Hanukkah is full of joyous traditions, from latke-making to dreidel-playing, but there’s no ritual more important to the holiday than lighting the menorah—so you should buy one that suits your style. Sure, the heirloom your grandparents thoughtfully handed down to you is special, but it’s probably not your aesthetic. And you may not have the time or energy to devote to a DIY menorah project. Luckily, there are so many cool, contemporary menorahs available to purchase online.
Whether your home leans maximalist or minimalist, midcentury modern or boho, there is a modern menorah to match your vibe. You can get whimsical with Susan Alexandra’s pastel ice cream cone menorah, make a statement with Hannah Polskin’s wavy menorah sculpture, or keep it simple with West Elm’s geometric glass 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 Wednesday, December 25, 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. Browse their site for more thoughtfully designed Jewish gifts like mezuzahs and kiddush cups reinterpreted with a modern lens.
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.
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 multicolor whimsy to all eight nights.
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.
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.
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 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. We also think it’d make a particularly thoughtful wedding gift.
We can always count on New York–based jewelry and handbag designer Susan Alexandra to create colorful, food-forward Judaica that sparks joy—and this lilac ice cream cone menorah is no exception. The fused glass piece includes fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top, helping us forget that winter is coming. While you’re shopping for a menorah, you’ll find lots of delightful Hanukkah gifts in the SA collection.
MA-MA, the multidisciplinary design studio founded by a trio of sisters, has just released its very first object: a contemporary, circular menorah made of two polished aluminum slabs. It’s expertly engineered so that the modular top piece rotates to reveal a new candle hole on each night of Hanukkah.
Though it’s an even bigger splurge than her classic menorah sculpture, Hannah Polskin’s collaboration with Amy Morgenstern of Kamp Studios is a worthwhile investment. The artists applied a custom mixture of molten bronze to achieve an antique effect that makes the wavy menorah look like it was recovered from the Second Temple.
Three ceramic arches fuse together in this sculptural menorah by Los Angeles–based home goods brand dumæ. For a moody look choose the bronze finish, or stick to a minimalist aesthetic with the ivory option. Either way, your mantel is getting an upgrade.
Inspired by the smooth, flattened stones found in the rushing waters of Vermont’s rivers, the hand-blown glass base of this Simon Peace menorah is rounded and sleek. It’s also polished so that the flickering of the Hanukkah candles is reflected beautifully each night.
Pup lovers will swoon over this white ceramic dachshund menorah by Jonathan Adler, which is finished with a soft satin matte glaze. The hot dog’s elongated body is perfect for eight candles, with the shamash resting regally atop her head.
Virginia Sin, the Brooklyn–based artist behind Sin, created this ribbon-like stoneware menorah to honor both new and old traditions. It comes in black, cream, and sand finishes, each of which expresses the ethereal movement of the piece in its own way.
Last but not least on our list is this gorgeous menorah courtesy of Danish silversmithing brand Georg Jensen. Aside from its beautiful, fluted design, this option comes with free next day delivery if you are celebrating in a pinch.
