What Are The Fancy Candle Holders Called?

Fancy candle holders are decorative holders designed to elegantly display candles. They serve both a functional purpose in securely holding the candle upright, as well as an aesthetic purpose in embellishing the candle with an ornamental container. Candle holders have been used throughout history, originating as simple functional items and evolving into elaborate decorative pieces.

Candles have been used for light and ambiance for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. The earliest candle holders were basic containers like stones, shells, and pottery meant to keep candles standing upright. More advanced metal candle holders emerged in Europe in the Middle Ages, still fairly simple in design. In the 18th century, candlesticks became more elaborate with the use of precious materials like silver and elaborate decorative styles. The 19th century brought mass production which made candle holders more affordable and popular home decor items. Today fancy candle holders are made in a vast array of styles from traditional to modern.

The purpose of fancy candle holders is multifold – to securely hold the candle, illuminate and accent the candle’s light, and embellish environments with decorative beauty. Their long history speaks to the enduring appreciation for candlelight ambiance paired with artistic flair. Fancy candle holders elevate the candle, creating an inviting focal point rich in style, from classic to contemporary.

Types of Fancy Candle Holders

There are various types of decorative and ornate candle holders that can add elegance and atmosphere to a space. Some of the most popular types of fancy candle holders include:

• Candelabras: These candle holders feature multiple arms or branches to hold several candles. Candelabras come in various sizes, from tabletop to towering floor versions.
• Hurricane Lamps: Hurricane lamps feature a glass container with a metal frame. They help protect the flame from drafts while the glass amplifies the light.
• Menorahs: Menorahs are seven- or nine-branched candelabras used in Jewish worship and holidays like Hanukkah.
• Votive Holders: These small candle holders are meant for votive candles. Votive holders come in a vast array of styles from glass to metal.
• Lanterns: Lanterns can be considered fancy candle holders, especially when ornately decorated. They also help protect the candle flame.
• Candlesticks: Usually holding one large pillar or taper candle, decorative candlesticks can be made of metal, wood, glass, or porcelain.

Materials

Fancy candle holders come in a variety of materials that add to their beauty and value. Some of the most common materials used are:

Glass – Glass candle holders allow the candlelight to shine through attractively. Options like colored, cut, etched, and blown glass provide visual interest. Glass is an affordable material that can still look elegant.

Crystal – Crystal candlesticks, like leaded crystal, have a sparkling, luxurious look. The intricate cuts and patterns reflect light beautifully. While more expensive than regular glass, crystal holders make a glamorous statement.

Silver – Silver and sterling silver candle holders have a classic, timeless appeal. The metal shines brightly when polished and complements both traditional and modern decor. Silver is durable and resistant to tarnishing.

Ceramic – From glossy porcelain to natural terracotta, ceramic candle holders come in diverse styles. Intricate ceramic holders with painted floral motifs can look romantic and ornate. Simple, clean-lined ceramic holders work well in modern spaces.

Styles

Candle holders come in a variety of styles, from elegant and ornate to simple and understated. Some popular styles include:

Baroque – Baroque candle holders feature intricate, elaborate decorative elements like curling vines, flowers, scrolls, and cherubs. Materials like bronze, pewter, and crystal are common. The baroque style originated in the 17th century.

Modern – Modern candle holders have a sleek, contemporary look with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Common materials are metal, glass, and acrylic. Shapes tend to be geometric. The focus is on form and function.

Rustic – Rustic candle holders have a country charm and often incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, iron, and leather. Texture and visible craftsmanship are hallmarks of the rustic style.

Floral – Floral candle holders feature flower motifs and botanical designs. Decorative elements include leaves, vines, blossoms and buds. Pastel colors and frosted or etched glass are popular materials.

Other styles like art deco, industrial, bohemian, and mid-century modern are also represented in candle holder designs and materials.

Candle Holder Parts

Candle holders, especially elaborate decorative ones like candelabras, have distinct parts that serve important functions. Here are some of the main components:

The base provides stability for the candle holder and is usually heavy to keep it upright. Materials like marble, stone, or cast iron are common for bases.

The stem connects the base to the candle holders. It may be a single shaft or have branching arms. The stem provides height and allows the candles to rise above the base. Stems can be simple rods or highly decorative.

The arms or branches extend out from the stem and hold the candle sockets at their ends. There may be just one arm, like a candlestick, or multiple arms as in a candelabra. The arms spread out the candle light.

The bobèches or drip pans sit in the candle sockets at the end of the arms. They catch drips of wax and prevent damage to the rest of the candle holder. Bobèches may be bowl shaped or have a lip to catch drips.

Finials, prisms, chains, and scrolled ornamentation are some decorative touches often found on elaborate candle holders. These embellishments add visual interest and style.

