Sexy menorahs you can still buy in time for the holiday.

Batch 004: Here’s a roundup of some good looking menorahs that should arrive before the holiday and are pleasing enough to look at in your home all year long.

Even if you don’t light it up every year, these candelabras make a great gift, and for a more year-round use you can use one as a moody table centerpiece or even a funky bud vase. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not, surely you’ll be able to appreciate these Nice Stuff™ approved designs. 

Let us begin with a brief Menorah history

which you can feel free to skip if you already know… 

The history of the menorah dates back 2,000 years beginning with the Jewish temple. Today we light the menorah to commemorate the miracle of a single day’s worth of oil burning for the eight days after the Maccabees who were victorious over the Greeks. The image of the menorah is found on a variety of objects from ancient coins to mosaic tiles all dating back to 40 BCE. The most famous historic depiction is a frieze on the Arch of Titus in Rome. While there is a rich visual and cultural legacy, this unique object has become associated with not only Biblical history but also an object that is connected to miracles and celebration.

Now… let’s fast forward, just a little bit, to some 20th century designs. 

A bit Brutalist…  

My father has a brass Weinberg adjustable swivel menorah that I’ve always loved. These custom brutalist-inspired pieces are no longer produced (to my knowledge), but you can find similar designs ranging in price and quality on resale sites - here, here, and here!   

This swiveling brass design from West Elm has a similar mid-century vibes and the same playful movement. ($119 — on sale right now for $60) 

A more hefty, brutalist option from CB2 is this bronze wave menorah. ($130 – on sale right now for $78) 

Classic — with a twist 

This cast iron menorah created for Areaware by award-winning designer Josh Owen is a sexy and minimalist twist on the classic silhouette. ($150 — plus 20% off for CYBER week) 

Batch 004 was pretty much inspired by this simple take on the classic. I realized yesterday I don’t have a menorah and we ended up choosing the powdered steel Trace Menorah (in yellow) from NYC based Judaica brand Via Maris. The brand hopes to encourage people to re-engage with their faith as well as invite people from all backgrounds to enjoy these contemporary designs. ($165 — plus 20% off right now & comes in some great shades) 

Another strong option from Via Maris is this colorful glass number. This one works better with oil or thicker candles. ($235)

This black & green enamel aluminum design from Wayfair is sort of a modern blobby ai version of the original and on sale! ($65) 

Taking it to the next level with even more blobbiness are these playful sea-creature-esque ceramic menorahs by Gersley Ceramic, available in blue, black and pink.($200 on sale right now) 

And if we’re ditching the original menorah shape completely and going full blob, this handmade ceramic set is a solid option. ($306) 

This clay menorah by Rachael Pots isn't exactly a take on the original design, but I’d say maybe inspired by the concept of the single jug of oil that lasted eight nights? In any event, it’s a great playful design and hard to find, as it’s sold out on most sites. ($228) 

Architectural Lights  

The architecturally inspired brand Rod and Flame makes slick minimalist Judaica, including the forged solid aluminum Pluses Menorah, which comes in a bunch of fun shades. ($65) 

If you’re looking for something that will make more of an impact, the brand also sells a few floor-standing designs including this Parallel Menorah, measuring over 4ft tall. ($995) 

This chic macaroni number, called the Nosh Menorah, is giving Chicago’s “The Bean” vibes. The husband and wife design duo behind the Modern Mensch brand wanted to create something you can put on display all year long and I think they achieved that. I’m linking out to my favorites in gold and silver, but there are a couple other metallic shades available, too.  ($200 — plus 10% code for first time shoppers) 

Here’s a much more affordable clay option in a similar silhouette on sale now at West Elm. ($40) 

The Shayna Menorah, the overlapping arched design, is hand made made in small batches by LA pottery, Style Union. These are hard to find, but I found a few are available and ready to ship on Food 52 and it’s available in black here. ($275)

For a simple and very affordable option that’s still fun and architectural, check out a handmade Etsy design which comes in a bunch of colors. ($23)   

Pop Art - or something

The brand aptly named Banana Menorah refers to this piece as “Warhol meets Kuntz meets your Rabbi.” I don't know about all that but it sure is fun. ($150) 

There’s also the much cheaper ceramic “BANORAH” (lol) from Kikkerland which comes only in the classic banana hue. ($20)

If all else fails there’s no shame in this home-made rendition: 

Lol, moving on…

Another fun pop-arty option could be one of these charming Elephant and Dachshund dog menorahs from Jonathan Adler. (Each $132 — 25% off right now)

For an alternate animal from JA, on a much steeper discount, how about a peacock? ($47 on sale) 

Or how about a juicy little watermelon? The Nosh Menorah by accessories designer Susan Alexandra (yes, there are two brands who named their menorahs Nosh) is indeed, as she claims, a juicy snack for the eyes! ($250) 

If you want something a bit more characteristic of the designer, here’s another fun Susan Alexandra beaded design. ($275) 

And with that I think I may have overloaded you with menorah options, but hopefully you had fun here! 

As always, if you enjoyed this please pass along. 

If you need help with any decorating projects or gifting finds, just reply to this post and I’d be happy to help you find some nice stuff. :) 

Have a glorious thanksgiving – stay cozy and well fed. 

Xx, 

Esther