Umbra 'Trig' Contemporary Polished Nickel/Chrome Plated Candelabra
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware) · Umbra, a Canadian-based design company founded in 1979 known for affordable, modern housewares and stylish interior design products.
Pattern: Trig Collection. This specific item is a multi-candle holder or candelabra with a modular, sleek modern aesthetic.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware)
Maker
Umbra, a Canadian-based design company founded in 1979 known for affordable, modern housewares and stylish interior design products.
Material
Likely nickel-plated steel, chrome-plated aluminum, or silver-toned zinc alloy. It is not sterling silver or a precious metal given the packaging and maker.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 15-25 cm with a weight of approx 400-800 grams depending on whether the base is weighted or solid metal.
Description
A sleek, modernist candle holder from Umbra featuring a polished metallic finish that borders on a mirror-like quality. The design emphasizes clean lines and geometric volume rather than detail, designed to blend into modern urban interiors.
Key Features
High-gloss reflective surface, modular cylindrical candle cups, and the 'Umbra' branding visible on the adjacent packaging materials.
Material & Composition
Likely nickel-plated steel, chrome-plated aluminum, or silver-toned zinc alloy. It is not sterling silver or a precious metal given the packaging and maker.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. This is a minimalist, contemporary design without engraving, chasing, or traditional ornamentation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked with the 'Umbra' logo on the base or underside, often accompanied by a 'made in' stamp (often China). No silver purity hallmarks are present.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-casting or metal spinning, then electroplated and polished to a high mirror shine.
Functional Features
Includes candle cups sized for standard 7/8 inch taper candles. The reflective surface of the base acts as a mirror to amplify candlelight.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles. The body serves as the grip, with smooth polished surfaces that are sensitive to fingerprints.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrially produced with high quality control for finish consistency, though it lacks the hand-finished nuances of artisan silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of printed retail packaging bearing the 'Umbra' brand name is the primary indicator of origin and material.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in Canada; typically manufactured in East Asia (China) for mass-market distribution through retailers.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (21st Century). It reflects the 'Modernist' and 'Contemporary Minimalist' design trends of the 2010s to present.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2023. The packaging style visible in the image is typical of 21st-century big-box retail presentation.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of design, where silver-style aesthetics are achieved using industrial plating techniques for everyday home decor.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Surface shows some smudging and minor dust from handling, but no visible pitting or loss of plating. Packaging is present underneath.
Value Estimate
$20.00 – $45.00 USD (Retail/Second-hand market). Value is decorative rather than intrinsic metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild Windex or soapy water. Avoid abrasive silver polishes which could strip the thin chrome or nickel plating.
Similar Pieces
Ikea modern candlesticks, West Elm nickel-plated holders, or high-end Alessi stainless steel pieces (which would be higher quality/price).
Interesting Facts
Umbra was the company that popularized the 'Garbo' trash can; many of their designs are focused on making luxury aesthetics accessible at mass-market price points.