Knowing the parts helps understand how candle holders function and what to look for when choosing one. A sturdy base, balanced arms, and drip catching bobèches make for a high quality candle holder. (Cite: https://kode-store.co.uk/vintage-retro-and-kitsch/the-anatomy-of-a-candelabra/)

Decorative Touches

Fancy candle holders often incorporate decorative accents and embellishments to enhance their beauty and visual interest. Here are some common decorative touches found on ornate candle holders:

• Etchings: Delicate etched patterns like florals, scrollwork, or geometric designs carved into the surface of the candle holder. Etching provides subtle decoration and can be done on glass, metal, or porcelain.

• Cutouts: Openings pierced out of the material to form shapes like stars, hearts, leaves, etc. Cutouts let light shine through for a luminous effect.

• Decorative arms: Elaborate candle arms or branches extending from the base, often curving, swirling, or branching upwards. Decorative arms may have additional ornamentation like beads, crystals, or carved details.

• Gilding: The application of gold, silver, or other metallic finishes to highlight particular areas. Gilding provides opulent accents on candle holders.

• Inlaid designs: Materials like gemstones, seashells, or colored glass embedded into the surface of the candle holder to form patterns.

• Crystal embellishments: The addition of cut crystal beads, pendants, or prisms to reflect and refract light beautifully.

These decorative touches elevate plain candle holders into ornate works of art for the table. They demonstrate fine craftsmanship and attention to aesthetic details.

Occasions

Fancy candle holders are frequently used for special occasions and formal events like weddings, religious ceremonies, and fancy dinners. Their elegant and ornate designs help set the mood and ambiance for momentous celebrations. For example, a wedding may have crystal candelabras placed on dining tables during the reception. Places of worship often use decorative candle holders during religious rituals, holidays, or prayer services to signify light and hope. And at high-end formal dinners, multiple armed candelabras provide mood lighting and an upscale aesthetic. The strategic placement of these decorative candle holders adds a special touch of sophistication and grandeur to milestone events.

According to Vaaree, “Fancy candle holder stands with multiple arms are called candelabras or candelabrum. Candelabras create an elegant focal point on special occasion dining tables like weddings, anniversaries, and thanksgiving dinners.” Meanwhile, Arc Edor states that “From grand weddings to sacred rituals, candle holders are one of the decorative items that have been in use for ages.” Clearly, fancy candle holders play an important role in formal events and celebrations.

Placement

Proper placement of fancy candle holders can enhance their beauty and create ambiance. Here are some tips for optimal placement:

• Group multiples together on a table or mantle for visual impact. Try staggering heights and mixing styles for interest.
• Place on either end of a long dining table to define the space and create a focal point.
• Display on a console table behind a sofa to add glamour to the living room.
• Arrange down the center of the dining table for an elegant touch. Allow enough space between holders so guests can converse easily.
• Set on mantles or shelves at eye level or slightly above to highlight their design.
• Illuminate candles during evening dinner parties for a romantic mood.
• Position near a window during daytime so the natural light enhances the candlelight.
• Avoid placing too close to drafts which can extinguish candles.

Strategically placing fancy candle holders and lighting the candles at key times allows their splendor to shine.

Care

Proper care can help extend the life of fancy candle holders. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your candle holders:

Clean holders regularly to prevent wax buildup. Once the candle has been removed, scrape off any excess wax with a spoon. You can also place the holder in hot water to melt wax drips, then wipe clean with a soft cloth (https://creativecandles.com/blogs/blog/candle-care-guide-how-to-take-care-of-your-candles). Add a bit of citric acid to the water for extra cleaning power against oxidation (https://stoffnagel.com/maintenance/).

Use a gentle cleaner like mild dish soap and water to clean the holder’s surface. Avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Polish metal candle holders occasionally with a metal polish to restore shine. Use a small amount of mineral oil on silver pieces to prevent tarnish.

Avoid placing holders in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. Store holders in a clean, dry place when not in use.

Handle fragile holders carefully to prevent chips and cracks. Use felt pads under heavier pieces to protect surfaces.

With proper care and cleaning, fancy candle holders can stay looking beautiful for many years.

Notable Examples

Ornate candle holders have graced palaces and royal ceremonies for centuries. For example, the Grand Candelabrum of St. Petersburg was commissioned by Tsar Alexander I in the early 1800s and features over 1,000 crystals and precious stones. It is still used today for special occasions in the city’s palaces.

In pop culture, the iconic candle holders from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are probably the most famous. The ornate Gothic style holders with curling arms held the enchanted rose in the Beast’s castle. This fixture captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide and became an integral symbol of the film.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has an extensive collection of antique and modern ornamental candle holders in its Decorative Arts section. Visitors can view a great diversity of materials and styles, from Baroque silver to Art Nouveau glass. The exhibition illuminates how candle fixtures evolved across cultures and eras as both functional lighting and artistic showpieces.