STOFF Nagel: A Modular Approach to Design Objects

In Nordic design, you’ll commonly see modular shelving and sofa systems. STOFF Nagel brings the modular approach to design objects with a stackable design that invites you to use their candle holders, vases, bowls, and more to craft your own personalized sculpture.

Established in 2015, STOFF Nagel is a Danish design brand that relaunched the iconic 1960s candle holder created by Hans Nagel and Werner Stoff, blending the classic design based on Werner Stoff’s original drawings with contemporary elements that can be paired together to form timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces.

“Each item is a canvas for reshaping spaces, engaging with history, and sculpting light and shadow. STOFF Nagel transforms functional design into an interactive art experience, blending heritage with modern craftsmanship.”

The STOFF Nagel Story

Surprisingly, the STOFF Nagel story starts shortly after World War II’s end in Germany. Hans Nagel, along with his three brothers, were sent by their blacksmith father out into the night to collect empty American brass cartridge cases to repurpose into ashtrays, vases, and candleholders.

20 years after the war, while serving as CEO of the small family company, Hans Nagel met architect and artist Werner Stoff. While Hans had been focused on making beautiful tableware, Werner was working as a performing artist and designed a signature line of rounded objects.

Shortly after they met, while on a ski trip, Hans took a tumble––breaking the fall with his hand––creating three clear finger-holes in the snow. The perfect holes made Hans think of a candle holder, so Hans asked Werner if he would make the design for him. By the late 1960s, the STOFF Nagel candle holder launched with great success.

Fast forward to 2015, and STOFF Nagel brought the iconic candleholder back into production, after years of being unavailable in stores. The work of art “is considered a utilitarian testament to form and functionality, doubling as a sculpture that honors creative individualism.”

Now, the collection comes in six distinct finishes: solid brass, bronzed brass, chrome, black, black chrome, and rose gold. Options include a floor stand, a table stand, and a wall hanger, offering endless possibilities.

Inspiring STOFF Nagel Configurations

Now, we’ll walk through several inspiring photos featuring STOFF Nagel components to inspire you to create your own individual sculpture––or you can start shopping the complete collection here!

This beautiful configuration shown above features the STOFF Nagel Candle Holder in Black which you can also get in a set of 3, the Vase in Black, and the Bowl in Black. We love the use of simple dried flowers in this sculpture, perfect for a centerpiece.

Make use of one––or multiple––wall stands to build your very own STOFF Nagel wall sculpture. This sculpture features multiple iterations of the STOFF Nagel BMF Candle Holder in Chrome. We love how just a few candles are used, which goes to show how this candle holder design can stand on its own, without taper candles. For taper candles, we recommend STOFF Nagel’s LED Candles in White, or opt for theset of 12 STOFF Nagel Taper Candles in White.

You don’t need to build intricate sculptures––STOFF Nagel components work just as beautifully on their own, especially styled throughout a bookshelf. Shown here is the Candle Stand in Solid Brass, the Bowl in Solid Brass, the Vase in Solid Brass, and the classic solid brass candleholder in a set of 3 and as one singular component.

We love the Floor Stand in Chrome combined with the classic Chrome candle holders for a gorgeous statement piece, perfect for a corner in a living room or dining area.

We especially enjoy the STOFF Nagel Candle Holder in Rose Gold for a dining table centerpiece accompanied by the STOFF Nagel Taper Candle by Ester & Erik in Dusty Rose and other assorted colors.

While we’ve seen inspiration for using all of the modular components, we also appreciate the Reflect Candle Holders in Chrome alongside the modular configuration. Reflect comes in Small and Large.

Shown here is a sculpture featuring the Bronzed Brass Candle Holder. We love the antiquated feel of this finish. Notice the single component resting atop a book on the coffee table––we love the scattered look.

We’re swooning over this sculptural configuration that spills onto the floor with the use of the Stand in Chrome. Use the Bowl in Chrome to house matches so you can easily light the taper candles.

Earlier, we saw an intricate wall sculpture with the components. Shown here is a more subtle wall sculpture that still has tons of visual dimension. This sculpture uses the Wall Hanger in Solid Brass and the Ester & Erik Taper Candles in Sand.

We love how the modular design allows you to start small––simply get one set of 3, like the Black Chrome finish pictured above, for a striking vignette.

Lastly, we have this cozy vignette featuring the classic Solid Brass Candle Holders and the Off-White Ester & Erik Taper Candles. It’s perfect for a side table in a lounge area, while also being easy enough to move to a dining table for an ambient center piece.

Ready to build your own modular sculpture rooted in Danish design history? Shop the complete STOFF Nagel collection here.

Batten Home carefully curates Scandinavian furniture designs and minimalist decor objects for the modern home. We are inspired by the Scandinavian aesthetic and Danish design philosophies with a new modern design feel we like to call new Nordic design.

Have any questions for us? We’re family-owned and independently operated, and we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at hello@battenhome.co.