Were these stands used on floors or tables?

Most candlesticks listed under this description are designed for tabletops, sideboards, or mantelpieces rather than direct floor placement. Their height generally ranges from modest proportions up to fifteen inches. Larger torchères and pedestals serve the purpose of floor standing, whereas the smaller turned items require an elevated surface to display their brass sconces properly.

How should I care for the brass parts?

Brass components benefit from gentle dusting and occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive metal polish to maintain their brightness. Care must be taken to prevent polish from contacting the surrounding wood. Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina over time, which many collectors prefer to leave undisturbed rather than restoring it to a bright finish.

What woods are most common?

Oak and mahogany appear most frequently amongst the surviving pieces, reflecting the favoured cabinet timbers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Rosewood, teak, and general hardwoods also present themselves in specific regional or later designs. The choice of timber often dictates the overall visual weight of the stand, with dark mahogany offering a formal look and oak lending a rustic presence.