What is a candle warmer lamp? Meet the stylish home trend

We’re in full hygge mode over here. Our wool socks are on, a warm cup of tea is in hand, and there’s a pile of blankets to lounge under. Plus, there’s that collection of scented candles waiting to be burned. But do you need to light up the candle to enjoy all that wonderful ambiance? No, this isn’t a trick question. It’s about the magic of candle warmer lamps.

A candle warmer lamp can melt the wax without the need for fire. Is a candle warmer lamp better than burning candles the traditional way? How does it smell?

Here's what you need to know about candle warmer lamps.

What is a candle warmer lamp?

While a table lamp illuminates your space, a candle warmer lamp is going to go a step further by providing light and unlocking the aroma in the scented wax from your favorite candle. Two-in-one home decor? Check.

These wax warmers look like a desk lamp but have a curved neck and domed lamp shade. The base of a candle warmer lamp is wider and features a space where you’re meant to put your favorite candle.

Not only do candles last longer on candle warmers, but the heating elements used in candle warmer lamps are considered a safer option than letting a candle burn from the wick. The National Fire Protection Agency projects that 2% of all home fires are caused by candles. With a candle warmer lamp, there’s no open flame involved but you still get all the benefits of a scented candle.

How does a candle warmer lamp work?

Candle warmer lamps come with a warming bulb that radiates heat to warm up your candle stationed underneath it. They’re powered by electricity and can be plugged into any standard outlet.

Unlike plate candle warmers, which is a type of candle warmer without a light that heats through its base, candle warmer lamps make a great nightlight. There are pros and cons to both, as some folks may want a candle warmer that doesn’t generate light, but for most of us, the cozy vibe of a candle warmer lamp is the best bet.

The lamps have a power supply switch or a dimming knob with which you can control the lamp. When turned on, the heating bulb warms the wax from the top down. This slow melting process releases the candle’s scent without setting fire to the wick.

Warmers are designed to keep the wax from melting as quickly, and can therefore help you maximize the lifespan of your scented candle.

When lighting a candle in the traditional way, the burning wick creates high enough heat that causes the wax to evaporate. However, because the candle warming lamp gives up gentler heat, it melts the wax to release the scent without causing the wax to evaporate.

Since these lamps feature a heating bulb, this lamp shouldn’t double as functional lighting for your home. Any time a candle warmer lamp is on, it will heat anything below it, which could result in injury.

Since candle warmer lamps typically don’t have auto-shut-off functions, you may want to consider getting a smart plug that will allow you to automate your lamp and avoid injury.

5 stylish candle lamp warmers you can buy right now

1. Sokcvsea Fragrance Candle Warmer Lamp

With a slim neck and round shade, the Sokcvsea Fragrance Candle Warmer Lamp lamp has a stylish, modern look. This premium candle warmer comes equipped with a sturdy wooden base for even your heftiest candles, which can still be transported easily from room to room as needed. It’s compatible with large-format candles like your favorite Yankee Candle.

$65 at Amazon

2. Hestia Angelo Candle Warmer

The minimalistic look of the Hestia Angelo Candle Warmer Lamp adds a simple and cozy touch to your home. The built-in touch control heating function on this lamp allows you to easily operate it with just the tap of a finger, flipping on the warm halogen bulb to create the warm ambience of a lit candle. It’s also temperature and height adjustable, giving your candle wax whatever melt you should like.

$48 at Amazon

3. Aurora Candle Warmer Lamp

Featuring a curved neck, the Aurora Candle Warmer Lamp is the perfect addition to your home study. The black finish of this lamp makes it a versatile piece to blend into your décor while it warms your candle from the top down.

$39 at Amazon

4. CRD Candle Warmer Lamp

This chic candle warmer lamp from CRD Lighting has a pleated glass lampshade and a wooden base. With a knob on the base, you can dim this warmer’s light bulb to your desired brightness. The shade comes in 6 different finishes including silver, clear and even a water stone base for those who desire a more lavish upgrade.

$60 at Amazon

5. Beacon Candle Warmer Lamp

Bring the outdoors-y look inside with the Beacon Candle Warmer Lamp. The lantern look will appeal to fiends of coastal design. As it warms your favorite candles, it will be the center of coziness in any room.

$31 at Amazon

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.