Bird and parrot candle holder: how to choose one with character

A bird-shaped candle holder is chosen first by size, then by color. It catches the eye even when the candle is out: place it alone, on a piece of furniture with room to spare. Here is how to choose, where to place it and how to keep it looking good.

Why a bird candle holder

A classic candle holder disappears into the room. A parrot, a toucan or a peacock becomes a decorative object. You look at it by day, you light it in the evening.

It also brings color. In a beige or white living room, a blue parrot is enough to add depth.

Which bird for which interior

Each bird sets a tone for the room:

• The blue parrot and the toucan: a tropical, cheerful, slightly exotic feel. They suit a bright living room or a conservatory.
• The white bird: the calmest one. It goes with almost anything, from a classic living room to a bedroom.
• The green bird: fresh and natural. It likes wood and foliage.
• The peacock and the eagle: pieces with character, for an entrance hall or a large sideboard.
• The blue and pink bird, the lemon tree, the strawberry: more cheerful candle holders, for an everyday table.

Choose by room and size

Measure the furniture before you choose. A tall, wide candle holder overwhelms a small shelf.

• A windowsill or a shelf: a model of 25 to 30 cm. Our blue parrot is 25 cm tall with a base of 10 × 9 cm. Our toucan is 30 cm tall and 10 cm wide.
• A dining table: a model of 22 to 30 cm, low enough for guests to see each other. The lemon tree candle holder, for example, is 22 cm.
• A sideboard or a console: a model of 36 to 40 cm. The white bird is 40 cm tall, with a base of 15 × 13 cm.
• A large entrance hall or a corner of the living room: a statement piece. The peacock is 65 cm tall. The three-candle eagle is 46 cm tall and 27.5 cm wide: it needs a wide piece of furniture.

A statement piece, alone

When the object is large or very colorful, place it alone. Leave empty space around it, at least the width of another object on each side.

The eagle holds three candles: on its own it makes a sideboard centerpiece. The peacock, with its vivid colors, is enough by itself too.

If the furniture is already crowded, remove some objects before adding the bird. Our guide to decorating a mantelpiece gives the same rule: one tall object, some empty space, then a small group.

A trio of birds

Three birds of different sizes make a lively group. Three simple rules:

1. Three different heights, for example 25, 30 and 40 cm.
2. Only one very colorful bird. The other two stay calmer, like the white bird or the blue bird.
3. An odd number. Three group better than two or four.

Place the tallest at the back or in the center, and leave two fingers of space between each base.

Our guide to the coffee table explains how to arrange a group of objects on a tray.

Match the colors with plants

A blue or green bird goes well with foliage: the shades echo each other. A green plant behind a blue parrot makes a jungle scene, even on a small piece of furniture.

• Blue bird: dark green foliage, or white flowers.
• Green bird: lighter foliage, which stands out against it.
• White bird: all colors. It is the easiest to fit in.
• Toucan, peacock, multicolor bird: plain green foliage around it, with no other vivid color.

A terrarium or an artificial plant next to it is enough. Keep the flame at a good distance from the foliage: see our guide to the Christmas table centerpiece.

The material: polyresin and polystone

Our candle holders are made of polyresin or polystone, painted. These are molded materials: the same model exists as a series, and the paint gives the detail. On some models the paint is applied by hand, so each piece is a little different.

To keep them in good shape:

• Dust with a dry cloth. Avoid household cleaners on the paint.
• Place them on a flat, stable surface. These pieces are tall and their base is narrow.
• Keep them indoors. The manufacturer does not say whether the decoration resists rain or frost, except for the toucan, which is listed for outdoor use with no further detail. In every case, bring them in after use.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended.

Give one as a gift

A bird candle holder pleases someone who already has everything. It does not expire, it is easy to store and it makes an impression as soon as the parcel is opened.

Add two or three candles, but only after checking the diameter of the holder socket. Our guide which candle for a candle holder explains how.

In short

1. Choose the size to fit the furniture, then the color.
2. A statement piece goes alone, with empty space around it.
3. A trio needs three heights and only one very colorful bird.
4. Blue and green go well with plants.
5. The candle holders are sold without a candle: measure the socket before you buy candles.

Sources

• Fire safety at home, Health Canada (in French)
• Candle holder manufacturer data sheets (dimensions, materials, intended use)