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The Spruce / Joy Kim
Whether made from wax or battery-powered, carefully chosen candles can add ambiance to a room, not to mention a soft, relaxing glow. But selecting a candle holder can be tricky, since there are so many options and styles to choose from.
Stacy Lewis, owner and principal designer at Eternity Modern, suggests shoppers start by reflecting on their space's desired look. "Consider the room's overall aesthetic—are you going for modern, contemporary, or antique?" she asks. "Choose a style, color, or material that resonates with you and build your candle holder collection around it."
Keeping these insights in mind, we researched dozens of high-quality candle holders in a mix of colors, shapes, and heights.
Read on for the best candle holders for all of your needs.
Best Overall
Royal Imports Glass Candle Holders (Set of 3)
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Amazon
Mix of heights
Sturdy and well-constructed
Versatile look
Some shipping issues
Breaks easily
Choosing candle holders is a highly personal decision, so it was tough to choose just one as the overall best. However, this mixed-height set of three—the tallest being 16 inches, and the shortest being 12 inches in height—had several points in its favor. First, it's glass, which matches most decor styles, plus it doesn't overheat like metal, so it's easy to move pieces around if you need to. It comes in a clear glass, or an optional gold-colored stem is also available. This hurricane-meets-pedestal style is also a nice way to add height to a centerpiece without resorting to more exposed taper candles.
You'll also have several options for the type of candle you use inside. Floating ones—with or without extras like foliage or flowers—are popular, but tea lights or small votives also fit in the round-shaped glass holders. If you aren't adding water, make sure you use holders underneath your candles so you won't spend lots of time scraping out melted wax afterward. The material feels substantial, and the wide base didn't seem at risk of toppling over. Since they are glass, the candle holders may arrive damaged, but the return process, if needed, is simple. If you're ordering these for a large event, you may want to get extras for peace of mind.
Price at time of publish: $45
Dimensions: 16 x 4 inches (large), 14 x 4 inches (medium), 12 x 4 inches (small) | Material: Glass | Weight: 3 pounds | Number of Candle Holders: 3
Best Budget
IKEA Bestiga Candlesticks (Set of 3)
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IKEA
Incorporated rim catches wax drips
Clean, minimal look
Easy to clean
Not as distinctive as other spindle sticks
Finish may wear off
IKEA is often a go-to source for affordable decor, and its candle holder selection doesn't disappoint. These well-priced candlesticks have an attractive black matte finish and vary in height from 8 inches up to 12 inches tall. They look like they cost way more and are sturdy and well-constructed. There's a small rim that extends beyond where the taper gets inserted, and that helps keep melted wax from sliding onto the surface below. When choosing a taper candle for a stick, keep the proportions in mind. "Spindle candlesticks should never be taller than their taper candles," says Richard Fung, owner of Forever Homes, a custom home builder in Ontario, Canada.
The candle holders are made from aluminum and are easy to wipe down. Note that because they have a powder coating, the finish might be prone to flaking off. They also don't have the one-of-a-kind quality one might find in the handcrafted spindle candles sold on Etsy or eBay, but given the cost and the good looks, many may find that an acceptable trade-off.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 12 inches (large), 11 inches (medium), 8.25 inches (small) | Material: Aluminum with powder coating | Weight: 3 pounds, 15 ounces (package) | Number of Candle Holders: 3
Best Set/Multipack
Joss & Main 9 Piece Glass Tabletop Votive Holder Set
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Wayfair
Sturdy and well constructed
Tray is included
Statement piece
A little pricey
Wood tray is unfinished
If you love the look of a casually yet artfully arranged assortment of candle holders but don't have the time or patience to source the individual pieces yourself, this might be the set for you. You'll get nine different holders in a mix of sizes, shapes, and colors and a simple wooden tray to contain them. The candle holder heights range from 1 inch to over 4 inches and are mainly round. This piece makes a lovely statement on a dining table or sideboard.
Note that the wooden tray is unfinished and can feel a bit rough to the touch, so you might choose to spruce it up by staining it. The color of the glass is painted on, and vigorous hand washing may remove it. The glass can be cleaned carefully, and you can use battery-operated votives to help keep the interior clean and preserve the finish.
Price at time of publish: $67
Dimensions: 4 x 22 x 5.5 inches | Material: Wood and glass | Weight: 4 pounds | Number of Candle Holders: 9
Best for Tapers
Nuptio Taper Candle Holders
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Amazon
Deep candle hole prevents tapers from tilting
Nice heft
Velvet base protects furniture
Some candles fitting can be tricky
Gold paint may flake off
These candle holders might be sold by a wedding-focused company ("Nuptio" is a play on "nuptial"), but they would work well for everyday entertaining as well and resemble more expensive options at higher-end stores. The velvet-covered base protects furniture from getting scratched, and the deep candle hole is designed to fit tapers of varying sizes. It might take a few tries to find the right tapers to put in these candleholders, but you can whittle down thicker candles to make them fit, or use tin foil to support thinner ones.
