How to Care for Antique Candleholders & Decorative Candles

Candles & Candleholders Care

Antique candleholders bring warmth, character and timeless elegance to any table setting. Whether crafted from silver, silver plate, brass or crystal, these beautiful pieces are best enjoyed with a little thoughtful care. Taking simple precautions when using candles will help preserve both their appearance and craftsmanship for years to come.

Safe Use of Candles with Antique Pieces

When displaying lit candles, safety should always be considered alongside preservation.

• Always place candleholders on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Keep candles away from draughts, curtains and other flammable materials.
• Ensure candles are securely fitted within their holders before lighting.
• Avoid allowing candles to burn completely to the base, as excessive heat may damage antique finishes or decorative detailing.
• Extinguish candles before moving candleholders to prevent hot wax from spilling or causing accidental damage.

When selecting candles, choosing the correct size for the holder will help minimise both wax overflow and unnecessary heat exposure.

Protecting Antique Candleholders from Wax

Allowing wax to build up over time can make cleaning more difficult and increase the risk of damaging delicate surfaces during removal.

• Remove wax gently once it has cooled and hardened.
• Avoid using sharp knives or metal tools, which may scratch plated surfaces or delicate finishes.
• If necessary, place the candleholder in a cool environment for a short period to help the wax become more brittle and easier to remove.
• Remaining residue can often be removed gently using a soft cloth dampened with warm water, provided it is suitable for the material.
• Take particular care when cleaning decorative details where wax may collect.

For silver and silver-plated candleholders, gentle cleaning is always preferable to vigorous polishing.

Protecting Antique Candleholders from Heat

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can affect both antique finishes and delicate materials.

• Avoid allowing flames to burn too close to the rim or decorative elements of the holder.
• Trim candle wicks regularly to help reduce excessive heat, soot and dripping.
• Replace candles before they become too short, particularly when using antique holders with shallow sockets.
• Crystal and glass candleholders should be protected from sudden temperature changes, which may increase the risk of cracking.
• Decorative gilded or plated finishes should be kept away from prolonged heat wherever possible.

Using high-quality, slow-burning candles can also help minimise dripping and provide a cleaner burn.

Storage Advice

When not in use, candleholders should be stored carefully to protect their surfaces and decorative details.

• Ensure all wax residue has been removed before storing.
• Store pieces individually where possible to prevent scratching.
• Keep candleholders in a cool, dry environment away from humidity and direct sunlight.
• Handle delicate pieces with care, particularly those featuring removable elements or decorative embellishments.

A Lasting Glow

Antique candleholders were created to illuminate both everyday dining and special occasions. With careful use and gentle maintenance, they will continue to bring warmth, beauty and atmosphere to your table for generations to come.