Soft, calm and radiant, the flickering flames of lit candles instantly transform the ambiance of a room with a glowing warmth. With these sculptural candle holders, an element of play is introduced to that tranquil effect, enhancing it with the opportunity to devise unique and ever-changing creative expressions. 

1

Pair Candleholder by Muuto

When conceptualizing his Pair candle holder for Muuto, Norwegian designer Lars Tornøe was initially drawn to the idea of a simple X-shape that held four candles. Through his creative process, that concept began to shift towards one that was more modular and intriguing — splitting the X in half to create two separate parts that invite engagement and personal expression.

The result is a modular set of candle holders in differing heights; each half-X can be “paired” together in twos, threes or more to create playful yet refined arrangements. Crafted from a single piece of extruded anodized aluminum and precision-shaped with smooth curves, the Pair candle holders are available in five matte finishes: Black, Brown, Green, Light Blue and Aluminum.

2

Hopy by Magis

Reminiscent of a children’s ring stacking toy, Hopy from Magis was designed by Alessandro Stabile as a sculpture capable of constant transformation: The candle holder features four concrete modules in different shapes, sizes and colours that can be freely stacked, unstacked and restacked to create up to 48 different arrangements, with the centrally placed candle serving a structural role by keeping all the pieces aligned. No matter the configuration, Hopy takes on the appearance of a small totem and introduces a playful quality to tablescapes and other settings. 

The interchangeable concrete rings and cuffs come in Brick Orange, Blush, Light Green and Ochre Yellow — pleasing and light-hearted shades that complement a variety of styles. 

By wanting to create an object that would “leave room for free interpretation,” the Milan-based Stabile has delivered a new take on the traditional candle holder, one that leaves room for personal interpretation and an opportunity for play. What’s more, when the candle itself has burned down, the stacked elements can be used as an empty vessel for flowers or other items.

3

Blox by Normann Copenhagen

Taking an “honest” approach to design — one that is focused on materiality, purity and artisanal processes — Berlin-based designer Ilja Huber designed the Blox candle holder for Normann Copenhagen as an object that explores the “balance between form, weight, and function.” A seemingly simple composition, Blox features three cylindrical blocks of stone threaded on a stainless-steel axis. But rather than a static sculpture, the individual pieces can be rotated, shifted and rebalanced through interaction, allowing for personalized statements. 

Two curated combinations of marble and travertine are available — one dark green marble, one deep burgundy marble and travertine — with the depth, organic variations and natural beauty of the stones lending visual richness to the Blox candle holders, which have a quiet confidence and sculptural presence, even without a candle. 

4

Fundament Series by Frama

An enduring favourite from Danish multidisciplinary design brand Frama, the Fundament series by Maribel Carlander is a “study in geometry, proportion and composition.” The Copenhagen-based designer and cabinetmaker appointed each of the three holders in the series with its own distinct yet complementary geometric form, which allows them to stand alone or be grouped in cohesive setups. 

The minimalist, sculpture-like candle holders are made from laser-cut brushed stainless steel, with the matte-finished metal providing a cool contrast to the flickering warmth of a lit candle. The three styles that comprise the Fundament series include a small semi-circle (Form 1), a medium-sized structured rectangle (Form 2) and a striking full-circle design (Form 3). All three shapes are affixed to a cylindrical base that holds the candle.