The clean, modern look will work in various settings, and the gently tapered lines and gold tones give the candlesticks a slight mid-century flair. The set of two varies in height, with one candle holder being 5 1/2 inches and the other almost 8-inch height, to allow for an elegant look. The gold is painted on and can be prone to flaking off. The candlesticks also have a little weight to them—clocking in at about half a pound each.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 3.5 inches (small) or 8 inches (large) x 3.5 inches; candle opening .75-inch diameter | Material: Metal | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Number of Candle Holders: 2
Best Ceramic
Urban Outfitters Knot Taper Holder
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Urban Outfitters
Funky silhouette adds texture
Four color options
Earthy, artsy appeal
Hard to clean
Smaller than expected
With their twisted knot-shaped profile and eye-catching colors of cream, gold, green, and sky, these ceramic holders offer an unexpected take on typical taper holders, which are often metal or glass. They're small in size, less than 4 inches high, and due to the nooks and crannies, they could be difficult to dust.
For a tableau that makes an impact, Urban Outfitters also sells candles in pretty hues and various textures that would coordinate well, like the Bubble Taper Candles or the multicolor Ombre Taper Candles. There are also a few perks that come with choosing ceramic, which has an earthy, arty appeal. Though fragile, it's less likely to shatter than glass and won't get as hot to the touch as a metal holder.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.5 inches | Material: Ceramic | Weight: Not listed | Number of Candle Holders: 1
Best for Votives
Anthro Living Speckled Glass Votives (Set of 4)
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Anthropologie
Two color options
Funky, mix-and-match appeal
High-quality craftsmanship
A little pricey
Bold look not for everyone
These votive holders might be small—less than 3 inches high and 3 inches across—but they pack a big style statement. Though they're available at Anthro Living, the home decor section of beloved retailer Anthropologie, they feel like something you'd buy at an artist's open studio. They're sold four to a set, round in shape, and the unusual speckled patterns include milky opalescent hues and colored glass with gold foil streaks.
Considering that individually they would retail for $12, these votive holders are a little on the expensive side. However, they are distinctive and will likely hold up well since the designs are seamlessly incorporated into the glass rather than just painted on the holder. Shoppers can choose between two color schemes: pink or neutral.
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Material: Glass | Weight: Not listed | Number of Candle Holders: 4
Best for Tealights
CB2 Betty Smoke Tealight Candle Holder
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CB2
Affordable
Feels substantial
Glass conducts heat well
May look too dark for some
This sexy, smokey candle holder is made from multifaceted glass designed to throw light around for maximum ambiance. If you're not a fan of the smoke gray color, it also is available in clear glass. It has more of a funky retro look than classic crystal and costs considerably less, too.
This round-shaped candle holder is just 3 inches high and less than 3 inches across and can be used for other tasks around the house, including as a planter, a mini vase, and even a container for corralling cosmetic supplies like makeup brushes. They're designed to hold tealights and will also fit smaller votive candles. "Glass conducts heat well, and tealight candles are best used in holders that allow heat to dissipate," says interior designer and home improvement expert Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home.
Price at time of publish: $4
Dimensions: 2.75 x 3 inches | Material: Multifaceted glass | Weight: Not listed | Number of Candle Holders: 1
Best Candelabra
Southern Enterprises 9-Inch Freestanding Candelabra
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The Home Depot
Instant, no-fuss centerpiece
Works well in fireplaces
Spikes to safely anchor candles
Not compatible with battery-powered candles
Gives off lots of heat
This modern-looking candelabra makes it easy to create a gorgeous centerpiece with little effort. Constructed of metal with a black matte finish, it holds a total of nine candles—at varying heights—and measures nearly 2 feet across, so the wow factor is pretty much a given. Since it's fairly large and rectangular, it can also be used to fill up the open space in a fireplace.
One thing to note is that each candle holder has a small metal spike designed to anchor a wax candle to the surface so you can move it around safely. These are not removable, so it's not a good option for battery-operated votives or anything else besides wax (such as a candle enclosed in glass). Since it's metal and it holds so many large candles, there's the potential for it to emit quite a bit of heat; if you're using it on a table, you'll want to protect the surface below.
