I have been obsessed with French altar sticks forever!
I have a lot of vintage “loves”.….you know……the kind of things that when you see it, your heart starts beating fast……..almost a swoon. One of those swoon worthy items, that I’m always searching for, is French altar sticks!
via Pinterest
French altar sticks are used in so many decor styles…..French, Farmhouse, and Traditional.
Reproductions of the old French altar sticks are easier to find than the antiques, but even those can carry a hefty price tag, so I get really excited when I find a pair of old ones at a good price…..though that doesn’t happen very often these days
These beautiful French altar sticks come in several different materials including heavy brass, bronze, and wood, and they can be very ornate or simple in design.
I think my favorite may be the ones made of carved wood painted in beautiful colors with gilding.
But I also have a weakness for those that carry the images of the Holy Family on the tripod base.
They can also be found in different sizes, some being large enough to stand on the floor, such as the pair that we have in our foyer.
We found these reproduction floor altar sticks at an antique market a couple of years ago. I almost didn’t buy them and I’m so glad that I did!
Light is a symbol of purity, so it’s only fitting that these altar candlesticks would be a symbol of the church, dating back to ancient times.
Today, they are used in homes and displayed on fireplace mantels, dining room tables, sideboards, entry hall tables…..in bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
They are an accessory that works in so many homes and styles, and they bring instant beauty and history to a room.
Some of the oldest altar sticks date back to the 15th century. There are many churches in France that have beautiful altars where these candlesticks are still displayed and used today.
Whether you have just one or several, the altar stick presents itself as a true conversation piece for the home, and brings instant history to it.
Displaying a single altar candlestick or in multiples gives a wonderful texture and interest to any room.
An easy way to get this look without spending a fortune is to search for old candlestick lamps at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales etc. They are easy to remove the electrical and paint them to replicate a french altar candlestick look.
I have three in our bedroom in varying sizes…..the taller ones are made from old salvaged lamp bases that I painted.
They look wonderful with moss balls sitting on top of each one, and they work perfectly for achieving the antique look.
I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Stay tuned for a giveaway on Friday! We are partnering with The Cottage Journal to giveaway three issues of their French magazine! You won’t want to miss that!
Cheers, Cindy
Cindy, I just love your home and eye for design! I have a set of these that I bought recently. I don’t know what they are made of, but it is almost like a stone material. They’re a bit too greenish for me and I’d love them to be a bit on the light/white/cream/grey spectrum. I’m trying to research how to update them.
Cindy, how I would love to tag along with you when you shop. Everything I see makes me want to go searching. Have a great week. Cherry
You have such beautiful treasures in your home. So refined and lovely.
Thank you so much, Deb!
Swoon indeed! You have the most gorgeous collection of these exquisite French Altar Sticks and your displays are stunning!
Thank you, Shirley!
I have 5 reproduction “altar sticks” on my mantle. I bought them at Kirkland’s several years ago just because I liked the look. I had no idea what the style was called so thank you for educating me!
That’s wonderful, Nancy! Thanks for commenting!
I love your collection. It always makes me want more. I only have a few and only one is old. I went to Atelier de campayne’s bi annual container sale last weekend and they had a couple of them from France. I swooned over the larger one but it was $450!! Love just going there and we have made friends with the owners. My husband invited them for dinner!
Some of these altar sticks can get really pricey!
I “need” some of these. I saw a floor pair in our church gift shop and asked about them. They are just stored there when not in use in church!
Oh my, Jane….I bet they were lovely! Keep looking, the right pair will find you!
I swoon over the pair in your foyer every time. I love them and want them everywhere. The hubby asks aren’t two enough in each room?
Cindy
Haha….husband’s don’t get it at all! Mine has finally learned after 30 years of marriage to just nod his head and go along with whatever I want to do! One can never have too many French altar sticks!
I’m a collector of these Altar Sticks also. I have quite a few that I’m using some in my She Shed. I love them….they make an awesome statement! If I find any at a good price my heart starts pumping and they come home with me! I love seeing yours displayed….especially the ones in your foyer!
I feel the same way, Nancy!
Love this post. I too collect these and I think I am up to 43! I have a reproduction set I bought at Wisteria and then bought another set because I thought I would paint them and use somewhere else. Anyway, if anyone is interested in buying them. They are gold Florentine $50 each plus shipping. Please let me know 781-249-2738.
Wow, Lisa, that’ an amazing collection! They work in so many different rooms, though, don’t they?!? I especially like displaying them in groupings of different heights. They can make quite a statement! Thanks for commenting!
Every time I read your posts, it makes me want to throw out everything in my home and start over-French style!
Beautiful, as always!
Don’t do that Judy! Your style is so wonderful and eclectic!