What Counts as a Small Altar Candlestick?
A small altar candlestick is a holder up to about 15 cm high. It is the right size for a side altar, a chapel, a home prayer corner, an Advent wreath or a devotional shelf. Small candlesticks are also used for slim taper candles, for the St. Blaise blessing and for the small candles that stand on a gradine behind the altar. Our small range includes 20 designs from 4 cm to 15 cm, priced from $32 to $379.
Small Candlestick Sizes and Prices
| Height | Typical use | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 cm | Slim tapers, prickets, devotional candles | $32–$96 |
| 8–9 cm | Side altars, home altars, small sets | $80–$290 |
| 11–12 cm | Slim candles, Advent wreaths, shelves | $38–$121 |
| 15 cm | Small altar candlesticks, pairs, chapels | $91–$379 |
The range is wide because the material and construction change with the price. A 5 cm brass holder for a slim candle costs $32; a richly decorated 15 cm brass candlestick with a lacquered finish costs $379. Both are valid choices — they simply serve different settings.
Where Small Candlesticks Are Used
Side altars and chapels. Two small candlesticks are enough for a side altar where a full set of altar candlesticks would crowd the space.
Home altars. A pair of 9–15 cm candlesticks fits a home prayer corner without dominating the room. See our guide to setting up a home altar.
Advent wreaths. The brass Advent wreath holder is 21 cm in diameter and takes four candles of about 2 cm diameter.
St. Blaise blessing. The St. Blaise candlestick is a specialist piece, about 28 × 17 cm, made for the blessing of throats.
Slim and taper candles. Small prickets and slim-candle holders are the practical way to use 2–2.5 cm tapers without a socket insert.
Socket and Candle Fit
Small candlesticks use several different fittings. Pricket holders have a spike and take taper candles; socket holders have a cup, usually for candles of 2–2.5 cm or 4 cm. The Advent wreath holder takes four candles of about 2 cm. Before ordering, measure the candle you intend to use and compare it with the socket or spike. If the candle is slightly narrow, a candle follower or a socket insert can take up the slack.
Materials and Care
Most small candlesticks are made of brass sheet or cast brass, polished and lacquered. The lacquer protects the finish, so dusting and a damp cloth are usually enough. Remove wax after it cools with a plastic scraper, never a knife. Nickel-plated and gold-plated pieces should be cleaned only with products made for those finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a small altar candlestick used for?
A: Small candlesticks are used on side altars, in chapels, on home altars, in Advent wreaths and for slim taper candles. They are also used for the St. Blaise blessing and for devotional candles that would be out of proportion in a full-height altar candlestick.
Q: How tall is a small candlestick?
A: In our collection, small candlesticks run from 4 cm to 15 cm. The most common sizes are 9 cm, 12 cm and 15 cm. A 5-inch candlestick is about 12.7 cm, so our 12 cm and 15 cm models are the closest matches.
Q: Can I use a small candlestick on a main altar?
A: It is possible, but it will look undersized next to a large crucifix and a full set of altar candles. For a main altar, choose the medium range (16–30 cm) or the large range (31–55 cm). Small candlesticks are best on side altars, chapels and home altars.
Q: What size candle fits a 9 cm candlestick?
A: It depends on the model. Some 9 cm candlesticks are prickets for taper candles; others have a socket for 2–2.5 cm candles or a 4 cm socket. Check the product description for the socket or spike size before ordering.
Q: Are small brass candlesticks stable enough for a parish?
A: A small candlestick with a wide, weighted base is stable for its size. Avoid very tall, narrow designs and always place candlesticks on a level surface. For a busy sacristy, a heavier cast or solid brass piece is the safer choice.
Q: How do I clean a small brass candlestick?
A: Dust it with a soft cloth, remove cooled wax with a plastic scraper and wipe with warm water and mild soap. Do not use abrasive polish on lacquered brass. Dry the piece immediately and store it wrapped in soft cloth.
Related Reading
See the full altar candlestick collection, the medium candlesticks and the large candlesticks. For care, see our candle snuffers.
