Charcoal, Bordeaux or Copenhagen Blue Tapers: How to Choose
By APOTHEKE | Home Fragrances To Elevate Your Everyday ... | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Buying Guides
Compare hand dipped taper candles in Charcoal, Bordeaux, and Copenhagen Blue. Learn how color, wax blend, and size affect your dinner table, plus decision rules for buying.
Quick answer
Choose Charcoal for a modern, neutral table, Bordeaux for warm, traditional settings, and Copenhagen Blue for a calm, coastal look. All three share the same 0.85-inch diameter and 13-inch length, so your choice comes down to color and the slight price differences.
Why the wax blend matters for color and burn
These tapers are hand dipped using a blend of beeswax and other premium waxes. Beeswax naturally ranges from pale yellow to deep gold, which can subtly influence how a dye reads. That means Charcoal may appear softer or warmer than a flat gray, Bordeaux can look richer, and Copenhagen Blue might lean slightly muted rather than bright. The blend also affects how the candle burns, but the catalog does not specify burn time, so treat that as an unknown when planning long dinners.
When color should drive your decision
If your table setting is already defined by a palette, start with color. Charcoal works as a near-neutral that won't compete with patterned china or colorful food. Bordeaux adds depth and pairs well with gold, brass, and dark wood. Copenhagen Blue is the coolest option and can make a table feel more relaxed and airy. Consider the room's lighting too: warm lamplight will make Bordeaux glow, while daylight will keep Copenhagen Blue crisp.
Price differences and what they don't tell you
At the time of writing, the catalog prices are USD 8.32 for Charcoal, USD 8.71 for Copenhagen Blue, and USD 8.97 for Bordeaux, all compared to a USD 13.00 list price. These small gaps are not a signal of quality or burn performance; they likely reflect dye or production batch variations. Since all three share the same dimensions and wax description, you can choose based on color without worrying that one is meaningfully superior.
Decision rules for choosing your taper color
- If your table already has a strong color story: Pick the taper that either matches the dominant hue (Bordeaux with reds and oranges) or intentionally contrasts (Copenhagen Blue with warm yellows). Avoid introducing a third strong color. Lay a sample of your tablecloth or napkin next to the candle color before buying.
- If you want one set for year-round use: Choose Charcoal. Its dark neutral reads as elegant without being seasonal, and it won't clash with holiday or summer decor.
- If you're planning a specific event: For a coastal or spring celebration, Copenhagen Blue; for a cozy dinner party or holiday meal, Bordeaux. Both are hand dipped in the USA and share the same 13-inch height, so the visual impact is similar. Order at least two extra tapers per event to allow for uneven burning or breakage.
- If price is the deciding factor: Charcoal is the lowest catalog price at USD 8.32, followed by Copenhagen Blue at USD 8.71 and Bordeaux at USD 8.97. The difference is small, so don't let it override color fit.
Product facts
- Hand Dipped Candles - Copenhagen Blue: Hand dipped in the USA with a beeswax and premium wax blend; 0.85-inch diameter, 13-inch length. The classic taper size fits standard holders and gives a tall, elegant profile for dinner parties.
Hand Dipped Candles - Copenhagen Blue - Hand Dipped Candles - Charcoal: Charcoal color, same 0.85-inch diameter and 13-inch length as the other tapers. A dark neutral that works with almost any tableware, making it a safe default if you're unsure.
Hand Dipped Candles - Charcoal - Hand Dipped Candles - Bordeaux: Bordeaux color, same dimensions and wax blend; catalog price USD 8.97. The deep red adds warmth to traditional settings and pairs well with autumn and winter tablescapes.
Who these tapers are for
Best for
- Hosts who want hand dipped, USA-made tapers in a curated color palette
- Dinner parties and soirees where candle color is part of the table design
- Buyers who prefer a classic 13-inch taper that fits standard holders
Not for
- Anyone who needs a specific burn time or drip resistance, since the catalog doesn't specify these
- Tables that require unscented or fragrance-free candles, as scent is not listed
- Buyers looking for tapered candles in colors beyond these three
