Votive candles are short, small candles that are only 2 to 3 inches high and 1/2 inch in diameter. Unlike pillar candles, votive candles are classified according to how long they burn. Most votives are 10-hour or 15-hour candles. They need to be placed in a container before they’re lit, so make sure you already have a votive holder on hand. Not only can they help brighten any room in the house, but votive candles are also smokeless and burn for a long time. When the candle burns to the bottom, the flame goes out on its own.