What Is A Glass Votive Holder?

What Are Glass Votive Holders?

Glass votive holders, also known as tealight holders or candleholders, are small glass containers used to hold tealight or votive candles. They are a popular decorative item and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Votive holders allow candles to burn safely and cleanly while also amplifying and diffusing their light. The glass helps reflect and distribute the candle’s glow, creating a warmer, cozier ambiance. The glass acts as a barrier between the flame and surrounding surfaces, preventing wax drips and burns.

Made from clear, colored, or patterned glass, votive holders come in a diverse range of shapes and styles. Some common designs include ribbed, etched, or frosted glass. They may have flat, curved, or pedestal bases. The glass votive sits atop a metal base or stem in some varieties.

In addition to their practical uses, glass votives bring elegance and visual interest to any space. Their transparent and reflective surfaces interact intriguingly with candlelight. Votives holders make excellent decorations for centerpieces, mantels, shelves, and more. Groupings of multiple glass votive can make a particularly dramatic statement.

Overall, glass votive holders are versatile candleholders that provide functionality while elevating the ambiance and aesthetics of a space. Their glass construction makes them a distinctive, eye-catching means of hosting and displaying candlelight.

History and Origin

The origins of glass votive holders and candles are ancient. Archaeologists have found containers made of glass, pottery, and other materials used to hold oil lamps and candles dating back thousands of years in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome (source). These early votives allowed people to have portable sources of light.

The tealight candle as we know it today was developed in the mid-1800s. Around this time, small containers made of glass, metal, and ceramics became popular to hold tiny candles. The candles were known as “night lights” and were used for portable lighting at night, especially in Victorian bedrooms and nurseries. Wax and tallow were common candle materials (source).

The name “tealight” came into use in the late 20th century and refers specifically to the small, round metal containers holding short, wide candles made of paraffin wax. Tealights generated more light and burned cleaner than earlier candle forms, making them popular worldwide.

Common Uses

Glass votive holders have several common uses:

As decor – Glass votive holders are popular decorative pieces. Their small size makes them versatile for decorating tables, shelves, mantels, and more. The glass allows candlelight to shine through for ambient lighting. They come in many colors/designs to match different decor styles.

For candles – The main purpose of votive holders is to hold votive candles. The glass protects surfaces from wax drippings and contains the flame. Votives burn for 5-16 hours, longer than tealights. The glass helps the candle burn evenly and prevents drafts from extinguishing the flame.

In events/weddings – Votive holders are frequently used at events like weddings. Long-burning votives lined up on tables provide mood lighting and ambiance. Their low profile allows event guests to see and interact over the table. Glass votives are a classic wedding decoration.

Spiritual uses – Some faith traditions use votive candles symbolically, like for prayer or remembrance. Glass votive holders allow candles to be lit safely indoors and contain the flame. Using glass helps prevent wax drippings as well.

Popular Styles and Designs

Some of the most popular styles and designs for glass votive holders include:

Colored: Glass votive holders come in a virtually endless array of colors, from bold bright hues to soft pastels. The vivid colors give a pop of visual interest. Some companies like Glassybaby are known for their colorful hand-blown glass votives.

Etched: Etched glass votives feature a frosted, matte look created through an etching process. The etching allows for intricate patterns and designs. Etching gives the glass a softer, diffused appearance when lit by the candle flame.

Shaped: While many glass votives have a simple tapered cylindrical shape, shaped votive holders offer more unique silhouettes. Look for shapes like flowers, stars, or faceted cuts for a distinctive look.

Materials: Glass is the most common material, but votives also come in acrylic, metal, ceramic, and other materials. Each material creates a different aesthetic. For example, acrylic may come in bolder colors while metal lends an industrial vibe.

How They Are Made

Glass votive holders are made using different glassmaking techniques depending on the style and design. The two most common methods are blown glass and molded glass.

Blown glass votives start with gatherings of molten glass attached to the end of a blowpipe. A glassblower will blow air into the molten glass through the pipe to inflate it into a bubble. The glassblower uses tools and gravity to shape the glass into the desired form. Once cooled, the glass piece is removed from the pipe. This process allows glassblowers to create one-of-a-kind, artistic votive holders with thin, delicate walls.https://www.bigmoonbeeswax.com/blogs/flicker/the-truth-about-votives

Molded glass votives are made by pouring molten glass into a mold and allowing it to harden. This produces votive holders with thicker, uniform walls and consistent shapes like cylinders and squares. The glass is annealed in a lehr to prevent cracking from temperature changes. Molded glass allows manufacturers to mass produce inexpensive votive holders.

The most common materials used to make glass votive holders are soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, and lead glass. Soda-lime glass, composed primarily of silica, soda, and lime, is economical and commonly used for clear molded glass votives. Borosilicate glass contains boron and is known for its strength and resistance to temperature changes, making it ideal for hand-blown decorative votives. Lead glass contains lead oxide and produces brilliant, sparkling cut glass votive holders.

