Brass candlesticks. They’re everywhere and nowhere – such a staple of traditional décor that we don’t really see them anymore. There is probably a pair or two in most of our childhoods (and our cupboards), but page through any of the hipper shelter magazines (no, Traditional Home doesn’t count), and they’re mostly absent. This, I think, is a shame. Yes, they became cliché, particularly in pairs of their Early American incarnations. But the warm informality of brass mixes beautifully with candlelight in a way that will never go out of style. I think it’s time for a revival.
Dazzle a little with clusters of candlesticks in various sizes, shapes and styles, and unify the group with a single color for the candles. The group pictured above is made up of candlesticks of Indian, American, Mexican and Danish origin, in both historical and contemporary styles. I combine pairs and singles and adjust the size for the location – taller and bigger for the sideboard or coffee table, smaller and shorter for the dinner table (too many and you’ll feel like toasting marshmallows). Putting a tall, striking pair with candles in an unexpected color on a cocktail or coffee table also looks, to my eye at least, fresh and a little glamorous.
The really good news is that great brass candlesticks are available at very reasonable prices. I paid more than pocket money for the Danish modern pair included above, but the rest, and the quirky pair shown on the coffee table at right, I quickly picked up at vintage home furnishings stores in San Francisco and Palm Springs at prices ranging from about $12 to about $30 per piece. Ebay is also a good source. At the time of this post there were lots of interesting listings, some to “buy now” for low prices and many more nearing the end of their auctions with low minimum bids and little activity.
