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Don’t mourn the shorter days, lean into the cosy evenings they provide by using candles to create a relaxing mood in your home.
Like many people, when I start to notice the shortening days in autumn, my first reaction is dismay. You grow used to summer evenings where the light lingers for hours, that ‘grand stretch’ that we’re all so fond of.
So of course it’s a little sad when the reverse happens, daylight becoming increasingly sparse. But after about a week of alarm, I always start to remember all the things I like about dark autumn evenings. That nip in the air that means it’s definitely time to root out your warm coat. Not feeling like you’re missing out when you’re too tired to do much after work. And best of all, that unrivalled contentment of a cosy night in.
Having candles (and candle holders to put them in) around your home is an instant way to create a calm, cosy mood, and whether you prefer low-key tealights or the drama of a dinner candle, there are plenty of gorgeous vessels available at the moment to turn your candles into a real feature. Here are six that we love.
Even one or two tealights glinting through glass will make a room feel warmer and more welcoming.
The irregular texture of this tealight holder will create varied patterns of light and shadow, and its warm colour means it will add something to your room, even when the candle is not lit. Tealight holder with irregular edge, €9.99, Zara Home.
Another candle holder that can be a feature during the day, this clever one will hold a dinner candle, but its bowl base can be filled with anything from succulents, to seasonal foliage, to small stones or trinkets.
An easy way to add a personal touch to your shelf or table centrepiece. Orbital Candle Holder, from €16, Article.
If you prefer something minimal and unobtrusive, then this candle holder is ideal. Made from raw iron, it will add a subtle industrial edge. Raw Iron Wing Candleholder, €5, April & the Bear.
Simple enough that they wouldn’t feel out of place on your table everyday, these handmade candle holders are wonderfully understated. Handmade Stoneware Candle Holder, around €13, Rowen & Wren.
Long candles are a great way to add height to a table or shelf, and this metal candle holder is particularly tall, adding extra impact. Its geometric shape will also add a contemporary feel. Tall metal candlestick, €9.99, H&M.
There’s a touch of the traditional in this scalloped design, but the white porcelain keeps it from feeling too fussy.
Available from October 22, it’s part of Søstrene Grene’s Christmas drop, but we’d be happy having it around all year long. Porcelain candleholder, €6.28, Søstrene Grene.
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