Ceramic Candle Holders

Ceramic candle holders are one of the easiest ways to bring personality and colour to the dining table, the shelf or the coffee table. At Dims Studio you'll find figurine candle holders in ceramic, polyresin and stoneware from Kersten, Bloomingville, GiftCompany, Rice and &Klevering, with motifs of dogs, cats, birds, leopards, fish and shellfish, as well as fun food motifs like candy, churros and fried eggs. Here's a guide to the types, materials, sizes and brands, so you can find the candle holders that suit your home.

Types of ceramic candle holders: animals, food and figures

What the candle holders in the range have in common is that they're designed as figures rather than classic, smooth columns. Below, we go through the motif groups you'll find the most of.

Dog candle holders

Dogs are the largest group in the range. Kersten is behind several dog candle holders in polyresin, and Rice has a dog candle holder in ceramic. There's also a double version in a set of two, Dog candle holders in stoneware from Bloomingville, if you want to pair them up on the table.

Cat candle holders

Cat candle holders in polyresin from Kersten come in several colour versions and pair well with the dog candle holders if you want to style a whole animal corner. Rice also has a cat candle holder in ceramic in their collection.

Birds and exotic animals

The Bird candle holder in ceramic from Rice comes in several colours, including pink, green and mint, and the Toucan candle holder in polyresin from Kersten adds a more exotic motif to the range. The Parrot candle holder from GiftCompany also belongs to this group.

Leopard candle holders

The Leopard candle holder comes in both dolomite from Kersten and ceramic from Anna + Nina. The motif is a safe choice if you want an animal print that also works as a graphic pattern in the room.

Fish and shellfish

The Sardine candle holder in ceramic from GiftCompany and the Lobster candle holder in ceramic from Kersten bring the sea into the candle holders, while the Caviar candle holder in ceramic from GiftCompany and the Fried egg candle holder in stoneware from Kersten play further with the food and serving theme.

Food motifs: candy, churros and pancakes

The Candy candle holder in ceramic from Kersten comes in several colour combinations, including pink and blue as well as purple and red with dots, and both the Churros candle holder and the Green churros candle holder in dolomite from &Klevering give a playful, sweet expression. The Pancake candle holder in dolomite from Kersten rounds off the food theme.

Figures and characters

The Angel candle holder in ceramic from Rice and the Medusa candle holder in polyresin from Bloomingville show that the range also holds more figurative and mythical motifs that stand apart from the animal and food motifs.

Motif types compared

Motif type	Expression	Works well for	Examples in the range
Dogs and cats	Loving and playful	Dining table, shelf, gift for animal lovers	Dog candle holder, Cat candle holder, Dog candle holders in stoneware
Birds and exotic animals	Colourful and exotic	Kitchen table, shelf	Bird candle holder, Toucan candle holder, Parrot candle holder
Leopard	Graphic and bold	Coffee table, shelf	Leopard candle holder in dolomite, Leopard candle holder in ceramic
Fish and shellfish	Playful and everyday	Dining table, summer parties	Sardine candle holder, Lobster candle holder, Caviar candle holder
Food motifs	Fun and festive	Guest table, kitchen	Candy candle holder, Churros candle holder, Pancake candle holder
Figures	Artistic and different	Shelf or as a solo object	Angel candle holder, Medusa candle holder

Materials: ceramic, polyresin, dolomite and stoneware

The candle holders in the range are made from several different materials, and the material affects both look, weight and care.

Ceramic

Ceramic is fired clay that's glazed so the surface becomes dense and easy to clean. The Sardine candle holder, Bird candle holder and Angel candle holder are examples of ceramic candle holders. Ceramic usually handles a damp cloth well but shouldn't go in the dishwasher unless stated otherwise in the product description.

Polyresin

Polyresin is a hard synthetic resin material often used for detailed figures because it's easy to cast in fine detail. The Dog candle holder, Cat candle holder and Toucan candle holder in polyresin from Kersten are examples of this. Polyresin is lightweight compared to ceramic and is best wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a type of ceramic material that resembles porcelain but is more robust. The Leopard, Churros and Pancake candle holders are made from dolomite and typically have a smooth, glossy surface.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a dense, durable type of ceramic fired at high temperature. The Missy, Tacana and Fried egg candle holders from Bloomingville and Kersten are examples of stoneware candle holders that handle everyday use well.

