What are candlesticks and how to choose them?

Candlesticks have been used by people exactly from the time that candles appeared in their everyday life. Nowadays, accessories in most cases have a decorative purpose, but this has not made them less popular. In order to choose the right candlestick, you need to focus on the many nuances available.

In simple terms, a candlestick is a special accessory into which one or more candles are installed. The main purpose is to hold the lighting fixture. Recently, candlesticks are increasingly used as decorative elements of the interior. But, despite this, they have not lost their original function.

The candlestick can be safely called one of the very first lighting devices in the history of mankind. Any torch that was stuck into the rock was already a candlestick. Of course, over time, people learned to make more cultural options, but their essence remains unchanged to this day.

The first candlesticks were discovered during excavations on the territory of Ancient Egypt.The accessories were made of clay. By age, they were supposedly created in 400 BC. NS. It is noteworthy that it was during the same period that the first wax candles were created. It is known that the ancient Romans and Hellenes actively used candlesticks.

The first candlesticks, which in appearance vaguely resemble modern accessories, appeared several centuries ago. Antique devices are heavy and rather impressive in size. They were most often made of metal. Modern options are lighter, visually attractive, made of various materials.

The decline in the popularity of candles and, as a result, candlesticks themselves began at the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century. It was at this time that people began to actively use electricity. Candlesticks are now used to decorate and illuminate homes. These accessories are widely used in temples. Not a single divine service is complete without them.

There are several types of candlesticks. Each of them is characterized by its own characteristics. The differences are mainly solely in the appearance of the accessories.

Floor candlesticks, as a rule, are quite large in size. They are most often made from metal and some other materials.

They are installed directly on the floor. Sometimes such candlesticks are installed on flights of stairs in multi-storey buildings. Most often, rather massive candles are placed in them. They perform both lighting and decorative functions.

Girandoles are candelabra that have numerous horns. As a rule, such candlesticks are decorated with a large number of crystal elements. They can be table-top, wall-mounted or floor-standing. Depending on the size, candles of different sizes are installed in them. Spinning girandoles are common. They are called "carousel".

Candelabra are all the same candlesticks, but each of them is intended for several candles. The more candles fit on one candelabrum, the more light comes from it. In turn, chandeliers are also divided into several categories:

• chandeliersthat are suspended from the ceiling;
• brane - wall lamps designed for one or more candles;
• chandelier and kandil - options that are used mainly in Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Tapperts - candlesticks with thin and long legs designed for one candle can be placed in a separate category.

Various materials are used to make candlesticks. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The materials are as follows.

• Metal... It can rightfully be considered the most common material. Copper and bronze are most commonly used. Less common are steel options. The advantages of metal are obvious: relatively low cost, strength, reliability. The downside is the heavy weight of the accessories themselves. In addition, such products do not always look attractive outwardly. Sometimes candlesticks are made of precious metals. Silver and gold candlesticks have been the most popular among the nobility since ancient times.

• Glass - the material is visually attractive, but very unreliable. It can deteriorate if overheated and break easily if used carelessly. The most common crystal candle holders. The advantage is low cost. It is noteworthy that glass candlesticks can be either colored or transparent with gilded elements. Recently, ceramic candle holders have been especially popular.

• Wood - inexpensive but reliable material. Candlesticks are very attractive in appearance, as a rule, they are equipped with a large number of decorative elements. The disadvantage is that the material itself is highly flammable.

There are many design options for candlesticks. The most common to this day are the classic options. They have the correct shape, minimal or no decor.

Candlesticks vary in shape. The most popular will be cylindrical, but there are also square, rectangular, triangular and some others. Unusual shapes - a tree, a slide.

There are also differences in color: white and black, as well as colored products. If we talk about decorative elements, then there are many different options: flowers, curls, geometric shapes. There are original candlesticks, for example, in the shape of an angel or a person.

Candlesticks should be chosen depending on individual preferences. It is necessary that the accessories fit organically into the interior. Also, do not forget about your own safety. In this regard, candlesticks should be;

• sustainable;
• high quality;
• free from defects and defects.

The most common problem faced by candlestick owners is wax contamination. You can deal with this at home. The process consists of several stages:

1. the surface of the accessory must be wiped with a soft cloth soaked in hot water;
2. then it is required to apply toothpaste to the places of contamination, leave for a few minutes and brush with a brush;
3. rinse again with warm water.

There is another cleaning method: a solution of warm water, salt and soda. In one container, you need to dilute two liters of water, add 2 tablespoons of salt and soda. When the solution is ready, it is necessary to gradually remove the wax with a sponge or rag.

For information on how to remove wax from a candlestick, see the video below.

Candlesticks look great in a wide variety of interiors. If we talk about more modern options, then table glass cups are very popular. An example is clearly shown in the photo.

The following decorative options are also in demand.

Sometimes people buy candelabra. They are more suitable for classic interiors. There are many options.