Glass candleholders have a unique ability to capture light and diffuse it throughout the room. While metal holders absorb light, glass allows it to pass through, creating a soft, vibrant glow that shifts with the movement of the flame. That is precisely why glass candleholders have been popular for centuries—from Baroque crystal chandeliers to today’s minimalist table decorations.
Whether you collect vintage finds or prefer new designs, glass candleholders are one of the most versatile decorations you can invest in. They work just as well on a beautifully set dinner table as they do on a bedroom windowsill. In this guide, we’ll dive into the different types, materials, and styles so you can find the perfect candleholder for your home.
What types of glass candle holders are there?
Glass isn’t just glass—there’s a wide variety of options, each offering a unique look.
Colored glass
Colored glass candle holders add a pop of color to your table or shelf. Popular colors include amber, green, blue, and pink. Colored glass filters the light and creates a warm, atmospheric glow. They work well in a bohemian-inspired home or as a contrast in an otherwise neutral room.
Crystal
Crystal candleholders are the classic luxury option. Crystal has a higher lead content than ordinary glass, which gives it its characteristic shine and beautiful light prisms. Crystal candleholders are ideal for festive occasions, but many also use them in everyday life to give the home a refined touch.
Mouth-blown glass
Mouth-blown glass has an organic quality that machine-made glass rarely achieves. Small air bubbles and irregularities make each candleholder unique. It is a craft with long traditions, and mouth-blown candleholders from Scandinavian glassworks are particularly sought after.
Pressed glass
Pressed glass is a more budget-friendly option that can still feature beautiful patterns and reliefs. Many of the popular retro candleholders found at flea markets are made of pressed glass. They have a charming, nostalgic style that works well in a rustic or country-style interior.
Crystal candleholders from Anna Von Lipa and EJA
At Dims Studio, we carry crystal candleholders from Anna Von Lipa, known for their high quality and period-appropriate designs. Anna Von Lipa works with recycled crystal, giving the candleholders a sustainable profile. Their collection ranges from small tea light holders to tall, slender candleholders in clear and colored crystal.
EJA is another popular brand that creates crystal candle holders with a more modern and minimalist style. Their clear crystal holders feature clean lines and fit seamlessly into a Scandinavian interior design aesthetic. They feel substantial in the hand and are of solid quality that will last for many years.
How do you choose the right size candlestick?
The size of the candlestick should suit the room and the surface it will stand on. Here are some rules of thumb:
- For the dining table: Choose candlesticks 15–25 cm in height. They shouldn’t block eye contact between guests. A group of 3–5 candleholders of varying heights looks great in the center of the table.
- For a windowsill or shelf: Here you can choose both tall and short candleholders. Make sure they aren’t too heavy for the shelf and that there’s enough space for the candle to burn safely.
- For Floor: Large floor candle holders, 40–80 cm tall, look great by a fireplace, in a corner, or near a door. They create a dramatic effect.
- For the dinner table: Mix heights and styles. Place tall candlesticks at the back and short tea light holders in front. Consider using transparent candlesticks so the table setting remains visible.
Colored glass candlesticks: How to use color in your decor
Colored glass candlesticks are an easy way to introduce new colors into a room. Amber and cognac-colored candle holders create a warm, inviting atmosphere and pair well with a room featuring wooden furniture and earth tones. Green and blue candle holders have a cooler tone that works well in a room with white or gray walls. Pink and purple candle holders add a more playful and feminine touch.
A good trick is to choose glass candle holders in a color that already appears elsewhere in the room—for example, in a pillow, a painting, or a rug. This ties the room together without looking forced.
Styling with glass candle holders: Our best tips
Glass candle holders are versatile and easy to style. Here are some ideas:
- Mix heights and shapes: A collection of 5–7 holders in different heights creates a dynamic look. Feel free to mix clear holders with colored ones for a more exciting look.
- Group in odd numbers: Three or five candleholders look more natural than two or four. It’s an old styling trick from the visual arts.
- Place them in front of a mirror: Glass and mirrors enhance each other’s effect. A few candleholders in front of a mirror visually double the light.
- Combine with other materials: Glass candleholders look fantastic next to ceramic or brass candleholders. The contrast in materials adds depth to an arrangement.
- Use them all year round: In the summer, you can place small bouquets or branches in the taller holders instead of candles. In the winter, light real candles and enjoy the soft glow.
Care and Maintenance of Glass Candleholders
Glass candleholders are generally easy to keep clean. Remove wax residue by placing the candleholder in the freezer for a few hours—the wax will pop right off on its own. Then wash with warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface.
Crystal candle holders should be polished with a soft, lint-free cloth to maintain their shine. Avoid the dishwasher, as the high temperatures can dull the crystal over time.
Can you use LED candles in glass candle holders?
Yes, absolutely. LED taper candles have improved significantly in recent years and now feature a flickering glow reminiscent of real candles. LED candles are a good choice if you have small children or pets, or if the candle holder is placed somewhere you can’t keep an eye on it. Keep in mind that cheap LED candles can have a cold, white glow—instead, choose candles with a warm color temperature (2200–2700K) for the most realistic result.
However, some glass candle holders are designed specifically for real candles, and the flame behind the glass creates a different and more beautiful effect than an LED candle. So when the occasion calls for it, there’s still something magical about a real candle in a beautiful glass holder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Candle Holders
What type of glass is best for candle holders?
It depends on your budget and your style. Crystal offers the most shine and luxury, while mouth-blown glass has the most unique character. Colored pressed glass is a good, affordable option that still looks great. For everyday use, tempered glass is the most durable.
How many glass candleholders should you have on a dining table?
For a table for 4–6 people, 3–5 candleholders are Varying heights are a good starting point. For a longer table seating 8–10 people, you can increase the number to 5–9 candleholders. Remember to leave room for plates, glasses, and serving dishes. A group of unique glass candleholders makes a beautiful centerpiece.
Can glass candleholders withstand heat?
Most glass candleholders are designed to withstand the heat from a candle, but it’s important not to let the candle burn all the way down. Always leave at least 1–2 cm of wax at the bottom to prevent overheating. Crystal and thick glass handle heat better than thin, mouth-blown glass.
Are you ready to find your next glass candleholder? Explore our entire selection of glass candleholders —from clear crystal holders to colored mouth-blown designs that add character and warmth to your home.
