From the only means of providing light a century or two ago, candles have now come full circle, and are enjoyed in a purely decorative capacity. They’ve retained that old-world charm however, and are a fantastic addition to any space that may benefit from a bit of class and refinement.

More important than the candle, however, is the candle holder. From an old-fashioned lantern candle holder, to the more modern looking glass tealight holders, there is a bit to think about when shopping for the perfect candle holder for your space. Here are just five things to keep in mind.

1. Material

Candle holders come in a huge variety of materials. Glass, metal, timber, plastic; the options are many and varied. Your decision will be based on the feel of the room to be decorated. A more earthy space will benefit from timber and simple metallics. A more modern room may go better with a clean plastic or glass piece. Get a feel for the intended room, and go from there.

2. Shape

When it comes to shape, take some inspiration from your room. Is it filled with clean, crisp lines? A more angular, modern candle holder could suit. If it’s got a more rounded feel to it, perhaps a set of simple circular glass tealight holders would match the space better.

3. Size

When thinking about size, you need to decide how much of a statement you’d like your candle holders to make. If you want a true statement piece, the bigger the better. If you’d like to simply add a touch of class, something smaller will be more suitable.

4. Colour

What colours highlight the room that you’ll be putting the candle holders in? Take inspiration from a rug or couch cushion, and tie the candle holders in with this over-arching theme. Alternatively, if you’re brave enough you may want to try choosing a contrasting colour to highlight your candle holder.

5. Positioning

Will the candle holders be in a living space, or a bedroom or bathroom? This will affect your choice. A lantern candle holder will likely look as out-of-place in your bathroom as a glass candle holder that’s designed to float in your bath would look if it were placed next to your lounge room TV.

There’s no exact science to choosing the perfect candle holder for your home, and like art, there is a lot to be said for listening to your gut. You like what you like, and you might as well fill your home up with things you enjoy!

As long as you keep these few basic things in mind, you’ll choose the perfect candle holder every time.