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Returns Policy 7

Buying Antique Candelabra for Dining Tables: What to Look For

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Date
May
20
2026

To View Our Range of Antique Silverplate Candelabras please Click Here

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Rococo Candelabras Victorian Candles Sheffield)

Antique candelabra remain one of the most dramatic and elegant ways to transform a dining table. Whether used in a formal Georgian dining room, a modern luxury interior or an English country house setting, antique silver and bronze candelabra create warmth, atmosphere and architectural presence.

However, choosing the right antique candelabra requires more than simply selecting an attractive design. Scale, materials, condition and practicality all play an important role.

Why Antique Candelabra Remain So Popular

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Candelabras - Large Victorian Column Candles)

Few decorative objects create ambience like candlelight.

Antique candelabra combine:

Sculpture
lighting
craftsmanship
historical character
table-centre drama

They work beautifully on:

long dining tables
console tables
sideboards
mantelpieces
banquet tables

Collectors and interior designers increasingly favour antique candelabra because they add depth and warmth that modern lighting often lacks.

1. Consider the Size of Your Dining Table

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Candelabras Matthew Boulton Victorian Silverplate Candles)

Scale is one of the most important considerations.

Oversized candelabra can overwhelm a table, while pieces that are too small may disappear visually.

As a general guide:

Long banquet tables suit large five-light or seven-light candelabra
Smaller dining tables often work better with pairs of three-light examples
Low-profile candelabra help maintain conversation across the table

Always check:

overall height
arm span
base width

Tall examples may look impressive but can obstruct sightlines during dining.

2. Choose the Right Material

(Above photo -Regency Silver Plate Candelabras Doric Column Candles)

Silver Plate Candelabra

Silver plate remains one of the most versatile and desirable choices.

Advantages include:

reflective candlelight
timeless elegance
compatibility with many interiors
strong Victorian and Regency associations

Victorian silver plate examples are particularly popular for formal dining rooms.

Bronze and Ormolu Candelabra

French bronze and ormolu candelabra offer a more sculptural and classical appearance.

These often feature:

cherubs
acanthus decoration
Empire styling
marble bases
gilt finishes

They work especially well in grand interiors.

Brass Candelabra

Brass examples create a warmer, more relaxed appearance and suit country house interiors beautifully.

3. Look for Quality Casting and Detail

(Above photo -Pair Gilt Bronze Candelabras Figural Cherub Ormolu)

Fine antique candelabra display exceptional craftsmanship.

Signs of quality include:

crisp casting
sharp decorative detail
heavy construction
elegant arm shaping
finely chased surfaces

Cheap reproductions often appear lightweight with soft or poorly defined decoration.

Higher quality examples typically feel substantial in weight.

4. Check Whether the Arms Detach

(Above photo -Pair French Bronze Cherub Candelabras Clodion)

Many antique candelabra were designed with removable branches.

This is highly desirable because:

cleaning becomes easier
transport is safer
pieces can convert into candlesticks
storage is simpler

Convertible candelabra are particularly collectible.

5. Examine the Condition Carefully

(Above photo -Pair French Gilt Candelabras Female Maiden Figural Candles)

Condition greatly affects value.

Check for:

repairs
loose arms
solder damage
silver plate wear
missing sconces
leaning columns
cracks to marble bases

Minor wear is expected on genuine antiques, particularly Victorian silver plate.

However, major structural repairs can reduce both value and practicality.

6. Study the Silver Plate Quality

(Above photo -Pair Bronze Empire Candelabras Neo Classical Interiors)

Not all silver plate is equal.

Better makers used heavier silver deposits and superior craftsmanship.

Look for makers such as:

Elkington
Walker & Hall
Mappin & Webb
Christofle

Fine silver plate often develops a rich soft patina over time.

7. Match the Style to Your Interior

(Above photo -Pair English Gilt and Bronze Candelabras Thomas Hope 1880)

For English Country House Interiors

Choose:

Victorian silver plate
Georgian-style examples
brass candelabra
classical designs
For Contemporary Interiors

Many designers favour:

sleek Art Deco examples
minimalist Empire designs
sculptural bronze forms
For Formal Classical Rooms

French ormolu candelabra create maximum impact.

8. Consider Practical Candle Use

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Rococo Candelabras Victorian Candles Sheffield)

Some antique candelabra were designed for wax candles much slimmer than modern versions.

Before purchasing, check:

nozzle size
stability
drip trays
wax protection

Many buyers now use high-quality faux candles for convenience.

9. Pairs Usually Command Higher Prices

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Candelabras - Large Victorian Column Candles)

Matching pairs are generally more desirable than single examples.

Pairs create symmetry and work beautifully on:

dining tables
sideboards
mantelpieces

Complete garnitures or centrepiece sets can command substantial premiums.

10. Buy the Best Quality You Can Afford

(Above photo -Pair Silver Plate Candelabras Matthew Boulton Victorian Silverplate Candles)

The antique market increasingly rewards quality over quantity.

A fine pair of well-made antique candelabra with:

strong design
good proportions
quality silver plate
original components
excellent condition

will usually remain more desirable long term than larger but inferior examples.

Final Thoughts

(Above photo -Regency Silver Plate Candelabras Doric Column Candles)

Antique candelabra are far more than simple lighting objects they are sculptural centrepieces that define atmosphere and elegance.

When buying antique candelabra for a dining table, focus on:

proportion
quality
condition
craftsmanship
practicality
authenticity

 

Related Articles:


How Much Is My French Commode Worth?

Nepalese vs Burmese Buddha Statues

Art Deco Pedestal Stands: Sculptural Elegance for the Modern Interior

How to Value Pembroke Tables - How Much Is Mine Worth?

Guide to Valuing Gillows of Lancaster and London Antiques

Louis XV vs Louis XVI Furniture: How to Tell the Difference

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© - Canonbury Antiques - Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

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Redwell Wood Farm / Potters Bar / Herfordshine, EN6 3NA, UK

Website Developed by Nulence