My Aunt’s Retro Accessory Is the Secret to a Beautiful Table (It’s Very Nancy Meyers!)

Glass hurricane candle sleeves are everywhere these days — I see them popping up constantly when I check in with my favorite design creators on social media. I’ve been on this hurricane kick for what feels like forever, though. I’ve always admired the laid-back yet luxe look hurricanes have to offer — and they’re even practical, as they contain a candle’s open flame.

Don’t get me wrong: Scented candles in vessels are great, too, but placing a large pillar candle (or a taper in a candleholder) inside of a beautiful glass hurricane just adds such a romantic, sophisticated feel to any room. That’s true whether you place them on your mantel, credenza, coffee table — you name it. 

Glass hurricanes fit in perfectly with the trending Nancy Meyers aesthetic that’s been so popular lately. It’s a look that’s about all things cozy and collected (think: curling up on the sofa with a good book, favorite beverage, and soft blanket while candles flicker in the background). Seriously, what could be more relaxing? 

Most of the big home decor stores sell hurricanes. While brand-new designs can cost a pretty penny, my secret source for hurricanes is thrift stores. You’re sure to come across these at an affordable price at your local flea market or secondhand shop, too. I’ve amassed quite the collection over the years, and I even use them as vases. 

Some hurricanes are ultra-tall and wide, while some are shorter and more narrow. Given that a collected aesthetic is what’s “in” these days, it’s more than OK to mix and match a few different styles. I’ve scored hurricanes for as little as a couple of dollars, and always know I’ll put them to use somewhere in my apartment. You can often find pillar candles themselves at thrift stores, too, which makes it even easier to spruce up your space in one fell swoop. 

In addition to using glass hurricanes for their intended purpose or turning them into vases, you can also use them to house other items. One of my largest hurricanes is filled to the brim with matchbooks I’ve collected from restaurants all across the globe. I could also see filling a hurricane with seashells, colorful marbles, or even ornaments, depending on your preferred aesthetic. The options are truly endless! 

Keep your eyes peeled for this retro staple in your travels and while shopping. You won’t regret picking up a few hurricanes — I promise!