Art & Decorative Objects

Candelabra

A candelabra is a branched candleholder designed to hold multiple candles, typically featuring a central stem with radiating arms that support individual candle cups or prickets. The word derives from the Latin candelabrum, and these fixtures have illuminated interiors since ancient Roman times. During the medieval and Renaissance periods, candelabras became symbols of wealth and refinement, crafted in silver, bronze, and gilt by master metalworkers. Even after the advent of electric lighting, candelabras have maintained their place in interior design as objects of dramatic beauty that evoke ceremony, warmth, and old-world sophistication. In contemporary interiors, candelabras serve primarily as decorative objects and occasional sources of atmospheric candlelight. They range from ornate, traditional designs dripping with crystal to sleek, minimalist modern interpretations in matte black or brushed brass. A candelabra on a dining table creates an instant sense of occasion, while one placed on a mantelpiece or sideboard adds vertical drama and sculptural interest. The soft, flickering light of candles in a candelabra creates an ambiance that electric lighting simply cannot replicate, making them essential accessories for entertaining and intimate evenings.

Key Characteristics

  • Multi-armed branched design holding several candles
  • Creates dramatic vertical silhouette and sculptural presence
  • Produces warm, flickering ambient candlelight
  • Available in ornate traditional and sleek modern styles
  • Evokes ceremonial elegance and old-world sophistication
  • Serves as a functional centerpiece for dining and entertaining

Types & Variations

Crystal-adorned traditional candelabra
Minimalist modern candelabra
Gothic wrought-iron candelabra
Art Deco geometric candelabra
Rustic wooden candelabra

Common Materials

BrassSilverWrought ironCrystalBronzePewter

Placement & Usage Tips

Place candelabras at the center of dining tables for formal occasions, on mantels for living room drama, or on sideboards and console tables as sculptural accents. Ensure the candelabra is proportional to the surface and the room—a grand five-arm piece suits a large dining table, while a smaller three-arm version works on a side table.

💡 Pro Tip

Use dripless taper candles to maintain a clean appearance, and choose candle colors that complement the metal finish of the candelabra. Ivory candles suit silver and crystal, while black or deep burgundy tapers pair dramatically with wrought iron and dark bronze.