What Are The Fancy Candle Holders Called?
Fancy candle holders are decorative holders designed to elevate the beauty and ambiance of candlelight. Unlike basic candle holders, fancy holders incorporate ornate styles, intricate designs, and lavish materials to create an elegant candle lighting experience.
The origins of fancy candle holders date back thousands of years, to a time when candles themselves were considered luxurious. Affluent families used elaborate candle holders crafted from fine metals, crystals, and other precious materials to display their candlelight and wealth. Over time, fancy candle holders evolved from purely functional lighting devices to beautiful decorative objects in their own right.
Today, fancy candle holders encompass a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. They are defined by their creative designs, quality craftsmanship, and use of upscale materials like crystal, sterling silver, porcelain, and more. Whether gracing the tables of upscale restaurants or adding ambience to homes, fancy candle holders elevate and showcase the candlelight within.
Types of Fancy Candle Holders
Some of the most popular and ornate fancy candle holders include:
Candelabras
Candelabras are elaborate, branched candlesticks that hold multiple candles. They often have three or more arms branching out from a central stem and are made of materials like brass, crystal, sterling silver, or porcelain. Candelabras create a dramatic, elegant look and are popular for formal table centerpieces and events.[1]
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are large, decorative light fixtures that hang from the ceiling. Many ornate chandeliers incorporate places to hold candles, making them a fancy type of candle holder. Crystal chandeliers that hold candles are especially glamorous. The many light sources create a magical, ambient glow.
Sconces
Sconces are decorative candle holders that mount directly to walls. They often have an ornate backplate and arm that holds the candle cup or basin. Sconces come in a variety of materials like wrought iron, crystal, brass, silver, and more. They provide mood lighting and an elegant touch to interior walls.
Menorahs
Menorahs are seven- or nine-branched candelabras used in Jewish religious rituals. For Hanukkah, nine-branched menorahs hold a candle in each branch. The eight surrounding branches represent each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. Menorahs are traditionally made from silver but can also use materials like glass, wood, or brass.
Girandoles
Girandoles are elaborate branched candle holders mounted on a decorative backplate. The backplate allows them to sit on tabletops or shelves. Girandoles often have three arms, but some have more. They are an ornate take on candelabras and are popular for formal dining and events.
Materials Used in Fancy Candle Holders
Fancy candle holders are made from high-quality and ornate materials that add to their aesthetic appeal. Some of the common materials used are:
Gold – Gold is a luxurious metal that gives candle holders a shining, warm glow. The high value and lustrous look of gold makes it a popular choice. Gold candle holders often have decorative engravings or gemstones.
Silver – Silver is known for its polished, sleek look and brightness. It is a preferred metal for adding glamour and elegance. Silver candle holders may have cutwork, filigree or other delicate designs.
Crystal – Lead crystal glass is cut and faceted to create dazzling prismatic effects when lit with candles. Crystal candle holders have a sophisticated, glitzy appearance.
Glass – Molten glass can be artfully blown, shaped and colored to form ornate candle vessels. Glass allows for vibrant hues and custom designs.
Ceramic – High-quality porcelain and ceramic materials enable detailed decorative patterns. Ceramic candle holders are known for their hand-painted or gilded accents.
Styles
Fancy candle holders come in a variety of styles that have evolved over time. Some of the most popular styles include:
Baroque
Baroque style candle holders originated in the 17th century and feature elaborate decorative details like twisting, curving metalwork, and ornate bases. These dramatic holders often depict mythological creatures, floral motifs, or cherubs.
Rococo
Emerging in the early 18th century, Rococo style puts an even greater emphasis on ornamentation and asymmetry. Rococo candle holders exhibit artistic, natural shapes and extensive decorative metalwork in curvilinear forms.
Modern
Modern candle holders take a minimalist approach with clean, geometric lines and little embellishment. They utilize industrial materials like glass, concrete, and metal in simple forms.
Minimalist
Minimalist candle holders represent the pared down extreme of the modern style. They feature basic, often cylindrical shapes with no ornamentation beyond the functional holder itself.
Popular Designs
Among fancy candle holders, certain motifs and designs stand out as particularly popular and iconic. Three prevalent styles are spiral, floral, and animal themes.
Spiral Designs
Spiral motifs are commonly seen in fancy candle holders, especially those made of wrought iron or other metals. The spiral shape is aesthetically pleasing and allows light to dance in intriguing patterns. Spiral candle holders range from single spiral stems to multiple interlocking spirals branching upwards. The repeating spiral motif creates visual interest and a sense of movement.
Floral Designs
Delicate floral designs are another staple of ornate candle holders, hearkening back to the floral decorated candlesticks of the Victorian era. Stylized flowers, leaves, vines, and tree branches are artistic and elegant. Flower candle holders often have an antique, heirloom quality. The flowers may be rendered realistically or in an abstract, art nouveau style. Colors like gold, ivory, or rose gold complement the floral motifs.
Animal Motifs
Candle holders incorporating animal shapes and figures bring a playful, whimsical touch. Common animal motifs include horses, songbirds, deer, rabbits, and butterflies. The animals are depicted in a graceful, decorative manner. For instance, deer shapes might adorn the base of a brass candlestick or butterflies may accent crystal sconces. Animal candle holders add a lively, unexpected element to the designs.
Manufacturing Process
There are several common techniques used in manufacturing fancy candle holders. These include:
Casting
Casting involves pouring molten metal, glass, or wax into a mold and allowing it to cool and solidify into the desired shape. This allows for intricate designs and patterns to be formed. Metal casting has been used for centuries to create metal candle holders and candelabras.
Blowing
Glass blowing is used to manufacture fancy glass candle holders. An artisan blows and shapes hot glass using a blowpipe and other tools. Color can be added to the glass during this process. Glass blowing allows for the creation of delicate, translucent designs.
Pressing
Pressing involves the use of molds and pressure to shape material like glass or metals. The material is placed in a mold and mechanical or hydraulic pressure is applied to form the desired shape. This allows manufacturers to efficiently mass produce detailed candle holders.
Etching
Etching can be used to create detailed designs on glass or metal surfaces. The surface is exposed to an acid or abrasive substance which cuts into the material. Intricate patterns can be etched onto candle holders to create decorative finishes.
Cutting
Many materials like metal, glass, and crystal can be precisely cut to create decorative holders. Computer-controlled techniques like laser and water jet cutting allow for complex shapes and patterns to be produced. The cut surfaces may be polished to create smooth, reflective finishes.
These and other manufacturing techniques allow for the diverse, artistic designs seen in fancy candle holders today.
Notable Makers
Some of the most well-known and coveted fancy candle holders have been produced by premier glassmakers like Tiffany, Lalique, and Waterford.
Tiffany & Co. is arguably the most famous American luxury brand when it comes to fancy candle holders and other high-end glassware. Founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837, the company specialized in stained glass and blown glass objects. Tiffany was known for its trademark color, Tiffany Blue, and its commissioned pieces for Gilded Age industrialists.
The French glassmaker Lalique was founded by renowned glass artist René Lalique in the late 1800s. Lalique became famous for his Art Nouveau creations, which featured nature-inspired motifs and frosted, iridescent glass. The company is still family-owned today and produces handcrafted luxury glass like vases, perfume bottles, and candle holders.
Waterford Crystal originated as a glass factory in Ireland in 1783. It later merged with the famous Waterford Glass company in 1947. Waterford is celebrated for its traditional crystal glassmaking and cutting techniques, which result in ornate decorative pieces like candelabras, goblets, and candlesticks.
Cost
The cost of fancy candle holders can vary greatly depending on several factors:
Materials – More expensive materials like crystal, sterling silver, or fine porcelain can increase the price significantly compared to holders made of brass, aluminum, glass, or other common materials.
Brand – Well-known designers and brands like Baccarat, Lalique, Waterford, etc. can demand a premium price for their holders.
Production – Handmade, hand-cut crystal or limited edition designs produced in smaller quantities often cost more than mass-produced holders.
Size – Larger, more elaborate candle holders typically cost more than smaller, simpler designs.
Quality – High-end holders made with excellent craftsmanship can cost a lot more than cheaper, low-quality versions.
Antiques – Genuine antique or vintage candle holders, especially those made of silver or crystal, can be exceptionally expensive.
So in summary, fancy candle holders can range from $10 for a basic mass-produced design up to $10,000 or more for a large, branded, handcrafted piece made of premium materials. The style, materials, manufacturing process, and brand all play a major role in the final price.
Modern Uses
Fancy candle holders are commonly used for decorating during special occasions and holidays today. One of the most popular uses is at weddings. Elaborate candle holders made of silver, crystal, or glass are often used on the tables at wedding receptions to create an elegant ambiance (The Many Benefits Of Using Candle Holders At Your Event). Candelabras and tiered candle holders are frequently incorporated into wedding ceremonies and receptions.
During the winter holiday season, candle holders are a popular decorative item. Many holiday centerpieces feature groupings of candles in decorative holders. For Christmas, candle holders made of brass, silver, or glass can complement a holiday color scheme. Hanukkah menorah candlesticks are another specialized type of candle holder used during the holidays.
In home decor, fancy candle holders are valued for their aesthetic appeal as accent pieces. Stylish candle holders made of metal, glass, or crystal can serve as lovely decorative objects even when candles are not placed inside. Their gleaming finishes and ornate designs enable them to stand on their own as works of art for display on shelves, mantels, and tabletops (10 types of candle holders to enhance any interior or exterior space).
Conclusion
In summary, fancy candle holders have a rich history and variety of styles. Ranging from simple metals like pewter and silver to elaborate crystal and porcelain, they demonstrate exquisite craftsmanship and artistry. Popular designs like hurricane lamps, candelabras, and candlesticks continue to adorn tables today. While originally purely functional for holding candles and oil lamps, fancy candle holders now often serve decorative purposes as well. Their warm glow and elegant forms make them a beloved accent piece. Whether gracing a formal dinner table or providing soft lighting for a cozy living room, fancy candle holders elevate any space. Their timeless beauty ensures they will remain a fixture in homes for generations to come.
