The Candle Holder Everyone Asks About (and What to Use Instead)

The Candle Holder Everyone Asks About (and What to Use Instead)

If you’ve ever spotted a distinctive metal candle holder in our photo shoots and wondered where to find it — you’re not alone! Every time it appears alongside our pure beeswax candlesticks, we get a flurry of comments asking if it’s part of our collection or available for purchase.

We wish we could tell you it was — but this particular holder is something truly special. It’s a family treasure that’s been with one of our team members since childhood, brought home from Australia decades ago when their family spent a year abroad on a teacher exchange.

Australian "Dunny Light" Candlestick holder with a beeswax candle burning

A Little Bit of Candle History

Known in Australia as a “dunny light” (a playful bit of slang for outhouse lighting), these holders were inspired by traditional outdoor candle lamps but were produced as a fun and practical design in the mid–20th century. Ours is a Soho Dunny Light, and one of its most clever features is a small compartment at the bottom for a box of matches — a tiny detail that delights everyone who sees it!

Its timeless, utilitarian beauty — the curved handle, weathered metal, the built-in matchbox, and the soft glow of beeswax candlelight — make it feel both practical and magical, and it pairs perfectly with the natural warmth of Honey Candles.

Can You Find One?

These vintage holders occasionally pop up on sites like eBay or Etsy (try searching for “Soho Dunny Light” or “vintage metal candle holder”), but they’re rare. If you happen to find one, consider yourself lucky!

Beautiful Alternatives

Even though we can’t offer this exact Dunny Light, there are plenty of ways to create a warm, inviting glow at home. If you love the idea of discovering one-of-a-kind holders, explore our Artisan Gift Sets collection, where we feature a rotating selection of handmade candle holders and accessories that capture the same sense of whimsy and warmth.

Our beeswax candles pair beautifully with these handcrafted candle holders from local artists — each carefully chosen for its timeless charm and unique character. The real magic comes from the golden, clean-burning glow of pure beeswax, which transforms any space into a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Published By Jill Anderson

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