You don't need new furniture, fresh paint, or a full room refresh to make your home look more expensive. According to Thecoolist, designer Nate Berkus's pick for the one thing worth investing in is a pair of vintage-style candlesticks.
That's the whole idea, and it's a useful one. Here's what sits behind it and how to put it to work in your own space, whatever your budget or square footage.
Why candlesticks, according to Berkus
Thecoolist reports that Berkus's approach to a chic home rests on a few habits: edit what you already own, don't feel pressured by trends, and invest in timeless pieces that elevate a room. Candlesticks fit all three. They're small, they don't date quickly, and they make everyday entertaining feel more polished.
That last point is the practical hook. A pair of candlesticks changes how a table looks without changing anything else about it.
Start by editing, not shopping
Before you buy anything, look at what's already on your surfaces. Berkus's philosophy, as Thecoolist describes it, begins with editing. A few ways to do that this weekend:
- Clear one surface completely, such as a dining table, console, or shelf.
- Put back only the things you actually love or use.
- Notice the gap. If the surface feels flat or unfinished, that's where a pair of candlesticks can go.
Editing first means the new piece has room to stand out instead of joining the clutter.
Use a pair for everyday entertaining
You don't need a special occasion. Set the candlesticks on the table for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together and the meal feels more considered.
Here's a simple way to do it:
- Place the pair on either side of the table's center, or at each end of a console.
- Keep everything else simple. Plain dishes let the candlesticks do the talking.
- Light the candles when you sit down.
If you own white dishes, this is a good moment to lean on them. One vintage-style piece beside plain tableware can make the whole setting look intentional.
Go vintage-style to keep the cost down
The pick is vintage-style, which gives you flexibility. You can look at secondhand shops, flea markets, or online resale listings for older pieces, or choose newer ones with a classic shape. I can't give you a guaranteed price, but candlesticks are generally a small purchase compared with a sofa or a rug, which is what makes them a smart place to start.
A few things to check when you shop:
- Pairs matter. Two matching or closely related pieces read as deliberate.
- Heft. If you can pick them up in person, a solid, stable base is worth more than a fussy shape.
- Fit. Make sure they hold the candle size you plan to use.
Think timeless, not trendy
Thecoolist frames Berkus's advice as a counterpoint to social media's constant push toward maximalism and endless home refreshes. The takeaway is restraint: choose things that reflect your personal style and will last, rather than buying on impulse.
A useful test before any purchase: would you still want this in several years? Candlesticks tend to pass because their shape isn't tied to a single moment. That's our read, not a rule from Berkus, but it's a handy filter for any decor buy.
Where else to apply the same thinking
Candlesticks are the headline, but the logic carries over to other small upgrades that make a room feel finished:
- Layered lighting. Candlelight adds a warm layer to lamps and overheads.
- Tabletop styling. Group a few items at different heights instead of spreading many small ones around.
- Rugs. If you're ready for a bigger investment, choose one with lasting style over a trendy pattern.
These are our suggestions for extending the idea, not claims Berkus makes in the piece.
Small spaces and tight budgets
This upgrade works in a studio as easily as a big dining room. A pair of candlesticks can sit on a small café table, a bookshelf, a windowsill, or the end of a narrow entry console. If your budget is limited, buy one pair, use it everywhere, and move it from room to room.
Your next step
Clear one surface today, set a pair of candlesticks on it (borrow a pair if you have to), and light them at dinner. If the room feels more put-together, you've found your first intentional investment.
