They commonly appear in plastic (often for LED/flameless models) or in metal (common for stacking taper holders).
Some sets are battery-powered—typically using 2 AA batteries (not included) and often featuring built-in timers—while other sets are unpowered metal tabletop holders designed for traditional taper candles.
They are primarily intended for indoor tabletop use—mantels, dining tables, coffee tables, entryways, and countertops are typical placements; some listings explicitly note indoor use only.
Stacking two-piece holders can hold up to five taper candles in total: one piece holds three tapers and the other holds two.
They can include built-in timers (commonly 6 hours on and 18 hours off) and provide a soft, realistic flickering LED glow—no real flame or heat.
Stacking sets use an overlapping modular design so the two pieces can be stacked or rearranged into multiple centerpiece configurations.
Common styles include sleek or matte black finishes and modern gothic or eerie LED designs; many pieces emphasize contemporary, minimalist silhouettes in dark finishes.
They typically use one-click on/off controls and offer easy battery access (for example, a bottom clip or no-tools compartment); most battery-operated models use 2 AA batteries (not included).
They’re often marketed as Halloween or haunted-house decorations with a gothic or scary aesthetic—large decorative pieces (about 14 inches) designed to create an eerie ambiance for parties and displays.