The Dollar Tree Candles That Look Straight Out Of The Gilded Age

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HBO's "The Gilded Age" has its viewers in a gold-gilt and jacquard fever dream, illustrating just how rich and decadent design was in 19th-century America.  And while most of us don't have railroad tycoon fortunes, there are ways to decorate your home with Gilded Age-inspired moments, but on a much more realistic budget. And by budget, we mean only $1.25 at Dollar Tree! With a little styling imagination to make Dollar Tree pieces look expensive, items like these Luminessence Harvest Twist Taper Candles can add a Gilded Age touch to your home.

In a historical era characterized by booming industrial fortunes and 'American Dollar Princesses', Old World-inspired design palettes graced the New York mansions of the Gilded Age elite. Today, the aesthetic is working its way into modern design, whether it be castle-core-inspired rooms or simple touches like antiqued-metal accents. These Dollar Tree candles also add that perfect touch, reminiscent of 19th-century candle design due to their material (low-odor and modern wax), elegantly tall height, and overall simplicity (with a little added modern twist to make it visually interesting).

To fully lean into a traditional, Gilded Age aesthetic, it's all about the hardware that you pair with the candles themselves. Ornately designed silver and brass candlestick holders usually graced the table tops of millionaires of this age. Often, these designs echoed the opulent design language of previous eras with intricate fluting and ornate bodies. Pair your Dollar Tree twisted tapers with hardware that resembles antique silver, like these Rely+ Silver Candle Holders, for a traditional styling.

If you're hoping for something a little less showy but still equally elegant and Gilded Age-feeling, opt for shorter chamber sticks — holders with a handle that allowed people to carry the candle with them from room to room. Though not as over-the-top luxurious, it's still clean and elegant, and your candles will look beautiful sitting on the entryway or coffee table, without being overshadowed by their hardware. Another idea for less flashy hardware is to upcycle old candleholders with chalk paint to dim down the metals. It creates an antique, darkened brass look, but maintains the shape of the candlestick holder options of that time.

Of course, you can go the opposite direction into the ultra-luxury space with a tiered candelabra. This is not only reminiscent of the Gilded Age, but will look like it came straight off the table of the Astors (or Russells, if you're a fan of the HBO show). Candelabras were made from brass or silver and featured added elements like crystals. They sat on dinner tables, mantelpieces, and side tables as a show of wealth and opulence. To this day, candelabras are one of the most beautiful ways to decorate your home with candles — Dollar Tree or not, no one will ever know!