Decorating With Votives

Glass votive holders can add a lovely ambiance to any room or event when decorated thoughtfully. Here are some top tips for incorporating votives into your home decor or for centerpieces:

For an elegant tablescape, dot glass votive holders down the center of the table and fill them with coordinating candles. Mix and match shapes, sizes, and heights for visual interest. Add some greenery like eucalyptus or roses for a romantic touch, as recommended by Farmhouse Chic Living [1].

Spell out names or phrases using multiple votive holders and candles. This works great for weddings, parties, or holiday dinners. Just arrange the votives to form letters and words. Add some filler votives between letters to complete the look, suggests Creative Juice [2].

Craft unique luminaries by decorating the outside of plain glass votives. Try painting designs with acrylic paint, or use washi tape, lace, beads, or other embellishments as shown on Pinterest [3]. Get creative with colors and patterns!

Nestle small votive holders into the tops of lanterns, jars, vases, or other candle holders to build heights. The differing shapes and flickering flames create visual interest, recommends HGTV [4].

Use clusters of matching votive holders on mantels, countertops, tables, or shelves to add warm ambient lighting anywhere. Keep them simple or embellish with flowers, greenery, beads, or other decorations to coordinate with your style.

Caring For Glass Votives

Proper care is important for preserving glass votive holders. Here are some tips:

Cleaning

Removing wax buildup is one of the main cleaning challenges with votive holders. Allow the wax to fully harden, then scrape out excess wax with a knife. Boiling water can also help melt away wax residue; pour hot water into the holder and let sit for a few minutes before washing as usual (Source). Avoid abrasive scouring pads, and use warm soapy water instead.

Storage

Wrap votives carefully in tissue paper before packing away to prevent scratches. Store in a dry, room-temperature spot away from direct sunlight to help preserve condition. Place cotton balls or foam inside votives to prevent jostling and clinking during storage.

Repairing Chips

Small chips on the rim or base can often be smoothed with a glass file or very fine sandpaper. Use caution and avoid getting glass particles in your eyes. For cracks or fractures, consult a glass repair specialist.

Safety Tips

When using glass votive holders, it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions to avoid burns or potential fire hazards.

Always place votive holders on a stable, flat surface that cannot be knocked over easily (according to https://dadantcandles.com/candle-safety-tips/). Never put them on surfaces like tablecloths that could catch fire. Keep them away from drapes, blankets, paper, books, and other flammable items.

Never leave a burning votive unattended. Extinguish the flame if you need to leave the room (per https://richhillcandles.com/pages/candle-burning-tips).

Since votives get hot enough to shatter glass, always allow the holder to cool completely before handling. Use tongs to move a votive that is still warm. Never touch the glass with bare hands (according to https://www.houseofcandles.com/index.cfm?e=inner2&itemcategory=72946).

Keep votives out of reach of children and pets. Supervise closely if lit candles are accessible.

Never burn a cracked or damaged votive holder, as heat could further compromise the glass. Inspect regularly and replace any holders that are no longer safe.

Where to Buy

There are many places to buy glass votive holders both online and in retail stores. Some popular places include:

• Amazon – Amazon has a huge selection of glass votive holders in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Many holders have free shipping through Amazon Prime.
• Serene Spaces Living – This online store specializes in home decor including a wide variety of glass votive holders. They have affordable prices and offer wholesale options.
• Craft Stores – Retail craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Joann Fabrics often carry glass votive holders, especially around holidays. They may offer coupons or sales on votives.
• Home Decor Stores – Stores like HomeGoods, World Market, and Kirklands sell glass votive holders for low prices. Selection varies by location.
• Gift Shops – Small local gift shops and boutiques are a good place to find unique handmade or vintage glass votive holders.

For the best selection and prices, online retailers like Amazon and specialty home decor sites are a top option. But you can also find stylish glass votive holders at national retail chains and local small businesses.

Notable Designers and Brands

Some top creators and companies known for their glass votive holders include:

Glassybaby – Founded in Seattle in 1996, Glassybaby hand blows their votives and other glassware in the United States. They are known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes.

CB2 – This popular home furnishings retailer offers a wide selection of modern glass votives and candle holders at affordable prices.

Anthropologie – Found in Anthropologie stores and online, this bohemian-inspired brand sells creatively designed glass votives and holders.

Pottery Barn – From classic to contemporary styles, Pottery Barn’s collection includes glass votive holders in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

West Elm – Owned by Williams-Sonoma, West Elm sells minimalist and modern home decor including glass votive holders.

Ikea – The iconic Swedish furniture company offers a range of inexpensive clear glass votive holders perfect for displaying tealights.

World Market – With globally inspired designs, World Market sells eclectic glass votive holders at affordable prices.

Crate & Barrel – This upscale housewares company sells high-quality glass votive holders in modern and traditional designs.

Target – For affordable basics, Target offers a variety of glass votive holders and candle holders in different colors and styles.