The Outdated Candle Holders Designers Wish You'd Stop Buying

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

From pillar candles to tea lights to taper candles, there's no denying that candles will never go out of style. Originally used as a source of light in ancient times, candles have evolved over time into stylish accessories that can bring a soft fragrance, warm ambiance, and improved feng shui to any room in a home. What does come in and out of style, however, is the types of holders we display them on. Some designs are undeniably timeless — like simple clear glass tea light holders and hurricane candle holders. But there are other styles that are more trend-driven — and there's one candle holder trend in particular that designers say is burning out fast: Cracked or distressed metallic glass holders, also known as mercury glass holders.

While these types of holders seem like a great choice in theory — the fractured gold or silver finish does create a glimmering flicker of light that shines through the cracks — they can actually bring a kitschy feel to your space. And while they might feel festive during the holidays thanks to their metallic glow, interior designer Jennifer Jones told The Spruce that when used outside of the festive season, they tend to look "tacky, overly shiny and cheap". They certainly had their time to shine, and have been especially popular in homes that follow the modern farmhouse aesthetic. But today, people are shifting toward unique candle holders that feel slightly more elevated — with a focus on vintage and antique-inspired pieces that add character and make the room feel thoughtfully curated rather than simply on-trend.

As with any trend, there's a reason the cracked metallic glass candle holders were popular — with one of the reasons, as mentioned above, being the sparkle of light that the cracks in the glass let through. Luckily, there are other styles of candle holders that can have a similar effect. Tinted glass holders, for example, will help produce a warm glow — especially holders that are tinted in a shade of brown. Deep red or green tints would also be nice for the holidays. Alternatively, fluted or reeded glass candle holders will cast an ambient shadow, providing an equally cozy feel. And for the best of both worlds, look for a tinted fluted glass holder — like these NITIME Ribbed Amber Votive Candle Holders from Amazon.

If you're not as concerned about the glow and are more focused on finding something with a similar metallic look, you're in luck because there are plenty of timeless metallic candle holders to choose from. Vintage-inspired gold and brass styles, for instance, offer a warm, elegant finish without the tacky, shiny look of cracked metallic glass, and are a beautiful way to decorate your home with candles. Classic gold taper candle holders with slender stems — like these BEZURA Gold Brass Vintage Candle Stick Candle Holders from Amazon — are especially popular right now, as are holders featuring rounded handle details reminiscent of antique chamber sticks. And the bonus of these styles is that they will look great not just during the holidays, but all year round.