What Is A Taper Candlestick?
What Are Taper Candlesticks?
A taper candlestick is a candle holder designed to hold a long, thin taper candle which is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. Taper candles burn slowly and evenly. The candlestick itself is also narrow at the bottom and wider at the top in order to securely hold the taper candle.
Taper candlesticks have been used for centuries to provide decorative ambient lighting. Their origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Europe when candles were the main source of light. The candlesticks were often made of metal, such as brass or silver, and embellished with decorative styles of the period.
Today, taper candlesticks are still popular for creating mood lighting and decor. They are commonly made from brass, sterling silver, aluminum, wrought iron, ceramic, glass, and wood. High-end crystal and silver plated versions are also available from luxury home decor brands.
Types of Taper Candlesticks
There are several common types of taper candlesticks:
Column/Pillar Candlesticks
Column or pillar candlesticks feature a tall, narrow base designed to hold a single taper candle upright. These elegant candlesticks are often made of materials like metal, glass, or porcelain. The column provides stability and allows the taper candle to stand upright. Column candlesticks come in varying heights to accommodate taper candles of different sizes.
Pedestal Candlesticks
Pedestal candlesticks have a wide, flat base that sits on a table or other surface. A tall, narrow pedestal rises from the base to hold the taper candle up high. Pedestal candlesticks are traditionally made from materials like brass, silver, pewter, and crystal. They provide a stately look for mantlepieces, entryways, dining tables, and more.
Candelabra/Branch Candlesticks
Candelabras or branch candlesticks have multiple arms extending out from a central base or column. This allows multiple taper candles to be placed in the candlestick at once. Candelabras range from simple designs with just a few arms to ornate designs with many branches. They are commonly used as centerpieces or decorative lighting fixtures. Candelabras may be made of materials like wrought iron, crystal, sterling silver, or gold-plated metal.
Stylistic Elements
Taper candlesticks come in a wide range of stylistic elements, from ornate and decorative to simple and minimalist. More decorative taper candlesticks feature elements like:
- Intricate metalwork designs like swirling filigree or floral motifs
- Colored glass shades or crystal prisms
- Elaborate bases with carved details
- Decorative edges like scalloping or cutouts
- Gilding or other metallic accents
These ornate touches lend visual interest and an elegant feel. They pair nicely with formal decor or add a touch of glamour.
On the other end of the spectrum, simple taper candlesticks have a minimalist, modern look. Clean-lined styles may feature:
- Straight, plain bases without embellishment
- Sleek metallic finishes like nickel or stainless steel
- Clear, unadorned glass
- Crisp geometric shapes
The uncomplicated styling keeps these candlesticks versatile and fitting for a wide range of decor aesthetics from casual to contemporary. They put the focus on the candlelight itself.
Use in Home Decor
Taper candlesticks are commonly used in home decor to create a desired ambience or mood. The warm glow of taper candles can make a space feel sophisticated, romantic, or cozy. Taper candlesticks are often placed on mantels, entryway tables, dining tables, and sideboards to enhance the atmosphere.
The elegant vertical lines and proportions of taper candlesticks can also complement a variety of design aesthetics. Their height draws the eye upwards and adds visual interest to a space. The style of the candlesticks, whether they are ornate, minimalist, traditional etc. also impacts the overall look and feel of a room.
For contemporary spaces, acrylic or metal taper candlesticks create a sleek, modern statement. Vintage-style brass or silver candlesticks are well-suited for traditional decors. Crystal candlesticks add an opulent touch to formal dining rooms. Carefully selecting taper candlesticks that match a room’s decor style is key to pulling a look together.
Care and Maintenance
Taper candlesticks require some regular care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Proper cleaning and storage methods can help preserve their appearance and function.
For cleaning, avoid submerging the candlesticks in water. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any dust or residue. If needed, you can use a slightly dampened cloth with a small amount of mild soap. Take care not to wet any paper labels or markings. Always thoroughly dry the candlesticks after cleaning.
For storage, keep the candlesticks in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Avoid putting them in damp basements or garages. You can wrap each candlestick individually in acid-free tissue or plastic to prevent scratches. Alternatively, store them vertically in candle boxes. Be sure not to place excess weight on top of stored candlesticks.
