Roundup: Candelabras & Candlesticks
Good day, design friends! Peggi here. Are you in full holiday mode yet? My winter decor is still in the piles and planning phase until after next week. I’m currently knee-deep in Thanksgiving prep, so tablescapes have been top of mind. (Fingers crossed I score a vintage silverplate service for 12 later today!) An element I’ve been especially enamored with this year is candelabras. Blame it on the popularity of period dramas, or maybe just my natural affinity for design drama, but I can’t get enough of these stately pieces. As usual, I roamed the internet seeking ideas and insight. My efforts were abundantly rewarded! Click through for more inspiring images, some styling suggestions and a radiant roundup of candelabras and candlesticks.
Many of us enthusiastically burn candles for fragrance, but what about their original purpose as a light source? I’m not suggesting you toil over the household ledgers by candelabra, nor would I ever advocate eschewing a beloved table lamp. (Gasp) I’m merely proposing that several tapers provide sufficient illumination for a variety of activities and significantly enhance the ambiance. Card games by candlelight. Netflix and softly flickering flames. Doing dishes in the dancing glow of… Too much? Maybe, but you’ll probably never find cleanup so enjoyable!
Click right on the images to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below to shop my finds. Not all are clickable.
01: vintage swedish brass // 02: midcentury glass and brass // 03: large brass floral // 04: wavy white ceramic // 05: danish teak and brass // 06: simple antiqued brass // 07: modernist steel pair // 08: walnut candelabra // 09: art deco pottery // 10: silver-plated two-arm // 11: green pottery // 12: vintage frankoma // 13: waterford crystal // 14: vintage lenox crystal // 15: mid century brass and teak // 16: vintage ribbed brass // 17: metal art deco // 18: vintage scalloped glass // 19: vintage lenox waves // 20: black iron // 21: chunky crystal // 22: vintage barley twist // 23: large brass pair // 24: leather-wrapped brass // 25: 3-candle crystal // 26: brass loop set of 2 //
Wowza. Did I have some fun assembling this collection! I’ll get right to a few of my favorites! Let’s start with number 3. I adore all 2 feet of its brassy floral splendor. The blossoms say spring, but the burnished color reads fall. I want to plan an entire party around it! For a completely different look, I would choose the chunky crystaliciousness of 21. I appreciate the modern shape in a traditional material. (Sidenote: why am I just waking up to the sparkly wonder of crystal?) In the budget-friendly category, you can’t beat number 12. Those Frankoma glazes are fab! I’m also really drawn to 15 for the graphic, mixed media, mid century goodness. And finally, hello 24. Three words…leather-wrapped brass. Smokin’. If you’d like even more choices, check the slider at the bottom of the post. Instead of creating the world’s largest collage, I included some others there.
With such a wealth of beautiful candelabras, they needn’t be relegated to the dinner table. A sideboard or buffet are obviously excellent alternatives, but why not explore beyond the dining room all together? I love a duo styled on a mantel; extra credit if the fireplace is in your bedroom. (Also, jealous.) No mantel? No problem. Perch a pair on the coffee table to give happy hour a little razzle dazzle. How about a glorious showstopper in an entry vignette? Let guests know they’ve come to the right place! I also envision a special piece glimmering beside a luxurious bath. For any spot really that wants a little light, a bit of…atmosphere, try a candelabra.
So far, I’ve highlighted both the extravagance and the utility of candelabras. While ostentation and illumination were their initial function, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention two appealing contemporary attributes. Today, you find numerous simple, low profile examples that offer a more understated beauty. Numbers 8, 16 and 26 fit that bill nicely. You also can’t deny the unique sculptural quality of some pieces. Even without candles, they add texture and interest to builtins or a kitchen shelf. I’m thinking of works like 4, 6 and 20. Lavish or restrained, for light or for looks, candelabras work!
OK, friends. Tell me what you think! Does the word candelabra bring to mind Liberace or Lumière? Maybe more Bridgerton vibes? Are you into this chandelier energy for your table? You know I want to hear all your thoughts! I also want to wish everyone who celebrates the warmest of Thanksgivings. Until next time.