How to look after your ceramic candle holders

• Wipe the candle holder with a slightly damp cloth, and avoid leaving it in water for extended periods.
• Always replace the candle before it burns all the way down to the base of the holder, so wax doesn't melt onto the surface.
• Remove wax residue by letting it fully harden and carefully scraping it off with a fingernail or a soft, edged object.
• Place the candle holder somewhere it won't easily tip over, especially the tall, narrow models.

How to style ceramic candle holders together

Because the motifs in the range are so varied, it can help to have a simple rule of thumb when putting several candle holders together on a table or shelf. Either choose several candle holders from the same motif group, for example two dogs and a cat, or stick to the same material and colour palette if you're mixing motifs across groups. If the candle holders sit alongside other decor, such as vases or glass candle holders, keeping the colours within two or three shades gives a calmer look, while you can vary the height of the candle holders to create depth in the arrangement.

Another approach is letting a single bold candle holder, such as the Leopard candle holder or the Medusa candle holder, stand entirely on its own as a solo object, while keeping the other surfaces in the room simple. That way, the motif gets to be the only eye-catcher, without getting lost among other details. If the candle holders will be used daily, it's a good idea to choose models that stand stably, ideally with a broad, heavy base, so they don't tip over if bumped.

Sizes: from single holders to sets of two

Several of the candle holders in the range are sold individually, while others come in sets of two, so you can easily style a symmetrical table arrangement.

Single holders

Most figurine candle holders, such as the Sardine, Lobster and Angel candle holders, are sold individually, and they work well if you want to style several different motifs together on the table.

Sets of two

The Sassy, Caty, Rory candle holders, the Muffins candle holders, the Eri cat candle holders, the Missy candle holders and the Dog candle holders in stoneware from Bloomingville are sold in sets of two. Sets are practical if you want a matching pair on either side of a dish or a vase.

Tealight holders

The Florita tealight holders in stoneware from Bloomingville are a variant designed for tealights rather than dinner candles, making them a safe choice if you prefer smaller, shorter-burning lights.

Colours and glaze in the range

The colour of a ceramic candle holder typically comes from a glaze applied before the piece is fired in the kiln. The glaze makes the surface glossy and dense, and it's the reason the colours in the range appear so saturated and vibrant, whether it's the pink and blue Candy candle holder or the green version of the Churros candle holder. Some candle holders, especially in polyresin, are instead painted on the outside, which can give a more uniform, matte look compared to the glossy ceramic glaze. If you want to keep a calm colour scheme, it's a good idea to choose candle holders within the same colour family, for example several models in pink, blue or green, while you can mix freely across motifs if you prefer a more eclectic look.

Ceramic candle holders for the dining table, shelf and gift

Where the candle holder will stand affects which motif and size suit it best.

For the dining table

On the dining table, sets of two work well because they create symmetry around the meal. The Caty or Rory candle holder in stoneware are good choices for an everyday dinner, while a more festive motif like the Candy candle holder suits a birthday or gathering.

For the shelf and coffee table

On the shelf or coffee table, a single, bold candle holder like the Leopard or Medusa candle holder can stand as a small art object, whether or not it's lit. Feel free to combine it with a couple of candle holders in other materials for variety.

As a gift

A ceramic candle holder is an easy and personal gift, because the motif can match the recipient's taste, whether that's a dog lover, someone who loves the sea, or someone who just likes fun details. See also our animal candle holders if the gift should have an animal motif.

Brands behind the ceramic candle holders

The range brings together several brands, each with their own expression.

Kersten

Kersten is behind the largest part of the range, including the dog and cat candle holders in polyresin, the Toucan candle holder, the Leopard candle holder in dolomite, the Lobster candle holder, the Candy candle holder, the Churros candle holder, the Pancake candle holder and the Fried egg candle holder. What Kersten's candle holders have in common is the clear, colourful figure motifs.

Bloomingville

Bloomingville delivers several of the sets of two candle holders, including Sassy, Caty, Rory, Missy, Eri cat, Muffins and Dog candle holders in stoneware, as well as the single holders Bob candle holder and Medusa candle holder. Bloomingville's candle holders are often in stoneware and kept in a calmer colour expression.

GiftCompany

GiftCompany contributes with the Sardine candle holder, the Caviar candle holder, the Parrot candle holder and the Pink dachshund candle holder, as well as the Dachshund candle holder in dolomite, all with a playful and colourful expression.

