A pottery candle holder can add an elegant touch to any room. Pottery in its pure form--fired white clay--can be incorporated into practically any design scheme. With a touch of nontoxic colored glaze and a little artistic effort, you can render your own pottery candle holder. Alternatively, you can collect candle holders from around the world. Dozens, if not hundreds, of styles abound.

There are many different types of candles and candle holders to choose from. Tapered candles are extremely slim and generally about 12 to 16 inches in height. These are ideal for dinner parties. Votive candles are much smaller--generally no more than three inches tall. They may be placed in short cylindrical pottery holders and burned for religious ceremonies or romantic occasions.

Harkening back to the traditions of the American pilgrims is the pillar candle. This is a thick piece of wax which should be rested on something heat resistant. Fortunately, most pottery can withstand high temperatures, but you may want to keep the candle away from potentially flammable accessories. Finally, there is the container candle, which, as its name suggests, is a candle set inside a decorated piece of translucent material.

It is generally a good idea to shop for candles which fit your pottery holders--not the other way around. Be careful--some glazes can smoke and release potentially unhealthy fumes if they get too hot. Make sure you find fire-tested, fire-regulated pottery candle holders.