Jessie Taylor
The base of a candlestick or candelabra is the foot of the column that steadies the piece and prevents it from toppling over. Bases may be discreetly weighted, which is essential when candles are elevated. The term 'candelabra' refers to candle holders with multiple arms or branches, often placed on a surface such as a floor, stand, or tabletop. A 'candlestick' is a holder for a single candle, often shaped like a pedestal. Other types of candle holders include sconces, lanterns, girandoles, and votives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Base |
| Purpose | To steady the candlestick or candelabra and prevent it from toppling over |
| Weight | May be discreetly weighted |
| Shape | Often triangular |
| Placement | At the foot of the column |
| Examples | A menorah, a candelabra with seven arms mentioned in the Hebrew Bible; candelabra excavated from Hadrian's Villa |
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What You'll Learn
Single candle holders are called candlesticks
Candlesticks can also be differentiated by the style of their column and capital. The column is the structural pillar that supports the capital, and it comes in various styles, such as Corinthian, Solomonic, panelled, and knop. The capital is the cup-shaped component at the top of the candlestick that holds the candle in place. Corinthian capitals, for example, are ornamented with volute scrolls, acanthus leaves, and bud designs, while Ionic capitals feature large volute scrolls, anthemion leaf decoration, and egg and dart ornamentation.
In addition to the terms "candlestick" and "candle holder," there are several other types of candle holders and related terms. Wall-mounted candle holders are called "sconces," while small, short candles and their holders are called "votives." A candelabra or candelabrum is a candle holder with multiple arms or branches for holding more than one candle.
Candlesticks are a versatile way to add ambience and warmth to a room, whether used for practical lighting, aromatherapy, or simply for decoration.
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Multiple candle holders are called candelabras
Candelabras typically consist of a central, elevated candle holder with surrounding fixtures. They often feature hanging pieces of crystal or beaded garlands, as well as rimmed holders that provide hints of colour. Some modern designs include circular, zigzag, or ascending orientations for unique displays of candlelight.
The distinguishing feature of a candelabra is its branches or arms, which support multiple capitals (the cup-shaped component at the top that holds the candle in place). The style of a candelabra can vary, with different types of columns providing a range of heights and designs. For example, a Corinthian column is cylindrical and adorned with vertical fluted decorations, while a Solomonic column (also known as a barley-sugar or helical column) has a corkscrew-like shape.
Candelabras are commonly used for decorative purposes, such as illuminating event spaces or creating a warm ambiance for intimate dinners or themed parties. They can also be used as centrepieces or to highlight walkways and flank notable tables.
It is worth noting that the term "candle holder" can refer to various types of holders, such as sconces (which mount on walls) and votives (typically placed on tables).
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Wall-mounted candle holders are called sconces
A candlestick is a candle holder shaped like a pedestal, and a candelabra is a candle holder with multiple arms or branches. A candelabra may be placed on a fireplace mantel, table, guéridon, torchère, or on the floor if it is large enough. The term "candelabra" can also be used to describe a variety of lighting objects, such as tall stands that support lamps. In the 18th century, portable candelabras became more popular than sconces fixed onto walls.
The capital is the cup-shaped component at the top of a candlestick or candelabra that holds the candle in place. The base of a candelabra is often triangular and is used to steady the piece. It is usually found at the foot of the column, which is the structural pillar that supports the capital and allows the piece to stand upright.
The part of the candlestick that holds the candle is called the "socket," and this often uses friction to keep the candle upright.
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Votives are candle holders for votive candles
A candlestick is the holder of a candle. The part of the candlestick that holds the candle is called the "socket". The cup-shaped component at the top of the candlestick that holds the candle in place is called the "capital".
A candelabra, or candelabrum in its singular form, is an ornamental branched holder for more than one candle.
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Bobèches are drip-catching rings for candle holders
Bobèches are small, round glass rings that are placed at the bottom of a candle to catch dripping wax. They are also known as candle drip rings, drip catchers, or candle drip protectors. Bobèches are designed to prevent wax from running down the candle and onto surfaces below, such as tables, furniture, or tablecloths. They are commonly used with taper candles or dinner candles and can be made of glass or metal with a gold or silver finish. Bobèches are an elegant and practical way to protect your candle holders and surrounding surfaces from unexpected drips, making cleanup quick and easy.
While the base of a candle holder is not specifically named, it is an essential part of the structure, providing stability and balance to prevent the candle from toppling over. The base is typically weighted to ensure stability, especially when holding naked flames at elevated heights.
The part of the candle holder that directly holds the candle is called the "socket." This is distinct from the base, which provides support and stability to the entire candle holder structure.
In addition to the base and socket, other components of a candle holder include the column, which is the structural pillar that supports the capital (the cup-shaped component at the top that holds the candle). The column comes in various styles, such as Corinthian, Solomonic, panelled, or knop.
Wall-mounted candle holders are known as sconces, while table-top candle holders are often referred to as votives.
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Frequently asked questions
The part of the candlestick that holds the candle is called the "socket".
A candlestick with multiple arms is called a candelabrum (plural: candelabra).
Wall-mounted candle holders are called sconces.
