Candle holders can be made of any material that is not flammable itself. So this leads to candle holders made from rock, metal, ceramic or glass. There are also candle holders made from wood, which would seen counter-intuitive, but these candle holders keep the holder well away from the burning wick. They are also usually made from harder wood, and may be treated so they are less likely to catch fire.
A plain shape emphasizes the color of the glass candle holder.
Candle holders of glass use the color and transparency of the material to great advantage. Glass would seem to be the perfect accompaniment to candles as it reflects and refracts the light, and the candle light shows off the colors of the glass. The only questions would seem to be how much glass to use and how many candles is the holder going to hold. Should the shape be simple, or ornate, short or tall, and should it protect the flame from errant breezes?
Glass candle holders with stems raise the light of the candle.
Ceramic candle holders can also be made in many shapes and colors. The same characteristics of glass make ceramics impervious to flame. Unlike glass, ceramic candle holders are not transparent and do not create rainbows, but there is an ability to reflect the light produced by the candle. Whether a simple single candle holder or a candelabra with two or four arms, ceramic candle holders can safely hold burning candles.
A simple ceramic candle holder for taper candles.
Metal candle holders also are impervious to burning, but due to metals ability to transfer heat, metal candle holders that extend above or over the candle get hot and may burn the unwary. The lanterns used for decades in households and stables were made of metal, with either candles or oil reservoirs and wicks to provide light. Now they only provide atmosphere or light for historical reenactors.
The handle of this metal lantern may get hot when the candle is lit.
Wooden candle holders can be in the form of platforms for pillar candles, or, as below, to hold tapers. Candle holders like this one should be used carefully, and never be left unattended to prevent accidents.
A wood candle holder may be dangerous if the flame is too close to the holder.
Candle holders are frequently made from stone or minerals. Sometimes these are shaped like turned wood candle holders, others relay on the nature of the materail to provide interest, as in the candle holder below.
The candle holder is made from stone, mostly left in its natural state.
No matter the material the candle holder, frequently a glass chimney or enclosure is added to protect the flame from being blown out. Called hurricanes, the shade will keep the flame steady in rooms with air currents, but I would not expect it to actually work in a hurricane.
A glass enclosure protects the flame from being blown out.
Candle holders are made from many materials, each being used to provide simple or more fantastic shapes based on its properties. The imagination is the limit to the shapes candle holders can take.
These candle holders are of an unusual shape.
Collect candle holders, American made or not, as they provide a wide array of shapes and materials and can provide considerable interest in your home.
* * * As an alternative, consider string lights. * * *
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