
A historic wood candle box with dovetailed construction is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. The dovetailed joints are a hallmark of high-quality woodworking, allowing the box to remain sturdy and functional for centuries.
The wood used for this type of candle box is often oak or pine, which are durable and resistant to warping. The wood's natural grain and texture add to the box's character and charm.
The dovetailed construction involves cutting interlocking joints that fit together like a puzzle, creating a strong and rigid structure. This type of joinery is still used today in high-end furniture making.
Consider reading: Box Joints Wood
Description
Wood candle boxes are a beautiful and functional way to store your candles.
The Antique Wooden Candle Box With Slide Lid From England - Circa 1900 measures 10 1/4” W x 4 1/2” D x 6 1/4” T.
These boxes are often made from high-quality wood, which can add a touch of elegance to any room.
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A good example of this is the Antique Wooden Candle Box With Slide Lid From England - Circa 1900, which is a testament to the craftsmanship of the past.
The size of the box can vary, but it's often compact enough to fit on a shelf or mantle.
The Antique Wooden Candle Box With Slide Lid From England - Circa 1900 measures 10 1/4” W x 4 1/2” D, making it a great fit for small spaces.
Antique wooden candle boxes can be a valuable addition to any home decor collection.
The Antique Wooden Candle Box With Slide Lid From England - Circa 1900 is a rare find that showcases the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
On a similar theme: Antique Wood Cheese Box
Dimensions and Length
The dimensions of a wood candle box can vary depending on the design and era. For example, the 18th Century Oak Candle Box is 42 cm in length.
Some wood candle boxes are designed to be compact, while others are more spacious. The Late 18th century oak candle box, for instance, is 42 cm long.
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In general, wood candle boxes tend to be relatively small in size. The 18th Century Oak Candle Box is a good example of this, with a length of 42 cm.
You can use these dimensions to determine whether a particular wood candle box will fit in a specific space. For instance, if you have a shelf that's 42 cm long, the 18th Century Oak Candle Box would be a good fit.
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Style and Era
An English oak candle box from the 19th century showcases the style of the era. It features a plank construction with a sliding lid, measuring 12.5 cm high, 13.5 cm wide, and 32.5 cm long.
This type of construction was typical of the time period. The John Hurlston Collection is the provenance of this specific candle box.
19th Century
The 19th century was a time of great craftsmanship and attention to detail, and this is reflected in the antique candle boxes from this era. Many candle boxes from this time period were made with a sliding lid, as seen in the 19th Century English Oak Candle Box.

Candle boxes were created out of necessity, with the need for a safe place to store candles driving their development. In the 19th century, candles were often made from animal tallow, which was prone to attracting pests.
The 19th century saw a range of materials used in candle box construction, including oak, as seen in the 19th Century English Oak Candle Box, and mahogany, which was used in the Georgian Mahogany Scalloped Candle Box. These materials were often chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Some 19th-century candle boxes were designed to be hung on a wall, such as the Vintage Pine Candle Box with Fretwork Cross Decoration. This design allowed for easy access to the candles and helped to keep them dust-free.
For another approach, see: What Type of Wood Is Used in Saunas
George III
George III furniture is characterized by its use of oak and mahogany woods, often in traditional tapering forms.
The George III oak candle box is a common piece, found in various sizes, such as 53 x 17 x 15 cm and 48 cm long.

In terms of height, George III oak candle boxes can range from 46 cm high to 53 cm high, depending on the specific design.
George III mahogany candle boxes often feature intricate inlays, such as stringing to the front, and traditional tapering forms with fretwork tops.
The George III style is not limited to candle boxes, but also includes other pieces, such as the 18th century oak candle box, which can be found in lengths of up to 42 cm.
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18th Century
The 18th century was a time of great craftsmanship, and it's evident in the beautiful candle boxes from this era. They were made from oak, a durable and versatile wood.
Candle boxes were created out of necessity, as candles were mainly made from animal tallow and attracted pests. The box I have, a Hand Crafted Antique Wooden Candle Box, has a primitive appeal and a subtle bevel around the lid.

These boxes were often hung on a wall in the kitchen, but some, like the one I have, sit on a shelf. The hanging part had likely been broken off, resulting in a spot of damage on the bottom of the box.
Late 18th century oak candle boxes, like the one described, were 42 cm in length. They were a practical solution to storing candles safely.
Georgian
The Georgian era was a time of great craftsmanship, and it's reflected in the beautiful candle boxes from this period. Georgian mahogany was a popular choice for candle boxes, often featuring intricate fretwork tops, like the one on the Georgian Mahogany Candle Box with Fretwork Top.
These candle boxes were typically made with a traditional tapering form and a hinged lid. The fretwork top on the Georgian Mahogany Candle Box with Fretwork Top is pierced with a small diamond and 2 hearts, adding a touch of elegance.
Georgian mahogany candle boxes were also known for their plain tapering form, as seen in the Georgian Mahogany Tapering Candle Box. This one measures 23 x 19 x 42 cm.
Not all Georgian candle boxes were made of mahogany, however. The 18th Century Oak Candle Box - 42 cm Length is a great example of an oak candle box from this era.
The Georgian era was also marked by a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail, as seen in the Georgian Mahogany Scalloped Candle Box, which features a scalloped shaped back.
Some Georgian candle boxes featured sliding front panels, like the 18th Century Oak Candle Box with Sliding Front Panel. This one has a height of 44 cm.
The 19th Century English Oak Candle Box is another great example of a candle box from this era, featuring plank construction with a sliding lid.
Javanese Colonial
The Javanese Colonial style is characterized by its unique blend of traditional Javanese craftsmanship and Dutch colonial influence. This style emerged in the 20th century.
A great example of this style is the Javanese Colonial Candle Box, which measures 37 cm high, 72 cm wide, and 39 cm deep.
Kingsford Smith's Camphor Chest

Kingsford Smith's Camphor Chest is a rare and historic piece of furniture from the early 20th century. It's a camphorwood lined campaign chest with a brass strapped chest and a candle box to the interior.
This type of chest was likely used by travelers, perhaps even by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith himself, who was a famous aviator. The chest's design suggests it was meant to be portable and functional.
A legal letter from Haines & Polites Barristers and Solicitors confirms that the chest was formerly owned by someone of significance. The letter adds to the chest's historical value and authenticity.
The camphorwood lining was a common feature in chests of this era, providing protection against pests and moisture.
On a similar theme: Cedar Wood Chest
Design and Features
This candle box has a hand-crafted, slide-top lid. The subtle bevel around the lid adds a touch of elegance.
The box has a primitive appeal, with a bent nail hammered in place on the back side. This imperfection makes the box even more interesting.
Candle boxes were created out of necessity, as candles were mainly made from animal tallow that rats and mice found tasty.
Assembly and Construction
You'll assemble the wood candle box by gluing the 4 sides together using wood glue.
A little pressure might be needed, so you can use C-Clamps with light pressure to hold it until the glue dries.
Once the glue dries, you can use the sides to trace the exact shape of the bottom.
The bottom can then be cut out and fit to shape with a plane for a clean and tight fit.
If you've made the fit just right, you won't need any clamps – the glue will hold well.
But if needed, C-clamps can be used to ensure a secure fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put a candle on wood?
No, it's not safe to place a burning candle on wood or any heat-sensitive surface. Use a heat-resistant plate or dish to protect against potential damage.
Are wooden candle holders safe?
No, wooden candle holders are not safe as they can catch fire when the candle burns down to the bottom. Using a wooden holder can lead to serious problems, so it's best to choose a different material for your candle holder.
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