Glass constitutes one of the best materials for making candle holders. This is true for pillar candle holders, votive candle holders, taper candle holders or any other shape and size of candle. The reason for this is the transparency of glass and the beautiful colors it can be made in. Any colored glass candle holder becomes exquisite when the candle inside is lit and the flame lights up the glass. The color designs are expanded past the actual candle holder and spread around the room. Any nearby reflective surface casts the light and color back and outward as well, multiplying the effect. There is nothing that enhances candles as well as glass candle holders.
Clear glass, seemingly bland, also enhances the light of candles. If the glass is cut with facets, the light is refracted through them and reflected from them, casting bits of rainbows into the room. This is one of the properties of lead crystal that makes it so desirable. The lead in the glass makes it crystal clear (hence the name) and makes it reflect and refract light even better than regular soda glass. Candle holders of lead crystal cannot really be outdone by any other material, although silver candle holders are probably more desirable because of silver’s intrinsic value. But for sheer beauty, nothing can beat crystal candle holders.
But, back to colored glass candle holders. Hanging lamps with red or amber glass sides can warm a room while dimming the light. Such lanterns make any event more romantic (as long as candle safety measures are followed). They can soften the mood of any room or create the feeling of an exotic rendezvous. Electrified lanterns with these colors are even better for permanent installations, although you do not get the flickering effect of candles with an electric light. If you are redecorating a sitting room or bedroom, consider a cluster of red or amber lanterns as a secondary light source and for mood lighting at the end of a hard day.
Learn about other glass collectibles in the Glass Collectibles Guide.