{"id":345914,"date":"2026-01-23T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T13:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/?p=345914"},"modified":"2026-04-03T16:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:29:22","slug":"candlemania-the-art-of-traditional-home-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/candlemania-the-art-of-traditional-home-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Candlemania: The Art of Traditional Home Lighting\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Designers are creating a warm, intimate home atmosphere with candlelight and elevated accessories, writes Francesca Perry<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ramona<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ramona Albert\u2019s Ramus candleholder subtly lights a bedroom. Photograph: Olivia Steuer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an electrified world, we may not need<\/em> candles, but we certainly long for them, and in the dark days of winter, candlelight is almost impossible to resist. While elegant candleholders are a decor staple, the prominence of candles at home is only growing. More designers are creating artful holders, scented candle sales are booming, and the soft glow and traditional atmosphere that candles create are the perfect fit for today\u2019s interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candlelight creates a calming, intimate atmosphere\u2014something that modern, stress-filled lifestyles often call for. The ritual of lighting candles at home can bring a sense of occasion or mark a moment of transition, such as from work to relaxation. Unlike electric lamps, candles feel connected to nature, making the art of lighting a more sensory one, and with their ancient origins, they bring a sense of timelessness to the home. It\u2019s even been shown that the low light of candles can help improve mood and sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI often start the day with a candle at breakfast, letting its glow set a quiet, mindful tone,\u201d says designer Lola Lely, co-founder of London candlemakers Wax Atelier, which uses traditional methods and sustainable waxes in its products. \u201cCandlelight softens a room, highlighting the warmth in colors, textures and objects, while the gentle play of shadows creates a beautiful atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Start<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start your day with a candle, says Lola Lely of Wax Atelier candlemakers. Photograph: Wax Atelier<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the home, Lely recommends a candle on a dining table to bring warmth and enhance conversation; on a mantelpiece or coffee table to make the room feel inviting: and in the bathroom to create a \u201cspa-like moment.\u201d Interior stylist Colin King lights taper candles when he needs quiet or wants to make dinner feel \u201cmore cinematic.\u201d \u201cThey are my shortcut to warmth, my go-to design therapy,\u201d he writes in his popular newsletter, \u201cThe Last Layer.\u201d Candles can be used in myriad ways, he explains\u2014sconces, standalone tapers, chandeliers, candelabras\u2014and the fact they are old-fashioned adds to their \u201cmagic.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamb, a brand specializing in antique furniture and fireplaces, launched its new Scipio candleholder in January. Inspired by the aesthetic of English country houses and ancient Roman artefacts, the candleholder is carved from precious marble fragments and is designed to become a conscious part of a curated home collection of art and antiques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candles certainly lend themselves to this moment of peak collectible design. Inventive or sculptural holders created by contemporary designers are becoming covetable objects for the home: a focus for a dining table, a crafted accent in a living room or an eye-catching feature in a hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jamb\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jamb\u2019s new Scipio candleholder mixes English and classical influences. Photograph: Christopher Horwood<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mariah Nielson, director of the Blunk Space gallery in Northern California and daughter of American sculptor JB Blunk (1926-2002) has brought together contemporary designers from all over the world for the exhibition \u201c100 Candleholders\u201d (running until March 28). From small ceramic pieces to a chandelier decorated with shells, the 100 pieces on show demonstrate the creative potential of candle decor and its current design prominence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big-name brands are also getting in on the action. Italian designer Osanna Visconti recently collaborated with Dior Maison to create a range of delicate bronze candleholders with floral motifs. Centering craftsmanship and elegance, the tall pieces are made using the lost wax technique, an ancient method of metal-casting used for jewelry and sculpture, befitting of the storied French fashion house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sarah<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Sherman Samuel\u2019s \u201cbow\u201d sconces flank a mirror. Photograph: Courtesy of Lulu and Georgia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LA- and Michigan-based designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, celebrated for her luxuriously crafted interiors and furniture, has created a range of decorative sconces and candlesticks for interiors brand Lulu and Georgia. Characterized by ribbon-like bows, the metal pieces bring elegant charm to a room. \u201cIn a world saturated with digital glow and artificial light, candlelight restores something human,\u201d she says. Flanking a mirror or piece of art with  candles in sconces, she says, feels \u201cconsidered, architectural, and timeless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, New York-based architect and designer Ramona Albert designed a range of polished brass candleholders inspired by tree roots, presenting them in a spellbinding candlelit installation for the NYCxDesign festival. The Ramus collection, she explains, was crafted for \u201cpoetic\u201d interiors. \u201cThey bring a quiet drama to the room\u2014anchoring space with texture and shadow\u2026 The collective flicker of flames interacts with the divergent lines of the metal to cast a complex web of shadows, inviting stillness and a sense of quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ramona<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ramona Albert\u2019s Ramus candleholder range is modelled on tree roots. Photograph: Olivia Steuer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At home, Albert recommends grouping candleholders into clusters to create \u201ca visually dynamic arrangement\u201d and varying the height of the pieces to build depth. \u201cThis deliberate layering of form and materiality transforms a space into a ritualized sanctuary,\u201d she says<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living with candles is special because it introduces a \u201crhythm of light\u201d that grounds a space in a sense of peace, says Albert. Unlike electric lighting, candlelight creates a layering of lighting that \u201cdrapes a room like silk on skin.