Are you on the edge of your seat wondering, “Jess! Please tell us about this magic that’s going to solve all of my cozy decor problems!”?? Well, it’s the candelabra. So while it won’t dance around your home like Lumière, it will add a stunning sculptural decor moment, a beautiful ambiance if lit (and honestly even when not lit), and add a little color should you so choose.
I’ve come to realize that I have an affinity for sculptural pieces, be it fashion or design (I mean I won’t shut up about my shoulder pads or wide-leg trousers!). It’s just that those types of pieces are usually simple yet so impactful which means you don’t really need much else to complete the look (an outfit or a designed room).
Take this room that Emily styled with Crate & Barrel. Look at that wildly cool candelabra (ugh I wish we had a better shot of it!). See the difference with and without it?? It adds instant art and texture! Plus this one is BIG in person so the high impact is completely undeniable. Em even said she was planning on getting it for her house because it was so cool.
I myself have a bit of an issue with purchasing candelabras. Or wait, can I call myself a candelabra collector?? Does that make it OK? In reality, I think I only have about three but in a one-bedroom apartment that’s not a small amount. Regardless, I love them all dearly. The one above is one of my most prized possessions and when asked last week what my favorite piece in my living room was it was on the list. If they thought I could only choose one piece they were out of their mind.
I actually found this perfect piece of wrought iron art in Chicago at a thrift store called Brown Elephant for $6!!!!!!! This could EASILY go for a couple of hundred dollars if it was sold at a high-end decor shop. It just looks so beautiful and adds so much visually to my room. I will never part with it.
But the first candelabra that made my serotonin levels go through the roof was that black metal beauty above by ferm LIVING. There was no stopping me when I laid my eyes on it. And look what a cool and modern shape it brings to this table setting! Impact!
The other cool thing though about candelabras is that you honestly don’t even need to put candles in them if you don’t want to like Cassandra LaValle did with that really sweet blue ceramic one. It can just act as an object rather than a potential fire hazard:)
Or if you really want to make a grand tablescape statement, you can easily double up on the candelabras like Ginny and Mel did for the Griffith Park formal dining room.
But one trick I truly love that is SO easy is to play with the candle colors. See how Em chose those pretty blue ones for her old patio? They aren’t super bold but they also bring the whole look together in a more unexpected way don’t you think?
And what I really love about them is that they really bring in height in such a cool way with not a lot of fuss. Take this incredible candelabra Emily Bowser used for a sponsored party we had. First off, it’s simply beautiful. But second, it brings your eye up, adds another warm neutral color with the candlesticks, and instead of needing a bunch of individual candlestick holders, this is a one-and-done, baby!
Now, I’m sure I don’t actually need to convince you that candelabras are awesome. But I do think that when we think of them we associate them with being really fancy or over the top when that’s really not the case for most of what’s on the market. Instead, they add a visually impactful moment in your home and make it feel cozier, lit or unlit. I decided to round up 15 of my current favorites with taper candle pairings. These pairings are just suggestions so do as you wish! (And if you’re into patterned candlesticks get some great ones out here:))
Eliana Iron Candelabra + 100% Pure Beeswax Dinner Candles
The angled cousin of my curvy candelabra! I think this guy is so beautiful and a classic so there’s no fear of it going out of style. It also would look great with almost any color taper but I love these natural beeswax ones as a neutral alternative to white that feels perfectly fall.
Marble Candleholder + Blue Scented Dripless Beeswax Taper Candle
I almost got goosebumps when I saw those shorter dark blue candles. I’m very much into shorter tapers right now! These ones are scented but say it’s a “crisp and clean” smell as well as “burns clean and smokeless with a warm golden flame.” There are more great things about them if you go to the site! I wanted to pair them with something luxe and what better option than a white marble candelabra?? Oh, I know what’s better…the fact that it’s only $35:)
Gold Candelabra + Fluted Taper Candles
Speaking of luxury, gold is also kind of THE option when talking about that topic. This modern but versatile candelabra is awesome and is only $37! I love the way it all connects in the center. Then for the candlesticks, I loved these ivory-fluted beauties. They are just a softer warm option that looks still simple and elegant (especially with that gold).
Rustic Metal Candlestick + Twisty Tapers
Let’s get moody for a second, shall we? This rustic metal candelabra looks very vintage-inspired which I love! And since it has those sweet leaf (?) details, I thought to contrast, a twisted taper but in a dark color would be perfect. Very happy with the pairing!