Rice

Rice is behind the Bird candle holder in several colours, the Angel candle holder and the Dog candle holder in ceramic, with a soft and vibrant expression typical of the brand.

&Klevering

&Klevering delivers the Churros candle holder and the Green churros candle holder in dolomite, both with a playful food motif.

Anna + Nina

Anna + Nina is behind the Leopard candle holder in ceramic and the Whimsical Rose candle holder, which both have a more artistic and detailed expression.

Ceramic candle holders for parties, everyday life and seasons

Candle holders can be used all year round, but certain motifs suit certain occasions better.

For everyday life

For the daily dinner, a set of two in a calm expression, like the Caty or Missy candle holder in stoneware from Bloomingville, is a safe and durable choice that doesn't draw too much attention away from the food.

For parties and gatherings

If the table needs decorating for a birthday or a summer party, the more colourful and playful motifs, such as the Candy candle holder, Churros candle holder or the sea motifs Sardine and Lobster candle holder, are great at creating a festive mood.

For the guest room or entryway

In the guest room or entryway, a single figurine candle holder, for example the Angel or Toucan candle holder, can work as a small welcoming detail that gives the room character, even when the candle isn't lit.

Which ceramic candle holder should you choose? Our recommendations

Situation	Our recommendation
Gift for the animal lover	Dog candle holder or Cat candle holder in polyresin from Kersten
Symmetrical table for dinner	A set of two, e.g. Caty or Rory candle holder from Bloomingville
Fun detail for the kitchen	Candy, Churros or Pancake candle holder
Statement piece for the shelf	Leopard candle holder or Medusa candle holder
Sea theme for the summer table	Sardine, Lobster or Caviar candle holder
Exotic and colourful	Toucan candle holder or Bird candle holder from Rice

Long-term care

A ceramic candle holder can last for many years if treated properly. Avoid stacking candle holders on top of each other in a cabinet, as this can chip the edges, and store the most detailed figures, such as the Toucan or Medusa candle holder, somewhere they won't easily be knocked over. If a candle holder falls onto a hard floor, even sturdy materials like dolomite and stoneware can break, so it's a good idea to place them on stable surfaces, especially if there are children or pets in the home.

Frequently asked questions about ceramic candle holders

What's the difference between ceramic and polyresin candle holders?

Ceramic is fired and glazed clay, which is heavier and has a smooth, dense surface. Polyresin is a cast synthetic resin material that's lighter in weight and suited to detailed figures. Both materials are best wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

Can ceramic candle holders handle dinner candles?

Yes, ceramic, dolomite and stoneware usually handle the heat from ordinary dinner candles. However, replace the candle before it burns all the way down to the base of the holder, so wax doesn't melt directly onto the surface.

How do you remove wax from a ceramic candle holder?

Let the wax fully harden, then carefully scrape it off with a fingernail or a soft, edged object. Avoid sharp tools, which can scratch the surface.

Can you use tealights in the candle holders?

Most of the figurine candle holders are designed for ordinary dinner candles, while the Florita tealight holders in stoneware from Bloomingville are specifically made for tealights.

What animal motifs are available?

The range includes, among others, dogs, cats, birds, leopards, fish, lobster and a toucan. See them all in our animal candle holders category.

Do the candle holders come as sets or individually?

Both. Most figurine candle holders are sold individually, while several of Bloomingville's models, such as Sassy, Caty and Rory candle holders, are sold in sets of two.

How do I clean my candle holders?

Wipe them with a slightly damp cloth, and avoid leaving them in water for extended periods. Don't use abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the glaze or surface.

What is dolomite?

Dolomite is a type of ceramic material that resembles porcelain but is more robust, used among others for the Leopard, Churros and Pancake candle holders.

Do ceramic candle holders suit a modern or classic home?

Both, depending on the motif you choose. Plain stoneware candle holders in sets suit a calmer look, while the colourful food and animal motifs give a more playful, maximalist look.

Can ceramic candle holders stand outside?

They're primarily designed for indoor use. Avoid leaving them out in rain or frost, as moisture and frost can damage the glaze and material over time.

Which candle holder makes a good gift?

A ceramic candle holder with a motif that matches the recipient's interests, e.g. a dog or cat motif, is an easy and personal gift. See also our unique candle holders for more ideas.

Where can you buy ceramic candle holders online?

You can buy ceramic candle holders online at Dims Studio, where the range spans from classic animal motifs to playful food figures from brands like Kersten, Bloomingville, GiftCompany and Rice.