Modern Candelabras Add the Right Touch of Seasonal Luxury

Credit: Courtesy Umbra

The Mixalabra candelabra features nine candlesticks attached to a tray

Light up the festive season with one of these stylish candelabras

I’m always a bit sad when the shrouds of cobwebs and grinning jack-o-lanterns are deemed “so last season” the minute November 1 arrives.

The Halloween ghouls and gory accompaniments are packed away for next year and trees crop up overnight, bedecked with sparking ornaments and strings of eco-smart LED lights, all at the ready for the festive season ahead.

In true Grinch-like spirit, I try to avoid the whole craze for Christmas and the holiday season by refusing to deck my halls until well into December. Yes, I do put up a tree (never before Dec. 15), and no, I don’t put out dishware emblazoned with Santa Claus – ever!

Instead, I’m a big fan of corralling together everyday elements made from metal or glass that have a little sparkle perfect for the festive season. Lately, I’ve had my eye on candelabras, chic pieces that offer year-round luxury without the Liberace.

Centrepiece Sparkler: Mixalabra Candelabra

A favourite choice is the U+ Mixalabra candelabra, designed by Matt Carr (pictured above). Sure, you can group together silver candlesticks of varying heights on a tray to achieve a similar look. But will you? And imagine trying to slide a tray of lit candles aside to make room on the sideboard … Quel désastre!

This candelabra is adjustable, too. It can accommodate taper or thinner candles so you can press it into service as a centrepiece at Christmas, and use it as menorah during Hanukkah.

Swedish Simplicity: Nordic Light Candelabra

Too much look-at-me sparkle? A more understated option is the Nordic Light candelabra from Design House Stockholm. Made from wood, it features four, seven or eight “arms” that you can fold in or out, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve or how much space you have to spare. This smart-meets-simple candelabra comes in white, grey, red and black.

Artful Science: Loop Candelabra

Design enthusiasts will appreciate the cleverly curled base of the Loop candelabra by black+blum (available at Lumiaire), which was inspired by the Fibonacci curve. (Fibo what? The Fibonacci curve is closely related to the golden ratio.) The stainless steel candelabra sports a pair of “arms” and is available in a satin or chrome finish. Design a creative candlescape by mixing multiple sets together (shown) for maximum impact.

So this year, once all the seasonal celebrations are over, don’t put these candelabras away. Just add some tapers in a hot hue and you’ll be sure to chase the post-holiday blues away in a fresh and modern way.