SIN Wyat Candelabra + Ombre Taper Candle Set
Do you all know the story of how Emily bought that SIN candelabra (well, the larger version) at a flea market? Regardless, it’s so beautiful and was designed by Virgina Sin who I am personally a huge fan of. I actually got to go to a sample sale of hers in NYC last year which what awesome. But I digress. As you can see, a simple white candle is a beautiful match but trying something like these ombre candles would be a cool and interesting way to add in a fall color, no?
Scandinavian Candelabra + 5 in. Taper Candles
Of course, I was going to add a couple of vintage options. I actually think you can find a ton of great deals on really cool ones from local thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, etc. I am clearly speaking from personal experience:) I do however love this one from Etsy! As the title suggests, it’s very Scandinavian and wildy sweet. I love that it’s wood too! For the candlestick pairing, I wanted to go for another short taper and fell for this color! I think it would all look so great together.
Orb Candelabra + Blue Taper Candles
This candelabra looks like it belongs in the same family as my ferm LIVING one meaning I am automatically a massive fan! The ball center is so cool and those cone candlestick holders are also so chic. But um, it’s part of the Sarah Sherman Samual collection so of course I love it! I do think pairing this with a solid-colored taper is the way to go. I really like this blue but honestly, any color would look great.
Stoneware Candle Holder + Dark Beige Tapered Candles
Would you believe me if I told you this was H&M?! I know! It’s so cool and affordable and would add the perfect amount of modern texture to any styled room. I honestly really loved the dark beige tapers they paired it with so it’s 10/10 all around for me!
Ceramic Candelabra + Light Pink Tapered Candles
I had to add one colorful piece and boy do I love this one. It’s not inexpensive but it is completely handmade and currently on preorder (there are more color options too!) What a perfect piece to add to your home for more color and pattern. And again, I loved the taper candle choice so light pink it is!
Rodin Black Iron Floor Candelabra + Slate Grey Taper Candles
Iron candelabras have my heart! And it’s no surprise that this one is a part of Athena Calderone’s collaboration with Crate & Barrel. Simple and stunning and no notes. But I do think a moody grey taper candle would look incredible with it. Thoughts?
Marizia Candle Holder + Unscented Pleated Taper Candles
Now, let’s get a little more whimsical with this beautiful gold number! It’s feminine without being too ornate and that warm gold tone is perfect. So to keep the warmth going (especially since it’s fall), these short pleated tapers are perfect. Simple details are the name of the game here.
Freya Bronze Taper Candle Holder + Moss Modern Taper Candle
It was time we got a little postmodern, don’t you think? I am a BIG fan of bronze (and squiggles) so you know I love this. I also love that this squiggle doesn’t feel too trendy. It’s the bronze that tones it down. But it comes in gold if you want it to feel a bit more contemporary! Then I knew the candle had to be this mossy green. Isn’t that a beautiful color pairing??
Coventry Taper Holder + Mixed Silhouette Tapers
So while I love that handpainted floral one I just talked about, this one has the same vibe but neutral which might be more up your alley. It’s also more affordable since it’s not handmade which could make it more accessible for you! Then look at those mixed sky-colored tapers! Three candles for three spots on that candelabra:)
1920s Chrome Plate Solid Metal Candelabra + Light Grey Modern Taper Candle
Come on Art Deco candelabra!! It’s vintage (clearly) so there’s only one, but if anyone buys it please take a pic of how you style it and send it to me! It’s just so special. And since it should shine I think going for a light neutral taper is the way to go like these light grey ones.
Bowl Candle Holder + Black Taper Candles
I don’t know if you can consider this a candelabra since it’s also a bowl but I am! What a cool take on the idea. It’s also from ferm LIVING and they can do no wrong in my eyes. And since it’s a natural texture and tone, going with a bold contrasting twisted black taper candle would look pretty sick…especially (but not exclusively) for Halloween;) Stay tuned tomorrow for more on that!
I hope my love for candelabras got you excited to either bust out one or two that you already have or maybe consider grabbing one to make your house a little cozier (and cooler if you ask me).
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Griffith Park Formal Dining Room Reveal
Jess, your thrifted candelabra is gorgeous – made me gasp!
I have got really into taper candles in recent years, but buying quality ones where the wax melts cleanly is key if you want to avoid the haunted house vibe. That said, we did tall black tapers at our November wedding four years ago and it felt elegant and seasonal with only a hint of séance 😉
Also, I really to not relish being “that person”, but I see this mistake on social media all the time these days and simply must call it out. A candlestick is the term for a candle holder, typically one for a tall taper candle. These days everybody seems to refer to the actual candles (specifically long or taper candles) as a candlestick, but that’s a misnomer!
Eleanor, my inner grammar snob is embarrassingly grateful for your correction, and in awe of your impeccable tact. Thank you!
