillar candles are great for living room displays because they last so long.
Consider putting jar candles in the bathroom; the jar will help protect the wax from ambient humidity!
How to arrange different styles and sizes of candles?
An arrangement of pillar candles is a beautiful and simple display, but you'll want to vary the height and type of the candles in order to achieve maximum visual interest.
If your display of candles is one-sided (that is, with a back to a wall), then you'll want to place the tallest candles in the back of your display, but vary the heights slightly (even if you need to cut off the base of one of your candles).
If your display of candles is in the center of a room, place the tallest candles in the center, and move your shortest candles out around from them in a circle.
Purchasing candles in one color but with varying sizes, thicknesses, and even etched patterns is the best way to get a cohesive but interesting look. Aim for a ratio of 1:3 plain to patterned candles!
Lastly, it's best to arrange candles in groups of odd numbers. If you have three pillar candles, arrange them from tallest to shortest.