The Best Candlesticks, According to Designers and Candle Obsessives

Recipe developer and expert hostIsabelle Heikenshas a collection of vintage metal candlesticks, but for something more modern, she likes these from Addison Ross, which come in various colors and sizes (thesmallhas one bubble on the stem, and thelargehas four). “You can mix and match, and they look of a set but still varied,” she says. Most of all, she appreciates that the flat tops catch most of the wax as it drips down, and that the glossy finish makes it especially easy to peel the wax off after popping them in the freezer for a bit (this is not the case with more intricate metal ones, which can be, as she puts it, “a nightmare to clean”). One pro table-setting idea she employs sometimes: The tones are quite muted and tend to match those of dyed natural beeswax candles, so it’s easy to create a monochrome look.

Newsletter authorAlishia Ramoshas had this candleholder in black in her home for years. (It also comes in a speckled brown.) She calls them “true works of art that are basically like sculptures, sure to add fun visual interest to a mantel, desk, or coffee table” — even without a candle inside.

Recipe developer and cookbook authorClaire Safftizalso has a Sin candleholder (hers is black, too, but this style is currently only available in white). “It always gets compliments, and I like having a single piece as opposed to multiple candlesticks,” she says. “The curves are just so pleasing to look at.”

“I am a pewter hoarder, and Match is my favorite supplier,” says writer and creative directorAli LaBelle. These candlesticks are sturdy but have a delicate design etched into them — a nice balance that makes them suited for any occasion. Pewter patinas over time, but that doesn’t bother LaBelle: “I love things that feel like they’ve been a part of a house for forever, and these fit the bill,” she says.

For a more out-there option, LaBelle loves these hand-glazed horse candlesticks made by one of her friends. “I’m a horse girl at heartandI’m part Swedish, so they just speak to my soul,” she says. They read especially sculptural — perfect to keep out on a mantle or sideboard.

Here’s another wavy two-in-one holder option. It comes recommended by Caitlin Barrett, COO of real-estate and interiors companyUpstate Down, along with her team. “We love the contrast of matte-black metal and organic shape,” she says.

Chef, writer, and podcast hostGina Bruno Knopovsays these are her go-to candleholders — for grazing tables, dinner tables, and even just the kitchen counter — because they’re so adaptable. When it comes to the tapers themselves, “I either keep it simple or swing in the opposite direction with something bright and bold,” she says. “These always work.” She also appreciates that they’re well priced and (though it might not totally look like it) sturdy, too.

For a classic look, brass candleholders are the go-tos for many of our experts. Ramos has had some from Hawkins New York for several years and loves the patina that comes with the material as it ages. “These are eye-catching on any table and will instantly add a level of refinement,” she says. “They’re also quite heavy, which I like. A sturdy base is never a bad thing.” (The company also makes some natural-wood and stained-wood holders in the same style that cost less.)

Cheaper brass candles can be found at Jamali Garden, a “florist and prop stylist haven,” as writerCaroline Mullencalls it, in Manhattan’s flower district. “The place isbrimmingwith vases, trays, planters, votives, and anything you can possibly imagine needing for an event,” she says. “One of the best little finds are these candle holders that have a vintage vibe but cost only $6.50 apiece. I don’t think you could find a better price at a yard sale. They’re perfect for clustering on a dining table or mixing in with genuine brass candle holders to beef up your collection.”

If you want to go real vintage — as two of our experts recommend — Etsy is the place. Mullen and Stockwell constantly comb the site to find old brass holders, and Mullen notes that collectors oftenbundle a variety of themtogether, “perfect if you want a few shapes and sizes.” Stockwell has a huge collection, thanks to the low prices. That way, she says, “I don’t mind when they get covered in wax drips.”

Newsletter editorAshley Wolfgangbought 36 of these for her wedding this summer and was surprised by how great the quality is. “The finish doesn’t look cheap, and they have a nice weight to them,” she says. “Each has a felt bottom as well, which is a nice touch.”

Private chef and recipe developerMaddy DeVitahas these in all three sizes (four inches, 5.9 inches, and eight inches), which she sets on her table all at once to create a layered look. They come in brass, black, and — her favorite — a “sleek and timeless” chrome, she says. The biggest plus is the round base, which resembles a dish. Not only does it make the holder extra sturdy, but it allows you to get creative with your table setting. “I’ve plated food in the dish — things like roasted nuts or even using it as a salt cellar or butter dish,” DeVita says. “Just make sure to use non-drip candles.”

Recipe developer and cookbook authorEden Grinshpanhas used these candleholders, designed by Colin King for West Elm, for a couple of years now. “The different height adds so much dimension on the table, and the black iron blends in but also adds sophistication,” she says.

[Editor’s note: The price of these candleholders is listed in pounds, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars.]

Grinshpan also has a set of these that she says look good literally everywhere she places them: on the dinner table, on her entry table, on her mantle. I think they’re a nice metal alternative to the more classic brass.

Elise McLauchlan is a woodworker based in Montreal whose pieces — bowls, pepper mills, furniture, and more — are stunning. Among them are candleholders, which editor and cookbook authorAran Goyoagasays are “all individually carved and have simple, beautiful forms.” There are brass inserts in each, so your tapers will fit comfortably inside.

[Editor’s note: McLauchlan is currently paused on shipping to the United States, but will resume as soon as possible.]

I bought two of these candleholders from Merci in Paris this past spring — and luckily, they’re available online. The chunky glass is elegant, but not overly so. They go with every table I set, formal or casual, and have slight imperfections and differences so you can tell they’re handblown.

Emily Fiffer, co-owner ofBotanicain Los Angeles, also loves Merci’s candleholders. She hasthis one(a very different style from mine) — but this is your signal to peruse the brand’s many offerings.

[Editor’s note: Merci lists its candleholders in euros, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars.]

Writer and small-space consultantAlison Mazureklikes Fable’s candleholders. “They fit most tapers really well and seamlessly fit into any tablescape,” she says. They’re also easy to clean and there’s no fear of wax getting stuck on the table or tablecloth thanks to the wide, dishlike base around the bottom.

Cookbook authorRebekah Pepplerhas a few vintage brass holders that she uses daily — but she has long dreamed of layering in one or two of these from Astier de Villatte, made from black terra-cotta clay and finished with a white glaze. “I don’t often play mix-and-match, but the combination of the white glazed ceramic and patinated metal feels timeless,” she says.

These holders, yet another favorite of Grinshpan’s, come in a set of three, each slightly different in form. “They are neutral on the table, but when you look a bit closer, the design is so organic and impactful,” she says.

I’ve long admired this Hay holder: I love how the flowerlike shape looks in contrast to the sleek material. It’s bound to look beautiful with a flame flickering and reflecting off the surface. Same goes for Mazurek, who says these have been hanging out in her own cart for “far too long.” She loves the shape and especially the reflection of the mirrored finish.

Another option from Hay are the brand’s simple Tube candleholders, recommended by Strategist deputy editorSimone Kitchens. She groups some small blue ones with taller peach and light-gray versions and says the varying heights look nice clustered together. There are some lovely muted tones available at the MoMA Design Store, and bolder colors at Finnish Design Shop.

These holders from Sunday Nomad have a similarly slim and simple profile to the Hay ones. They won’t take up much space, but Barrett says their deep hues still make a statement. She also notes that they have atall version, and like Kitchens, she likes to mix and match the heights down a dining table.