Maddie James
Lucite candles are decorative candles made from thermoplastic acrylic resin. Unlike traditional candles, Lucite candles are not designed to be burned and are instead purely ornamental. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s alongside the trend of acrylic furniture and are valued for their durability and unique, glass-like transparency. The manufacturing process involves casting a mold and adding decorative substances like glitter, gold leaf, or small toys to the mixture. Lucite candles are sought after by vintage collectors and can add a glamorous touch to home decor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Decorative, not designed to be burnt |
| Composition | Thermoplastic acrylic resin, a form of plastic |
| Appearance | Glass-like transparency, often with metallic glitter or other reflective materials |
| Durability | Long-lasting, do not discolour, more durable than wax candles |
| Manufacturing process | Requires casting a mould, unlike traditional candle-making methods |
| Price | Can range from $60 to $8,500 for vintage pieces |
| Popularity | Particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s |
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What You'll Learn
Lucite candles are made of thermoplastic acrylic resin
Lucite candles are purely decorative and are not designed to be burnt. They are made of thermoplastic acrylic resin, which can be heated to high temperatures and moulded into specific shapes. Once cooled, the resin hardens and holds its shape. This process is very different from traditional candle-making, which involves dipping and re-dipping to build layers of wax.
There are many different types of acrylic resins, but Lucite is favoured in design aspects for its high transparency. This distinctive glass-like transparency is rarely matched by traditional candles and offers a unique design choice for the home. The clarity of the material also means that decorative substances can be suspended in the mixture, such as glitter, gold leaf, gemstones, or toy cars. These additions create a striking visual impact, making Lucite candles ideal for candelabras or other decorative purposes.
The manufacturing process of Lucite candles allows for the introduction of colour hues or other reflective materials to enhance their appearance. Lucite candles are often made with clear resin and varying densities of metallic glitter in shades of gold or silver. A piece of metallic string or wire is sometimes attached to the top to replicate a wick. However, unlike traditional wax candles, Lucite candles are not meant to be lit and are instead valued for their durability and long-lasting nature.
Lucite candles gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s alongside the trend of acrylic furniture and Hollywood Regency designs. Today, they are considered vintage and often achieve increased prices from dealers and auction houses. Their unique appearance, durability, and versatility make Lucite candles a desirable decorative item for those seeking an edgy, glamorous touch in their interior design.
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They are purely decorative and should not be lit
Lucite candles are purely decorative and should not be lit. They are made from Lucite, a thermoplastic acrylic resin that can be heated to high temperatures, moulded into shape, and hardened. This process allows for the inclusion of decorative substances like glitter, small gemstones, toy cars, or shells within the Lucite. The final product is easily wiped down and buffed to maintain clarity, and any final touches like a decorative wick can be glued on.
Lucite candles are long-lasting and durable, as they are not subject to the discoloration and wax dripping that traditional candles experience. They gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s alongside the trend of acrylic furniture and have since become sought-after vintage items. Their decorative appeal lies in the distinctive glass-like transparency that traditional candles cannot achieve.
The purpose of a traditional wax candle is to provide light, with the wax acting as fuel for the flame. In contrast, Lucite candles are valued for their decorative qualities and should not be lit. They can be used in various design contexts, from Hollywood Regency to Postmodernist styles, adding an edgy, glamorous touch to any space.
The process of making a Lucite candle differs significantly from traditional candle-making. Instead of dipping and re-dipping to build layers of wax, Lucite candles are created by casting a mould and mixing the right balance of acrylic polymer and hardener. This method results in a hard plastic candle that is long-lasting and can be repurposed into different candle holders or areas of the home.
While Lucite candles may not provide illumination like traditional candles, their decorative nature and unique design make them a striking addition to any interior space.
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They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s
Lucite candles gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, alongside the trend of acrylic furniture. They are made of Lucite, a form of thermoplastic acrylic resin that can be heated to high temperatures, moulded into specific shapes, and hardened. Lucite is favoured for its high transparency, allowing decorative substances like glitter, small gemstones, toy cars, or shells to be suspended in the mixture. The distinctive glass-like transparency of Lucite candles is rarely matched by traditional candles, offering a unique design choice for the home.
During the mid-20th century, Lucite candle designs ranged from stacked stair and minimalist plinth styles to mixed-media taper designs incorporating chrome, brass, or gilt metal. The high transparency of Lucite allowed for creative variations, with some candles featuring large flakes of gold leaf or gold, silver, or copper flakes. The long-lasting decorative nature of Lucite candles, which are not meant to be lit, appealed to consumers seeking durable alternatives to traditional wax candles.