\u201d What\u2019s more, as candles can be moved and rearranged depending on mood, they become the ultimate flexible vehicle of elevated decor, creating the exact atmosphere and aesthetic in each room that is desired, whenever the flame of inspiration is ignited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the scent: read more about the rise of fragrance in luxury interior design<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Footer<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Designers are creating a warm, intimate home atmosphere with candlelight and elevated accessories, writes Francesca Perry Ramona Albert\u2019s Ramus candleholder subtly lights a bedroom. Photograph: Olivia Steuer In an electrified world, we may not need candles, but we certainly long for them, and in the dark days of winter, candlelight is almost impossible to resist. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770370,"featured_media":345916,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1399],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-345914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-and-design"],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-1rZg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":345500,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/how-to-design-a-party-perfect-interior\/","url_meta":{"origin":345914,"position":0},"title":"How to Design a Party-Perfect Interior","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"December 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Whether you enjoy hosting cozy soir\u00e9es or grand events, create a welcome haven for guests with luxurious materials, subtle lighting and clever, streamlined design, writes Claudia Baillie Bel Air, California | Sotheby\u2019s International Realty - Beverly Hills Brokerage Entertaining at home has become a defining part of contemporary luxury living,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Custom wine bar in an London home","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Party-Interiors_Hux-London-Bespoke-Bar.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":341302,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/guiding-light-4-homes-filled-with-natural-light\/","url_meta":{"origin":345914,"position":1},"title":"Guiding Light: 4 Homes Filled with Natural Light","author":"SIR Admin","date":"April 6, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Plentiful windows, striking skylights, and walls of glass maximize natural light in these bright, beautiful homes, making the most of their singular settings. Bright, Inviting Wine Country Getaway Gina Clyde\u00a0| Sotheby's International Realty\u00a0\u2013 Sonoma Brokerage On 5.5 acres adjoining the land surrounding picturesque Haraszthy Falls, this 2,596-square-foot wine country getaway\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sonoma2-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sonoma2-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sonoma2-1024x683.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":343148,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/meet-the-designers-perfecting-the-art-of-lighting\/","url_meta":{"origin":345914,"position":2},"title":"Meet the Designers Perfecting the Art of Lighting","author":"SIR Admin","date":"December 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Three female lighting designers blend artistic inspiration and material exploration to illuminate your home, writes Riya Patel Dubai-based designer Caroline Coirault-Jonqueres crafting her lamp bases When it came to finding exciting lighting for her own home, the only options for Rowena Morgan-Cox were established design icons or trying her luck\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Portrait.jpeg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Portrait.jpeg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Portrait.jpeg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Portrait.jpeg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":346701,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/how-to-design-the-ultimate-dressing-room\/","url_meta":{"origin":345914,"position":3},"title":"How To Design the Ultimate Dressing Room","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"May 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"With luxury features ranging from climate-controlled cabinetry to museum-grade lighting, these private spaces combine glamour and calm, writes Emma Reynolds Brooklyn, New York\u00a0|\u00a0Sotheby\u2019s International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage It\u2019s a dazzling month for\u00a0fashion\u00a0as stars parade showstopping looks at the Met Gala in New York, while \u201cThe Devil Wears\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home and Design"","block_context":{"text":"Home and Design","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/home-and-design\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bel Air dressing room with glass doors and recessed lighting","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/belair.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":343793,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-a-contemporary-wine-country-sanctuary\/","url_meta":{"origin":345914,"position":4},"title":"Inside a Contemporary Wine Country Sanctuary","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"April 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Exemplifying serene contemporary minimalism, this residence combines crisp, clean lines, floods of bright light, views of rolling meadow and hillsides, and terraces surrounding an enviable pool\u2014all enveloped by 22 peaceful private acres. 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