Thank you and good to know!
FYI typo “ infinity for sculptural pieces” should be “affinity”
Good tip about using candles as added colour, I never think of doing that.
Ha. All fixed! And ya, it’s such an easy and fun trick:)
Love the Freya Bronze candle holder! I haven’t used candlesticks since the early 80’s but it feels like the right time to bring them out again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Yay!! Get those cuties out of hiding!
Great post, Jess! A candelabra is something you don’t realize you “need” until you see how beautiful they are and what a difference they make. I’m crushing on the (slightly spendy) colorful pre-order one. I’m glad you featured these.
Omg if you get it please send me a pic!
I think that you meant “affinity,” not “infinity.”
I love candelabras!
Late night mistake lol and aren’t they just the best??
Great post. Love the wrought iron pieces. Any recommendations for managing the inevitable wax dripping on your furniture below?
Yes, don’t buy colored candles if they’re going to drip on fabric. And, if you insist on colors google “how to get colored wax stains out of fabric”. Also, know whatever google says to do, it won’t be easy to get the stains completely out. Love, My Cranky Great Grandmother whose tablecloth I permanently stained.
Very good idea. You can also use bobeches.
Yes! Bobeches! I want major retailers to start carrying them because I recently went down a major rabbit hole trying to find something in between the cheap-o sets of 20 (that’s so, so many) that I’m afraid are very thin and will arrive as glass dust, or the incredible vintage set of 2 thick hobnail ones I found on Etsy for $45. Can someone offer me a nice practical set of 6? Sigh. One of those vintage items you didn’t realize your grandmother was smart for having.
I’ve heard LOTS of great things (and have seen firsthand) about the power of the dripless candle. Sure you won’t have as many style options but definitely worth a try:)
Beeswax candles won’t drip. I don’t know how they do it, but they don’t. Unless you’re in a stiff wind/breeze, like an overhead fan, then they’ll drip like crazy.
Very fun post and I love that you paired interesting candles with each of your candle holders! I especially love that last bow-shaped candle holder as it would be a treat to style for different seasons: sea glass, fall leaves, holiday candies, pine cones, Easter eggs…..all with candles to match the theme!
I confess that I am that tacky person who is using tapers powered with rechargeable batteries and a remote control with a timer so they come on every evening for several hours. The type with a black wick and flickering flame look pretty real from several feet away (not so much in the center of a dining table) so it’s nice way to brighten up a dark corner.
I switch them out for real candles for special occasions but it’s nice to have that little glow every night.
Not tacky! It’s still ambiance and if you love it then it’s perfect:)
oh my gosh i know i work here but i’m just reading this for the first time and I LOVE THESE COMBOS!!! this post is so good, jess!!!
Caitlin, you are too sweet!
Love the Sin candelabra! And a colored taper adds so much visually. I recently found some extra-tall ones on the Anthro sale rack, which are amazing. I wish stores stocked taller tapers, in more neutral colors. Target peeps – I know you’re reading this. I’m talking to youuuuu! 😁
I think having candles lit for coziness is a very Hygge concept. We had a Danish exchange student teach us all about it. Including how to pronounce it. That took me a while. Heuuuguuuh
I also feel like curtains, rugs, throw pillows and throws add instant coziness. And since Oregon just started going gray – it’s what we need up here!
I agree with all of that!
Yay, love these.
HOT TIP for everyone: never try to clean wax off your candelabra (or anything) by — running it through the dishwasher — !!!!!!!
I’m not naming names but someone I know did this. Very bad idea. The wax will solid up in the motor and get all over the inside walls and you will need an expensive repair or new dishwasher.
Ah, VERY good point!
Also don’t put your beach shells in the dishwasher, the sand can ruin the motor … not naming names but it was me!
Uggh! The first Crate & Barrel one I adore is $379 Canadian (yikes!) and Lulu doesn’t ship to Canada. 🥴
Candle lovers, treat yourself to a candle snuffer! As a kid, my mom always encouraged us to light candles for everyday dinners because it made us feel fancy (even for takeout pizza or tacos), and nothing was fancier than using our snuffer after dinner. We used to argue over who got to snuff. So I recently bought a cute $12 snuffer from World Market, and lo and behold, I enjoy it just as much now! My kids argue over snuffing duties. The most fun way to make a random dinner feel special.
Setting the scene with any of these would feel so hip and sophisticated. Love the way you paired up colored candles with some of the candelabra. Fun stuff!
Hmm. I tend to think of candles in any form helping create coziness and don’t see the need for a candelabra to get that result. But if that is a key element for others, go for it.