Derived from the French word "torche" (torch), a torchère is basically a tall candle stand that would have supported some form of candleabrum. And whether they are standing in corners, on either side of a table, or flanking a corridor, these beautiful pieces bring instant beauty and sophistication to an interior.
When first introduced in France toward the end of the 17th century, the Italian style torchère usually held only one candle. However the use of ornate candelabras doubled or tripled the number of candles and the improvement was so great it revolutionized the lighting of large rooms.The torchère, while being a utilitarian necessity, sure added an element of elegance to rooms as well.
I hope you enjoy the images, especially the ones that show you how to create the look for your own homes.
The torchère was actually a precursor of the floor lamp.
Surmounted by fabulous girandoles with beautiful ormolu mountings, here are some of the nymph torchères in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
via Pinterest
Torchères were commonly used to light dark corners of larger rooms.
The combination of a triangular base, turned central shaft, and circular top was developed in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries. They typically either had flat tops to support candelabras or sockets into which candles were placed.
Simple but elegant painted Italian torchères.
Beautiful torchère in Hubert De Givenchy's Paris town house on rue De Grenelle.
Hand painted wood and gesso antique torchères with wrought iron candelabras.
Part of the collection of Dr Peter D. Sommer, this beautiful gilded torchère points to a mid-18th-century date I think.....don't claim to be an expert.
Photo by David John
Painted and gilded 18th century Italian torcheres also project their own style of quite elegance. Imagine these with twin girandoles.
Torchères were often used to flank altars in churches and private chapels. Wooden examples like these were generally used.
source unknown
Because they could easily be moved to wherever light was needed, torchères were very popular.
I love the handpainted figural torchères. It is hard to pick a style.....they are all wonderful.
A pair of polychrome blackamoor torchères holding only one candle in the hallway of a historic home.
Another pair with candelabras.
Two Venetian torchères flank a 17th-century French marquetry desk in the home of Emilio Pucci.
thierry2478 via flickr.com
Torchère in le Grand Trianon, Château de Versailles.
via Pinterest
Fabulous Louis XV marble torchères.
Torchères don't always have to follow the traditional pattern. They can also be constructed from several different elements of design as you can see in the image above.
Hotel Lambert in Paris
Candelabras can be set upon columns, plinths, etc to create beautiful torchères. I think this style is usually more interesting.
If you have a column, set a candelabra on top and make your own torchère.
Don't forget that marble stands make great torchères.
Torchères are still perfect for providing antique ambiance when placed in rooms to light and decorate. French Provincial, Country Chateau, and farmhouse style can all benefit from the addition of a torchère and girandole combination.
Plant stands are easy to find. This barley twist style would be stunning with a crystal girandole on top. I have a beautiful wooden stand that belonged to my mother that I am searching for just the right girandole to make myself a torchère.
You could make your torchères from bases that fit your interior style.
via Pinterest
Find yourself a pair a fabulous antique candelabras,
ornate crystal girandoles,
or more faded French or Italian beauties to use as you torchère toppers.
via Pinterest
These stands, known as torchères, would have supported candelabra.........but be creative and you can use them in a number of wonderful ways!!
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer