A candle holder is more than a practical accessory. The right holder enhances the candle, protects your surfaces, and adds to the overall aesthetic of your space. Here is how to choose the right candle holder for every type of candle.
Why candle holders matter
Beyond aesthetics, candle holders serve important practical and safety functions. They catch wax drips, provide a stable base that reduces the risk of the candle tipping, and protect the surface beneath from heat damage. For any candle that is not in its own vessel, a proper holder is essential.
Types of candle holder
Taper candle holders
Designed for long, slender taper candles. They typically have a spike or socket that the base of the taper fits into. Available in everything from simple brass to ornate crystal. The holder should grip the candle firmly so it cannot tip.
Pillar candle holders
A flat plate or shallow dish designed to catch wax drips from a freestanding pillar candle. The candle sits on top rather than inside the holder. Look for holders with a raised edge to contain drips effectively.
Tealight holders
Small holders designed to contain a tealight candle. Available in glass, ceramic, metal, and stone. Glass tealight holders create a beautiful effect as the light shines through, particularly in coloured or frosted glass.
Lanterns
Enclosed holders, usually with glass panels, that protect the flame from draughts while allowing the light to shine through. Lanterns are particularly useful outdoors and in hallways where draughts are common.
Candelabras
Multi-armed holders designed for taper candles. A candelabra creates a dramatic centrepiece for a dining table or mantelpiece and is one of the most striking ways to display candles.
Choosing the right material
- Brass and gold: Warm and classic, brass holders suit traditional and maximalist interiors.
- Silver and chrome: Cool and contemporary, these suit modern and minimal spaces.
- Glass: Versatile and light-enhancing. Clear glass suits any interior; coloured or frosted glass adds character.
- Ceramic: Warm and tactile, ceramic holders suit relaxed, homely interiors.
- Stone and marble: Luxurious and weighty, stone holders make a statement and suit contemporary interiors.
Candle holders as gifts
A beautiful candle holder paired with a quality candle makes a particularly generous gift. The holder is something the recipient will keep and use long after the candle is finished, which gives the gift a lasting quality that a candle alone does not have.
Browse our Scented Soy Candles to find the perfect candle for your holder, or explore our Best Sellers. All hand-poured in Carlisle, Cumbria.