In recent years, we have thought of candles as being something that comes in a glass vessel. We have also thought of candles as being about scent, and their purpose being largely to give our home a soothing aroma.
But for centuries candles were long and tapered (and in the late 20th Century squat and chunky) and resided in a variety of candlesticks. Candlesticks are simply another way of bringing your personality and style into a room. They are little sculptural design elements. Rather like adding a statement piece of jewellery to a favourite outfit.
In the first image, the dark metal candlestick is clearly a mid 20th Century design. But in the second image, the dark metal candlestick echoes a much older design aesthetic. Perhaps even a Middle Ages vibe that looks right at home in its English Country Manor style room.
But equally candlesticks can speak of an Art Deco design era. These blue and metal candlesticks fool the eye into thinking that they’re cocktail shakers when placed alongside a mini bar. See also how they pick up the colours in the abstract artwork behind them and pull the look together.
Or what about using the 1970s for candlestick inspiration. Clear lucite, metal and sexy black candles speak of the disco decade. Again, see how beautifully the colours and materials of the candlesticks are repeated in the furniture and decor.
Candlesticks are no longer an object we need. Perhaps that’s what makes them so beguiling – the fact that they are frivolous and purely a ‘nice to have’.
If you have inherited or collected candlesticks hiding in your cupboards, consider bringing them out for show. They can even look great without any candles in them. And, of course, if you have multiples, three is always the magic number for groupings.
More info on the designers of these four rooms via the links below.
1. Brett Mickan
3. Peti Lau
4. Thom Felicia