A Candlestick or a Candle Holder: Which Should You Buy?

If you have ever walked into a home decor shop or browsed through an online catalog, you’ve probably come across both candlesticks and candle holders. 

They may look similar, which often leads people to wonder whether they are the same thing or if they serve different purposes. 

I remember facing the same confusion when I started experimenting with taper candles for my dining table. 

What I thought was just another “candle stand” turned out to be a candlestick, and it completely changed how I looked at candle accessories.

Both candlesticks and candle holders play a big role in how we present candles, whether it’s for home decor, a festive occasion, or even a religious ritual. 

The difference lies in their design, compatibility with different candle types, and the atmosphere they create. 

In this blog, I’ll share not only the practical differences but also how to decide which one is right for you based on my own experiences with candle making and decorating.

What is the difference between a candlestick and a candle holder?

A candlestick is a specific type of holder designed to hold taper candles. It usually has a tall, narrow stem with a socket or spike at the top where the candle fits. 

A candle holder is a broader category that includes candlesticks but also covers other styles like votive holders, tealight holders, hurricane lamps, lanterns, and even wall-mounted sconces.

All candlesticks are candle holders, but not all candle holders are candlesticks. Candlesticks are built for slender taper candles, while candle holders can support a variety of candle types, including pillar candles, votives, and jar candles. 

This distinction makes a big difference when you’re decorating a space or setting up for a specific event.

Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding between a candlestick and a candle holder, you need to look at your purpose, the type of candles you use, and the overall design style you want to achieve. 

I will explain how to choose the right one for your home to spread the fragrance of candles. Let’s start.

1. Aesthetic Style and Design

Candlesticks are often associated with classic elegance. Their tall, narrow stems bring height to a table setting, which is why you often see them used in weddings, formal dinners, or even in historic homes. 

Antique brass candlesticks, altar candlesticks, or even ornate candelabra add a sense of timeless sophistication.

On the other hand, candle holders offer more design flexibility. You’ll find crystal candle holders for modern decor, wrought iron stands for rustic spaces, and lanterns or hurricane lamps that bring a cozy atmosphere. 

If you want to experiment with different moods across your home, candle holders give you more freedom to adapt.

2. Candle Type and Compatibility

This is one of the most important deciding factors. A candlestick is designed specifically for taper candles. 

Because of its narrow structure, it doesn’t accommodate other types like pillar candles or tealights.

Candle holders, by contrast, come in endless variations. Votive candle holders, tealight holders, pillar stands, and even jar candle holders make them versatile for different candle types. 

If you already use multiple kinds of candles, you’ll find holders far more practical.

3. Functionality and Practical Use

Candlesticks are lightweight and portable, which makes them easy to rearrange. I’ve used them for dinner parties where I wanted a quick and stylish centerpiece. 

However, their slim design means they can be less stable, especially with taller candles. A slight bump on the table can tilt them.

Candle holders, especially heavier bases or enclosed lantern-style designs, are more stable. They provide better fire safety because some even include protective glass or enclosures. 

If safety is a concern, especially around kids or pets, holders are a safer bet.

4. Occasion and Purpose

Candlesticks shine in formal or ceremonial settings. Think of a religious candle stand during rituals, or altar candlesticks during traditional ceremonies. 

Their symbolic presence carries cultural weight in places like churches, Shabbat dinners, or heritage décor.

Candle holders, in contrast, are versatile across casual to festive occasions. 

A candle plate can be used for everyday dining, a lantern for outdoor settings, or a votive holder for intimate mood lighting. If your use is more casual or decorative, holders give you more options.

5. Price and Availability

Generally, candlesticks are slightly more niche and can cost more, especially if you are looking at antiques or decorative metals like silver or brass. 

Collectors often pay a premium for unique designs. Candle holders are widely available and come in all price ranges. 

From affordable glass tealight holders to designer candle pedestals, you’ll find them in almost every home decor store. If budget and accessibility matter, holders give you more choices.

Are Candlesticks a Good Choice or a Bad One?

Pros:

• Add elegance and height to décor, especially on dining tables and mantels
  
• Designed specifically for taper candles, creating a refined, formal look
  
• Often carry historical and cultural significance in rituals, ceremonies, and heritage décor
  
• Lightweight and portable, easy to rearrange for different occasions
  
• Available in collectible designs, such as brass candlesticks or antique altar candlesticks
  

Cons:

• Less stable due to a narrow base, making them easier to tip over
  
• Limited to taper candles, not suitable for pillar candles, votives, or tealights
  
• Fragile or delicate, depending on the material (e.g., glass or thin metal)
  
• Antique or designer candlesticks can be more expensive than common holders
  

Are Candle Holders a Good Choice or a Bad One?

Advantages:

• Works with many candle types: pillar candles, tealights, votives, and even jar candles
  
• Wide variety of styles, including lanterns, hurricane lamps, crystal holders, and wrought iron stands
  
• More stable and often safer, with broad bases or enclosed designs that reduce fire hazards
  
• Easy to find in all price ranges, from budget glass holders to luxury décor pieces
  
• Can be customized or DIY crafted (for example, you can make candle holder designs at home)
  

Disadvantages:

• Some holders, like candelabra or multi-candle stands, can be bulky and space-consuming
  
• May lack the timeless elegance of a tall candlestick in formal settings
  
• Low-cost designs (thin glass or ceramic) may break or wear down quickly
  
• Overly decorative or large holders may overshadow the candle itself

Final Thoughts

The decision between a candlestick and a candle holder ultimately depends on what you value most. 

If you want timeless elegance, cultural symbolism, and a design that highlights the beauty of taper candles, then candlesticks are the way to go. 

They carry history, charm, and a refined look that works best in formal or ceremonial settings.

If you prefer flexibility, safety, and options for different candle types, candle holders are the smarter choice. 

They allow you to decorate with pillar candles, votives, or lanterns, making them suitable for everyday use as well as festive occasions. 

Personally, I keep both at home: candlesticks for special dinners and a variety of holders for daily ambiance. 

If you need to pick just one, go with the option that matches your lifestyle and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Frequently Asked Questions