The vintage Lucite candles from the 1960s and 1970s are now considered rare and highly sought-after by collectors. They are valued for their edgy glamour and can elevate various interior design styles, including Hollywood Regency, Postmodernist, eclectic, and contemporary looks. The popularity of Lucite candles during the 1960s and 1970s can be attributed to the unique design possibilities offered by Lucite as a material, its durability compared to traditional wax candles, and its ability to create long-lasting decorative pieces for the home.
Today, vintage Lucite candles from this era can be found through specialised dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces. They often command premium prices due to their rarity and their association with the glamour of mid-century modern design. While Lucite candles may no longer be as popular as they once were, they remain a unique and sought-after collectible item for those who appreciate their distinctive style and decorative appeal.
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They are long-lasting and durable
Lucite candles are long-lasting and durable decorative items that gained popularity in the late sixties and early seventies. They are made of thermoplastic acrylic resin, which can be heated to high temperatures, moulded into specific shapes, and hardened to hold that shape. This makes them highly durable and long-lasting. Unlike traditional candles, Lucite candles are not meant to be lit and are purely cosmetic. This means they will not be subject to discolouration or wax dripping on candle holders, making them even more long-lasting.
The manufacturing process of Lucite candles involves casting a mould and mixing the right balance of acrylic polymer and hardener, resulting in a sturdy and durable product. The final product is also wiped down and buffed to ensure clarity and enhance its durability. The transparent nature of Lucite gives the impression that any embedded items, such as glitter, toy cars, or shells, are suspended in space, creating a unique and eye-catching decorative piece.
The longevity and durability of Lucite candles also lie in their versatility. They can be easily repurposed into different candle holders or areas of the home, adapting to changing preferences and design choices. Lucite candles are known for their distinctive glass-like transparency, which is challenging to achieve with traditional wax candles. This transparency, along with the ability to incorporate reflective materials, creates a striking visual impact that elevates any space.
Additionally, Lucite candles are favoured for their clarity and ability to showcase decorative substances suspended within the material. This clarity contributes to their durability as it allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that they remain in good condition over time. Lucite candles are also less fragile than traditional candles, reducing the likelihood of breakage and extending their lifespan.
Overall, Lucite candles offer a unique blend of durability and decorative appeal. Their long-lasting nature stems from their sturdy construction, ease of maintenance, and versatility in repurposing. With their transparent beauty and customisable designs, Lucite candles provide a durable and stylish addition to any home or collection.
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They can be customised with glitter, gemstones, or other trinkets
Lucite candles are purely decorative and are not meant to be lit. They are made of thermoplastic acrylic resin, which can be heated to high temperatures, moulded into a specific shape, and hardened to hold that shape. The manufacturing process allows for the introduction of colour hues and reflective materials to enhance their appearance.
Lucite candles can be customised with glitter, gemstones, or other trinkets. Glitter is the most common choice, with Lucite candles often featuring varying densities of metallic glitter in shades of gold or silver. However, the customisation options are endless. Creative variations of Lucite candles can incorporate small gemstones, toy cars, shells, or any other trinkets. The transparent nature of Lucite creates the impression that these items are suspended in space.
The customisation options for Lucite candles make them a unique and eye-catching decorative piece. They can be used as candle holders or placed in different areas of the home to add a striking visual impact. The sparkly nature of Lucite candles makes them a popular choice for those seeking a glamorous or eclectic design aesthetic.
The customisability of Lucite candles also contributes to their value. Vintage Lucite candles from the 1960s and 1970s, when Lucite was all the rage, can fetch high prices from vintage dealers and auction houses. The rarity and unique design of Lucite candles make them a desirable find for collectors and enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Lucite candles are decorative candles made from thermoplastic acrylic resin. Unlike traditional candles, they are not meant to be lit and are purely cosmetic.
Lucite candles are made of Lucite, a form of thermoplastic acrylic resin. This means they are a type of plastic that can be heated to high temperatures, moulded into shape, and will hold that shape once cooled.
Lucite candles are favoured for the high transparency of the material. They often contain glitter or metallic flakes in gold or silver, but can also include small gemstones, toy cars, or shells.
It depends on your intended use. If you want light, then a Lucite candle is not suitable as it cannot be lit. However, if you are looking for a decorative candle, the sparkly nature of a Lucite candle and its long-lasting durability make it a good choice.
Lucite candles were particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but their popularity has since declined. They can be considered rare and may achieve high prices from vintage dealers and auction houses.
