Candle warmers have been receiving a lot of buzz on social media lately, and if you've been wondering whether to take the plunge, consider this your sign: I finally invested in this retro candle warmer from Amazon, and I'm never going back.
If you're wondering what a candle warmer is for, the idea is that the warmth from the bulb gently melts the wax of your best candles to release the fragrance, without the need to strike a match – or risk any costly candle burning mistakes.
There are plenty of options on the market, but I love both the visual appeal and the functionality of this one. The polished wooden base and sleek metal rod create a subtle retro look that's tied together by the rounded glass shade – and it's available in three different colorways. I'm partial to the pale pink version, since it fits with the neutral tones in my living room, and gives off a warm glow. I also like that it's dimmable so you can adjust the lighting to the mood.
Coming in at just under $50, this candle warmer really does make a stunning addition to your coffee table, shelves or even your desk setup. Plus, of course, it's multi-purpose: you can always use it as a regular lamp if you don't feel like burning a candle.
The brighter the light, the faster the candle will melt, but adjusting the timer switch will allow you to control how much wax you use. Using candle warmers will mean your candles will last much longer, as they melt the wax much more slowly than burning the candle's wick.
And candle warmers are cleaner since you're not actually burning the candle with a flame, so there'll be no black residue left in or around the vessel, or tunneling of wax, as you often get when you light the wick.
'I've wanted a candle warmer lamp for a while now, but have never really got on board with their traditional design for rather my eclectic home,' says our Style & Trends Editor, Charlotte Olby. 'This mid-century modern-inspired one, however, is right up my street. Not only does it do its job well (just check out the glowing reviews) but it looks super pretty on my bedside when not in use. I'll be adding a few to my basket and putting them away for Christmas gifts.'
I, for one, can't believe I've gone so long without a candle warmer. And this retro design sealed the deal for me, complementing the rest of my decor perfectly and making my favorite candles last longer and look better, whilst fragrancing my home effectively.
Shop these candle warmer alternatives
If retro isn't your preferred design style, a more traditional candle warmer might tempt you. This one is certainly an investment, but it looks timeless; I'm obsessed with the deep green glass.
Make a statement with this black candle warmer. I love the slick industrial vibe and the monochromatic look.
I love the fluted glass shade on this candle warmer – it feels elegant and contemporary. It's also fitted with a dimmer and comes with one bulb.
Flameless lighting really has changed the game for me – it's the perfect way to set the mood without worrying about a potential safety hazard. Joanna Gaines' flameless taper candles from Target are another current obsession of mine, which tick the safety box. If that's a concern for you too, particularly if you have children or pets in the house, I'd urge you to consider flameless alternatives, too.
