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Top of our wish list: candles that are maybe too pretty to burn


By Megan Burns
05th Sep 2023
Top of our wish list: candles that are maybe too pretty to burn

House of Indi

Not usually the star of the show, candlesticks that are beautiful in their own right are really having a moment.

Blame Instagram, but my current obsession is candles so pretty I would almost certainly never muster up the courage to light them. 

Although the ‘don’t save nice things for special occasions!’, ‘live for today!’ attitude is undoubtedly cooler and more laid-back, as a person who still hasn’t opened a bottle of champagne they were given for their 21st birthday, I cannot pretend to subscribe to it. (Apparently, turning 21 wasn’t enough of an occasion.)

However, gorgeous candles are still luring me in: their undulating twists, saturated hues and quirky shapes gradually breaking down my willpower. “They would look so good on that shelf”, I tell myself. “So interesting, so fun.” 

anna + nina

But if something is a candle, should it not be lit? If I don’t want to light them, isn’t what I really want a nice vase, something that’s not supposed to be set ablaze? These are the existential questions that come with pretty candle buying. 

However, if you are less plagued by overthinking than me, rest assured that I’ve already found the most beautiful candles out there, so whether you want an elegantly twisted design or a rainbow-hued pop of colour, scroll down to find your favourite.

Let’s twist

Instagram candles
HAY

A tablescape isn’t worth the time it takes to post on Instagram at the moment if it doesn’t feature a few twisted candlesticks. Not too far from their traditional counterparts, it’s actually pretty simple to create this effect with normal candlesticks yourself. Just gently heat them at certain points, then carefully twist.

If, however, you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals, there are plenty of twisty designs to choose from.

Sculptural

Gold Rocket Candle, €12

If you’d prefer your candle to resemble, well, anything apart from a candle, then I am pleased to announce that the candle makers of the world have answered your prayers. From sculpture-like busts to more abstract forms, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Multicoloured 

@things_i_love_today

Whether you want neon brights married together in one candle or you’re looking for a subtler version of this trend, there is a multi-toned candle out there for you. 

For some reason, these are the ones I can most imagine myself taking a match to, perhaps because they’re the closest to regular candles. I can’t make any promises, however.

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