Price at time of publish: $67
Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 21.5 inches | Material: Metal | Weight: 6 pounds | Number of Candle Holders: 9 candles within one frame
Best Outdoor
Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Lantern
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Pottery Barn
Handcrafted using ethical labor practices
Mounting ring
Versatile look
A little pricey
If you're looking for a lantern that can be used indoors and outdoors, this option from Pottery Barn is one of their most popular choices. The lantern is made from aluminum with a powder-coated finish, and the color choices include brass, gray, and black. Note that black is the only color that can be used outdoors. This one, the smallest lantern, holds a 3 x 4 pillar candle, but other sizes are available, including the 42-inch–high, extra-large option.
With its rounded arched windows and top finial, the lantern has a lovely old-fashioned look that will blend into many different settings. You can mix and match lanterns at different heights to create groupings or use two large ones to flank a door. The lantern also comes with a mounting ring so you can hang it.
Price at time of publish: $69 for Mini
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 15 inches | Material: Aluminum with powder-coated finish | Weight: Not listed | Number of Candle Holders: 1
For their affordability, versatility, sturdiness, and quality, we chose the pretty set of three Royal Imports Glass Candle Holders, which will work for floating candles, tealights, and small votives. If you're looking for inexpensive taper candlesticks, the set of three IKEA Bestiga Candlesticks is attractive and well designed, thanks to a rim that helps prevent dripping wax.
What to Look for in a Candle Holder
Color
Candle holders come in different colors and styles, and you will want to select a design that best complements your existing decor. "The most important thing to keep in mind is the overall look and feel you want to achieve," says Evan Nelson, interior designer and creative director at Nelson Cabinetry. If you're drawn to neutral pieces, a more simple hue may be the best pick. If you love the bold, eclectic style, have fun mixing and matching different colors of candle holders within your space. "Taper candles in holders made from glass or metal tend to look more formal, whereas votive or column candles in fun, colorful holders will give off a more relaxed vibe," says Nelson.
Shape
Candle holders come in a variety of shapes, too. The item you select should reflect your desired aesthetic. For example, if your space leans toward more of a vintage style, a candelabra will add a wonderful, antique-like touch. If you have a modern home, a small assortment of individual jars may suit you better. If you enjoy decorating in farmhouse style, wooden candle holders will work beautifully in your home.
Height
It is up to you whether you wish to purchase a small jar or a taller candle holder. Keep in mind your lifestyle and needs—taller options look more formal but can also be easily knocked over by pets when not in use. Shorter options may be preferable for minimalists and easy to store in a cabinet. Consider where you want to display the candle, and think about scale. "A large holder in a small space will look out of place, while a small holder in a large space will be lost," says Nelson. The candle's placement may also affect the size you choose. "Candleholders can be used to draw attention to highlight key pieces in your home, such as a piece of art or a vase," says Stark. If you're hoping to spotlight a few prints above a sideboard, for example, make sure your candle holders are low enough so they don't disrupt the view.
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How do you get wax out of a candle holder?
In this case, either extreme cold or gentle heat can help you. If you're going for cold, place your candles or candle holders in the freezer. It should only take a couple of hours, but for best results, leave them overnight. "The cold temperature will cause the wax to contract and shrink, making it much easier to remove," says Nelson. After you've frozen your candles, take a knife (start with something blunt, like a butter knife), and begin gently cutting into the wax. As the wax breaks up, switch to a rubber spatula to protect the candle's finish.
If you're short on time, try the hair dryer method. "First, put the candle on an oven mitt and heat the wax with the hair dryer. With a spoon or knife, remove the wax from the jar once it has melted and softened," says Fung. Make sure to place your candle on something like a trivet or an oven mitt so as not to damage your surface as it heats up.
Whichever method you choose, you'll want to clean your candle afterward.
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How do you clean a candle holder?
Brass and silver holders need to be polished over time to remove the tarnish. For other types of materials, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, or if you don't have them, start with something gentle, like mild dish soap. Remember that delicate finishes, such as paint or metallic coatings, may flake off if you scrub too vigorously.
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How do you find the right size candle for a candle holder?
Measure the candle holder's opening, and select a candle with the same circumference to ensure a snug fit. In some cases, you may need to try a few different options before you find the right one.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer is a writer and editor who has written for The Spruce about topics like cleaning, gardening, and home decor since 2019. She spent several hours researching different types of candle holders, and looked for ones that were durable, attractive, and versatile. She also aimed to include a mix of different retailers and price points, and tried to find candle holders that would make a pleasing visual statement, regardless of the style. For extra insight about shopping for candle holders, Lexi spoke to Stacy Lewis of Eternity Modern, Richard Fung of Forever Homes, Jen Stark of Happy DIY Home, and Evan Nelson of Nelson Cabinetry.
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