Whether your Hanukkah plans are steeped in tradition or simplified to latke-making and candle-lighting, chances are you might want a modern menorah. Sure, the heirloom your grandparents thoughtfully handed down to you is special, but it’s probably not your aesthetic. And you might not have the time or energy to devote to a DIY menorah project. Luckily, so many cool, contemporary versions are now available that allow you to light eight nights of candles in your own style. Whether you’re down to get whimsical, or you want your menorah to match your midcentury-modern, boho, or minimalist interior design aesthetic, there are a surprising amount of seriously cool shapes, sizes, and iterations of the candelabra available to purchase.
From Susan Alexandra’s fused glass watermelon menorah to Hannah Polskin’s squiggly menorah sculpture to West Elm’s geometric glass block menorah, these options won’t only punch up the festival of lights—they’ll also double as home decor year-round. This year, Hanukkah starts on Thursday, December 7, so make sure to invest in a design-forward menorah before the fun begins.
Originally designed for Areaware, Josh Owen’s solid cast-iron menorah became an instant classic for those in search of a modern menorah. Since its release, it’s been added to the permanent collections of the Memorial Art Gallery, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Sleek and minimalist, this handsome glass Hanukkah menorah from West Elm allows your candlesticks to do the talking. Keep it simple with classic white ones, or bring in pops of color. The vessel’s block style is great for any contemporary home.
A distinct departure from the classic gold-plated or solid brass menorah, the Via Maris Trace menorah is made with powder-coated steel. The brand aims to redesign Judaica for the 21st century using a pared-down approach and largely industrial materials. Though it launched just two years ago, its pieces can already be found at the Jewish Museum Shop, Food52, West Elm, and Modern Tribe.
If you’re willing to splurge on a menorah, consider this marble and resin composite sculpture by Los Angeles–based multidisciplinary artist Hannah Polskin. It features brass candle holders for use during the holiday, but its squiggly shape is begging to be exhibited 365 days a year.
The checkered trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so why not bring it to your menorah? MacKenzie-Childs’s “tradition with a twist” designs are stunning and stately, but not stuffy. It’s accented with a gold border and candle cups. Outside of the holiday, it makes a beautiful piece of decor for a living room bookshelf.
This modern acrylic menorah by Apeloig replaces traditional beeswax candles with oil cup candles for an unexpected twist. The modular construction allows you to place the shamash in the center or on the left—whichever you prefer. And the entire piece can be used year-round as a vase for fresh florals.
Handmade in Los Angeles, this very modern design from Style Union Home is a sculpture in its own right. The pieces come apart in case you want a lower-profile menorah, and the spherical base can be used as a bud vase year round.
Designed by Brad Ascalon, this sleek menorah is made of solid Carrara marble. Its diagonal plane isn’t just chic—it’s also symbolic, intentionally angled at 18 degrees, a holy number in Judaism that represents chai, which means “life” in Hebrew.
A contemporary take on the classic Tree of Life menorah, this option from Target is sleek and affordable. It doesn’t veer too untraditional, but the black finish and mango wood base add a bit of freshness.
For an industrial menorah, look to this utilitarian white oak wood and steel number. Crafted by Alabama Sawyer, a Birmingham-based furniture maker, it brings materials not often associated with menorahs to the Hanukkah table.
With a traditional silhouette but a decidedly avant-garde anodized metal finish, this menorah will add a sense of whimsy to all eight nights. For cool tones, go for the blue and purple colorway. Or make a statement with the full rainbow.
Via Maris collaborated with French American glassware designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen on this playful borosilicate glass number that comes aglow when oil candles are lit within it. The smoke version offers a minimalist vibe, while the amber and rose variety will bring warm, inviting hues to any table.
In recent years, Brooklyn-based jewelry and handbag designer Susan Alexandra has expanded into home-wares and pet accessories. Now, she’s entered the Judaica space, and her bright, fruit-forward creations are more than welcome here—especially this fused glass watermelon menorah that helps us forget winter is coming.
This ceramic, arc-shaped option is the ideal size for a smaller table. The asymmetrical shape makes it feel more modern, but it’s still versatile for many interior styles and tastes. It also makes a very sweet gift for a loved one.
Kate Spade’s bright, feminine designs extend from fashion to accessories to Judaica. Take, for instance, this playful menorah from the brand. It’s crafted from porcelain and the festive colors will make your holiday tablescape a little brighter, which we could all use right now.
An abstract, geometric take on the classic brass iteration, L’Objet’s Rova menorah is inspired by the maze of streets in the Old City of Jerusalem. With a sturdy gris-marble base, this menorah is bound to become a family heirloom.
Ideal for someone with a modern farmhouse or “cottagecore” taste, this speckled ceramic menorah is the brainchild of Judaica Standard Time and Maine-based ceramicist Ariela Nomi Kuh. It’s a bespoke and pared down take on the modern menorah, and it practically begs you to keep it on display throughout the year.
If you’re on the hunt for a silver menorah, boy do we have a fun one for you. These “bubbles” come hand-carved and polished from a big block of aluminum, which means it’ll reflect its surroundings. Play around with colorful table settings or linens and watch how the colors change.
Another splurgey option from artist Hannah Polskin, this is one of her 2023 sculptures carved from Big Flower stone. The abstract, fluid design makes a statement on any table or mantle regardless of the season. It’s an heirloom centerpiece that can—and should—be passed down for years to come.
