Let's talk about flameless candles, faux candles, whatever you call them

Fandles? Or Wandles? Which do you prefer?

What are you saying, R1? I'm looking for pillars.

I got some pillars at Pottery Barn a few years ago. I think they and Resto offer them every year at the holidays. They're more or less realistic looking (the outsides are treated with some waxy substance, and the flames flicker a bit) and the batteries last a reasonable amount of time. I'm perfectly satisfied with them, and I normally hate fake stuff.

Thanks, R2. Exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Of course I'm familiar with Pottery Barn but what is Resto?

Luminaras are the ones invented for the Haunted Mansion. They look pretty real.

Sorry; Restoration Hardware. Higher end than PB and hardly worth it for the candles. I think what I got was a box containing 6 pillars--short, medium and tall. I don't recall the price, but actual wax pillars aren't cheap and have to be replaced.

Shitty fucking junk

Very helpful, R7.

I was at my mothers house and she has always used candles on the dining table and around the house. I kept looking at one she had on the wood dining table, because she had gone to be and hadn't blown it out. So I stood up and went over to blow it out so it wouldn't drip on the table, and I was surprised to find it was a fake candle with the flickering wick. Looked amazingly realistic! The next morning I told her how great it looked and she went and got one out of the closet new and in the box and gave it to me, it was a taper and not a pillar, but I looked up the company and the things sell for over 30 bucks each. But it really does look real, plus you can also buy the remote control for it, or just set it to turn off after a few hours.

I thought "resto" was douchespeak for "restaurant."

R9 care to share the brand? I tend to be a little OCD about combustibles, especially combined with parties/dinners and drinking.

I've seen them on QVC.

Thanks, R12. Just checked there and this is what came up. Too many choices!

If anybody spots something familiar let me know.

R11, the candle brand my mother gave me was, Liown.

Thanks, R14 They look very nice. I'll investigate.

I buy them in sets at Costco. The package includes tea, votive, short and tall pillar candles. The fancier ones have wax exteriors, come with remote controls and/or built-in timers.

I keep a couple in the living room and bathroom to use as gentle nightlights. The timer function is nifty: turn it on at your desired hour, and it'll turn on at the same time every night, and run for six hours. The batteries are replaceable, and I use rechargeables. They last for about three weeks before I have to change them. And I don't have to worry about them falling over and starting a fire.

I've also set them around the garden and patio when I entertain. They're quite pretty set in a planter among the flowers.

Thanks, R16. Hadn't even thought of Costco. I'm assuming Kirkland brand?

They're already starting to stock them for the holidays at my local Costco, OP, and in the past I've seen up to three different brands/package assortments available. The first package I ever bought was plain plastic (ugh), but then I wised up and bought the wax ones, which are much more realistic.

Op, spend the money and go with Luminara. The technology of the 'dancing flame' is the actual Disney Studios' technology for its exhibits.

Tip: Check out QVC. It is Luminara's authorized retailer. Often times they are available on Flex-Pay.

I own several of this brand, from QVC. The battery operated remote, with timer, is awesome. (If I fall asleep while they're still on, my house won't burn down.)

Gorgeous.

Thanks, R19. Interesting about the Disney connection.

Op, QVC has them on sale now; with Flex-pay.

This is an excellent starter set.

Merci!

^^ QVC Item Number H216060

Luminara Set of (3) 5", 7" & 9"Indoor/ Outdoor Pillars w/ Remote | Flex Pay

About 13 years ago i bought a bunch of electric candles at Walmart or the like and HATED them. They had weak light and were so fake.

Good to know there are better brands.

I love candles but hate the whole "burning the house down by accident" element

I love that part

Thanks, R21. Looks tempting, might just go with them.

They are cheap looking. Why resort to a fake flame? I don't get it.

R26, OP is investing in them.

I have some from Pier1. There is a cutout in the wall between the dining room and kitchen that needed something once I took down my collection of old Mac Classics that used to be up there. I didn't want to have to deal with climbing up a step ladder to light and blow out real candles so I got three LED pillars with the remote so I can just turn them on and off. I have them in a three pillar holder that is like a big iron and glass box.

I don't light them that often, but you can't tell that they are fake when you are walking around the room.

Up close they look pretty fake though, I wouldn't put them anywhere in the room at eye level.

Jeez, R27, it really is an investment. These things ain't cheap.

I dislike the candles in church (Catholic) that are flameless. Somehow it isn't as inspiring just flipping a little switch. Unfortunately more Catholic churches seem to be going this way. How in touch with the elemental is one by merely turning on what amounts to a flashlight?

That does seem tacky, R30. I'm just scared I'll get drunk and burn the house down.

So which with the wax exterior seem to be superior?