What are candle holders called? - Belaré Home

What are candle holders called?

by Belaré Home in Journal

Candle holder is the general name. More specific names include candlestick, taper holder, pillar holder, votive holder, tealight holder, candelabra, candle sconce, hurricane and candle lantern.

The names describe either the shape of the holder or the candle it is intended to hold. They can overlap: a candlestick can also be a taper holder, while a glass hurricane may be designed for a pillar candle. Knowing the difference makes it easier to find the form you have in mind.

Common candle holder names

Name How to recognize it Intended candle
Candle holder The broad category, not one particular shape. Varies by design.
Candlestick Usually an individual holder with one candle socket, often on a stem. Commonly a taper.
Taper holder A socket intended to hold a slender taper candle. Taper; check the specified size.
Pillar holder Often a broad plate, dish or pedestal rather than a narrow socket. Pillar candle.
Votive holder A small cup-like container around the candle. Votive candle.
Tealight holder A small recess or cup for a tealight. Tealight, usually in its own cup.
Candelabra Several candle positions joined by a branched structure. Often tapers; varies by design.
Candle sconce A holder mounted on a wall. Varies by design.
Hurricane A glass surround around the candle, commonly open at the top. Varies; often a pillar.
Candle lantern An enclosing frame, often with glass panels, a door or a handle. Varies by model.

Read the shape first

If you are identifying a piece you have seen in a room, start where the candle sits. A narrow socket suggests a taper holder; a broad platform suggests a pillar holder; a small cup may be for a votive or tealight. Then look at the structure: branches, a wall mount or a glass enclosure help narrow the name.

Shape is a useful clue, not a fit guarantee. Check the holder’s specified candle type and dimensions, and follow the instructions for both pieces. A handle or glass enclosure alone does not establish that a holder is suitable for hanging or outdoor use.

Color and style words are separate details. Gold-tone describes a finish, not solid gold, and vintage in a product name does not by itself mean a piece is an antique.

Two forms from Belaré Home

Our Madrid candle holders are two separate aluminum candlesticks, one small and one large, with a gold-tone finish and spool-shaped forms. Their different heights make the pair easy to recognize, while the separate bases let you place them individually.

The Ebony Elevated Candelabra brings its candle positions together in one sculptural, curved form. Its textured black aluminum body is designed for taper candles. Here, candelabra describes the connected shape and taper identifies the intended candle type.

Two gold-tone Madrid candle holders of different heights with lit white tapers on a round wooden table, viewed from a seat in a sunlit room.
Madrid is a pair of separate candlesticks.
Black Ebony Elevated Candelabra with three lit taper candles on a wooden table, viewed from a seat in a sunlit living room with a sofa and fireplace.
Ebony Elevated is one candelabra. Candles are not included with Ebony Elevated.

Frequently asked questions

Is a candlestick the same as a candle holder?

A candlestick is one type of candle holder, usually with a socket for a single candle. Candle holder is the broader term.

What is a wall candle holder called?

A candle sconce. Including candle distinguishes it from an electric wall sconce.

Are two candlesticks a candelabra?

No. Separate candlesticks remain a pair, even when sold together. A candelabra has a connected, branched structure.

Find the form you are looking for

Explore our candles and candle holders with the shape in mind, then check the details of the individual piece.

For arrangement ideas, read how to style taper candle holders on a dining table.

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