Home Improvement

Summer's Unexpected Outdoor Candelabra

For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are using an unusual source of candle lighting. Fireplace candelabra—those candle holders intended for fireplaces—have moved outside for the summer!

Fireplace candelabra were originally designed to hold candles in your fireplace when you want the glow of flickering flames but not the heat or hassle of wood or gas fires. But fireplace candelabra, more sturdily constructed than most candelabra, can be right at home in an outdoor setting, too.

The sturdy construction of fireplace candelabra makes them less delicate than traditional candelabra. Their solidness is just what is needed to look appropriate and function well in the less formal entertainment settings of outdoors.

Another appeal of fireplace candelabra for outdoor use is that they come in a variety of metals. Most are a traditional black iron, and those have the advantage of “disappearing” in the dusk of evening so their candles seem to float in the darkness. Some fireplace candelabra have a sophisticated, brushed steel finish that, mirror-like, reflects the candles’ flames. A few have a copper finish. With these fireplace candelabra, the candle light is beautifully reflected in the warm, mellow glow of the copper.

Narrow fireplace candelabra, designed for small or zero clearance fireplaces, are ideal on deck railings, down the middle of picnic tables, or along the edges of sidewalks. Deeper fireplace candelabra work well in the middle round tables, at the back of outdoor serving tables, or in any open air setting where you want the glow of multiple candles.

Add citronella candles to fireplace candelabra you’ve taken outdoors and you can chase away pesky mosquitoes while giving your al fresco setting the special glow that only candlelight can offer.

Worried about the wind blowing out your candles? Some fireplace candelabra are designed without candle pins in the candle cups. These will accommodate wind-protected container candles such as votive candles in glass cups.

Let the color of your candles add to the festivities. Bedeck your fireplace candelabra, for example, in red, white and blue candles for Memorial Day weekend and July 4th.

So be creative with fireplace candelabra; repurpose them meet your outdoor candlelight needs, too.

About the author:

Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.

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