Antique Candelabra
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French Pair of Louis XVI Style Girandoles
$2,400.0019.25"H x 15.50"W x 15.50"D
Dimensions: 19 ¼” H x 15 ½” W x 15 ½” D
This dazzling pair of French girandoles are in wonderful antique condition. While technically they are candelabra for wax taper candles, the abundance of crystals draped and suspended across them gives them more in common with chandeliers! Each fixture is centered on a gilt bronze Louis XVI style columnar base with six sweeping arms and candle cups. The arms of the girandoles are dripping with antique cut crystals that sparkle in the sunlight and flickering candle light. Circa 1880, please view the detailed images to see more. Sold as a pair.
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French 19th Century Large Toleware Candelabra
$2,200.0035.25"H x "W x 18.25"D
Dimensions : 35-¼”H x 18-¼”Diameter
This generously sized five-arm candelabra has gained a wonderful patina since its creation during the 1890’s in France. A single arm is raised above the rest while four scrolling arms with touches of verdigris support the bobeches. The center column subtly displays a striated pattern that complements the monumental design nicely. A stepped base in hexagonal shape continues to provide a stable foundation for the whole. Make sure to take a look through all of the images to see more of this fantastic candelabra.
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Italian 19th Century Carved Gold Gilt 5-Light Candelabra
$1,895.0027.375"H x 22.375"W x 7"D
Dimensions: 27-3/8″H x 22-3/8″W x 7″D
A stunning five arm candelabra from an Italian church altar. All hand carved and gold gilt, 1880’s, reflecting rococo motifs with an Italianate twist. Holds five taper candles. Please view the detailed images to see more.
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Pair of Italian 19th Century Silver and Gold Gilt Candelabra
$3,850.0020.5"H x 21.5"W x 5.25"D
Dimensions: 20-1/2″H x 21 1/2″W x 5-1/4″D
Italian pair of candelabra with elegant movement and symmetry in carved, silver gilt with a touch of gold gilt from a church altar. Each holds three small pillar candles or votives, but just as stunning for decorative use on a buffet or fireplace mantel. Sold as a pair. View the detailed images to see more.
Shop Vintage & Antique Candelabra
The main difference between candelabras and candlesticks is the number of candles they can hold. Candlesticks hold a single candle, while candelabras have several holders to hold multiple candles at once.
Candelabras are also typically more decorative than candlesticks and can serve as art pieces in their own right. The point of a candelabra is to provide more light than just a single candlestick for activities in the dark.
We have a wide selection of candelabras from the 19th and 20th centuries, ranging from French brass to ivory and iron. We also offer options for table and floor candelabras.
History of Candelabra
Candelabras have been around for thousands of years, and the oldest surviving examples date back to 400 BC. Old candelabras consisted of clay and stone, but those from the middle ages and onward featured metals such as brass, bronze, copper, iron, silver, zinc, and gold. Some candelabras even consist of crystals and gemstones.
Candelabras are a common decoration for living rooms and dinner tables to provide mood lighting. However, candelabras fell out of favor with the general public in the 1900s after the invention and popularization of the lightbulb.
Types of Antique Candelabras
The main difference between the types of candelabras is how many holders they have. Antique candelabras can have between two and eight candle holders. The more arms the candelabra has, the larger the base has to be to stay stable.
You can divide most candelabras by the time period they come from. For example, Rococo and Baroque candelabras come from the late 1700 and 1800s, while Georgian period candelabras come from the late 1600s and early 1700s.
As time progresses, candelabras have become more intricate and decorative, reflecting metalsmiths’ growing abilities over time. Antique collectors often want elaborate antique candelabras, but there are simpler, more modern options as well.
The vast range of designs means candelabras can work with traditional, opulent decor and more minimalist modern designs. In addition, the amount of materials you can choose from further increases your options for finding unique antique candelabras that match your decor style.