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Can't-Beat Style: Candlestick Clusters
Create high decorating drama with the right mix of candleholders on table, sideboard, mantel and more
Styling can transform an ordinary space into something truly special, and it doesn't have to cost much. By adding props, or decorative items, to certain areas you can create interest, beauty and a sense of place.
One really simple styling strategy: clusters of candles. Mixing tall and short, traditional and modern candles in clusters creates visual weight and significance. They're also elegant and romantic and convey a message of warmth as well as a love for entertaining.
Here's how to make your home glow in more ways than one.
One really simple styling strategy: clusters of candles. Mixing tall and short, traditional and modern candles in clusters creates visual weight and significance. They're also elegant and romantic and convey a message of warmth as well as a love for entertaining.
Here's how to make your home glow in more ways than one.
Rustic wooden candlesticks are inexpensive and perfect for this Mediterranean home in Phoenix. The blonde wood works well with the intense sea-blue wall and balances the round wall mirror. What a difference these candlesticks make. Imagine if this table were empty.
Tip: When adding decorative pieces to fill an empty dining room table, try to find a balance between too much and too little. Add five candlesticks to the table, either clustered in the middle or placed in a line. Step back and take a look. Now remove two of the candlesticks, step back and take another look. Which version completes the room?
Involve family members in the game to help train their eye for design. They may think you're a little crazy at first, but then again you may stumble upon some future designers in your midst!
Tip: When adding decorative pieces to fill an empty dining room table, try to find a balance between too much and too little. Add five candlesticks to the table, either clustered in the middle or placed in a line. Step back and take a look. Now remove two of the candlesticks, step back and take another look. Which version completes the room?
Involve family members in the game to help train their eye for design. They may think you're a little crazy at first, but then again you may stumble upon some future designers in your midst!
If your taste leans toward vintage flea market, as in this family-friendly Phoenix home, here's a great way to display all your candles at once. This display, intentionally or not, is an interesting visual play on the history of the lightbulb, with the grouped bare lightbulb fixture hanging just above the candlesticks, causing the eye to dance between the two.
Don't even consider lighting them all at once. When it's time to enjoy some candlelight, remove some of the candles from their bases. I originally thought to advise lighting just some of the candles, but I realized that well-meaning guests might think you meant to light them all — and might unintentionally create a dangerous situation. And of course with candles placed this closely together, a draft could cause one candle to light the rest.
Don't even consider lighting them all at once. When it's time to enjoy some candlelight, remove some of the candles from their bases. I originally thought to advise lighting just some of the candles, but I realized that well-meaning guests might think you meant to light them all — and might unintentionally create a dangerous situation. And of course with candles placed this closely together, a draft could cause one candle to light the rest.
Empty table got you wondering how to make it look not so bare? Here's a trick, courtesty of a contemporary Boston home, that's too simple: vase plus cluster of three candlesticks and voilà — things look a little less boardroom and a lot more like home.
Tip: Wood floors? Wood table? Wood furniture? Go light with the accessories to detract from the heaviness. To play it safe, if your walls are cream, go with cream accessories. If your walls are white, pile on the white.
Tip: Wood floors? Wood table? Wood furniture? Go light with the accessories to detract from the heaviness. To play it safe, if your walls are cream, go with cream accessories. If your walls are white, pile on the white.
This collection of playful candlesticks in a contemporary Boston home bridges the gap between the modern wall color and the traditional dark table and chairs. And of course, the candles perfectly balance the colorful art.
I'd also like to see these candlesticks placed on a long narrow tray to balance out the width of the large fixture above.
I'd also like to see these candlesticks placed on a long narrow tray to balance out the width of the large fixture above.
Clusters of candles can also mean combining candelabras and candlesticks, a look that's really working in this stunning Manhattan penthouse. In contrast to the expanses of white and bold areas of red, the small decorative candles on the coffee table are a personal touch.
A cluster of crystal candlesticks, or in this case tea light holders, is soft and pretty, and a great complement to the dark and elegant neutral palette of this New York showroom.
There's something about candles placed directly on a surface that doesn't seem quite right to me. So place a collection of candlesticks like these on a gorgeous round platter so you won't have any regrets. A base for this collection would actually enhance the look too. I'd go for a round silver-leafed tray or something Moroccan to add a touch of mystery.
There's something about candles placed directly on a surface that doesn't seem quite right to me. So place a collection of candlesticks like these on a gorgeous round platter so you won't have any regrets. A base for this collection would actually enhance the look too. I'd go for a round silver-leafed tray or something Moroccan to add a touch of mystery.
This loft in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood is a perfect home for this collection of artful candlesticks. The shoji screen details complement the fine lines of the candlesticks in a magically subtle way. I'd leave these candlesticks here forever; they work beautifully on the wall-hung sideboard.
A nice alternative to those vases of flowers would be a long trough-shaped bowl holding some beautiful rocks.
A nice alternative to those vases of flowers would be a long trough-shaped bowl holding some beautiful rocks.
The chunky and ornate gold candlesticks here are a perfect reference to the design origins of this stunning 1930s Italian Renaissance–style home in Dallas.
I love the fact that the candlesticks, which theoretically are really too big for this mantel, push the limits of scale and proportion in a way that works.
I love the fact that the candlesticks, which theoretically are really too big for this mantel, push the limits of scale and proportion in a way that works.
Candlestick clusters in the entry hall? Why not? Large candleholders like these add a very theatrical feeling. The message I'm getting is, "Grab a candlestick and come explore the castle with me!" But maybe I've just looked at one too many photos of candles.
That said, don't overdo the candle thing. If you have a display like this one, candles elsewhere in the house should be very subtle or out of sight.
That said, don't overdo the candle thing. If you have a display like this one, candles elsewhere in the house should be very subtle or out of sight.
Silver candlesticks set the scene beautifully in this bathroom, in the same Dallas home as above. Most of us don't have tubs like this one, but with candles one really can create an opulent environment in a more modest bath. And besides, when you light the candles and turn down the lights, you very well could be transported to the destination of your choice.
Consider using candles as a simple way to relax at the end of a long day. Simple joys like candlelight can help you face the demands of everyday life. They are truly precious.
Important tips for candle safety at home:
Consider using candles as a simple way to relax at the end of a long day. Simple joys like candlelight can help you face the demands of everyday life. They are truly precious.
Important tips for candle safety at home:
- Always keep burning candles within sight, and if you'll be leaving the room it is wise to extinguish all candles.
- Make sure to place candles at a distance from anything that can potentially catch fire: curtains, furniture, books or anything else that's flammable.
- When lighting your candles, place holders on a stable, heat-resistant surface, such as a tray or plate. This prevents possible heat or wax damage to counters, cabinet tops and tables.
- Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room, and avoid burning a large quantity of candles in a small room, as it may diminish the oxygen in the room.
- Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart to avoid one candle's heat melting another.
- Keep candles away from pets and children.
Tip: Add metallic shine in the form of decorative accessories — whether brass, silver or copper — to give your space that little something extra. Reflective surfaces act like jewels, elegantly embellishing the space.