With proper care and maintenance, taper candlesticks can stay in excellent condition for many years of use. Cleaning them regularly and storing them properly will help preserve their beauty.
Safety Considerations
While beautiful, taper candlesticks do pose some safety hazards that need to be considered.
The most obvious risk is fire. Taper candles burn slowly but get very hot. The flame can easily ignite combustible materials that get too close. Always keep taper candlesticks on fire-resistant surfaces. Never put them on or near furniture, curtains, paper, or anything flammable. Keep them out of strong drafts that could blow the flame towards something it could ignite. Do not leave taper candles burning unattended. Extinguish them before leaving a room.
Supervise children and pets closely whenever taper candles are lit. Curious little hands may get burned. Pets may knock over candle stands. Do not let children or pets near lit taper candles unsupervised. Consider using flameless battery-operated candles instead if you have rambunctious little ones or pets in your home.
With reasonable precautions, taper candlesticks can be used safely. But always keep fire safety and supervision in mind.
Notable Taper Candlestick Designers
Taper candlesticks have been designed by some of the most prominent artists and designers throughout history. In the 17th and 18th centuries, renowned silversmiths like Paul de Lamerie and Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier crafted stunning silver candlesticks that are now prized antiques. De Lamerie was known for his intricate curving designs embellished with shells, scrolls, and flowers. Meissonnier pioneered the Rococo style and his taper candlesticks featured delicate ornamentation and details.
Later famous designers like Louis Comfort Tiffany, René Lalique, and Carlo Bugatti also crafted taper candlesticks in addition to their acclaimed glass and lighting pieces. Tiffany’s candlesticks often incorporated his famous stained glass and iridescent glass effects. Lalique’s Art Nouveau creations featured his signature sleek lines and plant-inspired motifs. Bugatti embraced bold geometric patterns and exotic materials like ivory and ebony.
In modern times, contemporary designers are putting new spins on the classic taper candlestick. Notable names include Marc Newson, who produces sleek, minimalist candlesticks from materials like aluminum and marble. Designers like Tom Dixon, Lindsey Adelman, and David Trubridge incorporate unexpected materials like brass, wood, and molded plastic to create unique modern candlesticks. Their sculpturesque pieces make artistic statements in any space.
Where to Buy Taper Candlesticks
There are a couple different options when looking to purchase taper candlesticks:
Specialty Shops
Visiting candle shops and boutiques allows you to see a wide variety of styles in person before purchasing. Specialty retailers often carry unique, high-end candlesticks not found in major stores. Their staff can also provide guidance in selecting the perfect design. Popular boutiques like Illuminations and Colonial Candles offer a delightful in-person shopping experience.
Online Retailers
For convenience, many turn to e-commerce sites. Amazon and specialty sites like Design Toscano and Wayfair offer hundreds of taper candlestick options available for home delivery. Shopping online makes comparison quick and easy. Be sure to check return policies in case a style doesn’t suit your space once it arrives.
Costs
Taper candlesticks can range greatly in price depending on factors like materials, size, design complexity, brand name, and whether they are mass produced or hand crafted.
On the lower end, a pair of basic taper candle holders made of metal or ceramic may cost $10-50. These mass produced versions usually have simpler, minimalist designs.
For more intricate, unique designs by artisanal designers, handcrafted taper candlesticks can range from $50-500 or even more. These are usually made of higher end materials like crystal, sterling silver, or fine porcelain.
Luxury brands like Lalique and Baccarat are known for their exquisite, elaborate candlesticks that can cost thousands of dollars for a set. These use the finest materials and artisan techniques.
In summary, there are budget-friendly options under $50 as well as high-end designer pieces at over $500. Much depends on the level of intricacy, materials, brand name, and production method.
Alternatives to Consider
While taper candlesticks offer a classic aesthetic, there are other candle options to explore:
Votive Candles
Votive candles are short, cylindrical candles designed to fit into small glass holders. They come in a variety of colors and scents, and their small size makes them versatile for placements around the home. Votive candles are inexpensive and burn for up to 15 hours, making them an affordable alternative to taper candles.
LED Candles
For those concerned about fire safety or the mess of wax, LED candles are a convenient option that provide the ambience of a flame without heat or smoke. LED candles come in all sizes and designs, including taper shapes, and many feature flickering lights that mimic the look of a real candle flame. They can conveniently be turned on and off as needed.
