Art Deco Candle Holders
Art deco candle holders bring geometric elegance and strong metalwork to a room, offering the distinct styling of the interwar decades.
Art Deco Candle Holders
Art deco candle holders encompass candlesticks, candelabra, floor candle holders, and candle lamps shaped by the aesthetic movements of the early twentieth century. You will encounter forms ranging from strict geometric modernist pairs to elaborate figures and architectural motifs.
The selections span distinct regional interpretations, including English pieces alongside Dutch examples of the Amsterdam School. Pieces frequently date from the nineteen twenties and thirties, though designs stretch from nineteen hundred through to nineteen fifty.
Materials and Construction
Metals form the backbone of these pieces, utilising brass, bronze, copper, wrought iron, nickel plating, pewter, and sterling silver. Cast and hand-wrought techniques allow for both sturdy pricket designs and slender columnar candlesticks.
Art Deco Candle Holders Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco candle holders among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials represented across the selection include brass, bronze, copper, wrought iron, sterling silver, silver plate, nickel plating, pewter, and moulded glass.
Assessing Quality
Distinction in quality rests upon the crispness of the casting, the weight of the metal, and the integrity of the patination. Heavy bronze, substantial sterling silver, and thick moulded glass command stronger visual presence than lighter plated alternatives.
Signatures, maker attribution, and substantial physical scale elevate individual examples. The intricacy of combined materials, such as mixed brass and iron work, marks out the superior workshops.
Rene Lalique·Robert Edgar Stone
The Art Deco Candle Holders Glossary
- Pricket
- A candle holder featuring a sharp spike upon which the base of a candle is impaled. This style appears frequently on Amsterdam School brass and copper pieces.
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple candles on separate arms. These range from heavy silver table pieces to tall sculptural figural works.
- Torchere
- A tall decorative stand or candle holder designed to elevate a light source. Pairs of these often anchor an interior scheme.
- Spelter
- A zinc alloy frequently used as a substitute for bronze in decorative figures. It provides a sturdy base for metallic patination.
- Amsterdam School
- An architectural and design style originating in the Netherlands, noted for expressive brickwork and rounded organic metal forms.
Art Deco Candle Holders: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean tarnished brass candle holders?
Gentle wiping with a soft cloth preserves the historic patination that collectors prize on older metalwork. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that strip away the aged surface.
For silver plated or sterling silver items, use appropriate silver care products applied sparingly. Take care around weighted bases or joined components.
How can I tell an older piece from a newer reproduction?
Examine the underside and joins for signs of historical manufacturing methods, tool marks, and natural wear patterns. Older brass, bronze, and copper develop a deep, settled patination over decades of exposure.
Weight and material density offer further clues, as genuine interwar pieces rely on solid casting rather than lightweight modern alloys. Check for hallmarks on silver and maker signatures where applicable.
Where should I display large floor candle holders?
Tall torcheres and heavy floor-standing designs suit corners, hallways, or flanking large pieces of furniture. Their substantial height creates vertical interest in a room.
Ensure they stand on level flooring away from high-traffic pathways to prevent accidental tipping. Pair symmetrical designs to frame a fireplace or architectural doorway.