Kubus T vs. Kubus 4: A Comparison of Scandinavian Candleholder Designs

Quick answer

The Kubus T is a modern tealight holder designed by Sarah Abbondio, offering a compact, sculptural accent, while the Kubus 4 is a classic larger candleholder by Mogens Lassen that makes a bold statement. Choose Kubus T for intimate settings and versatile styling; choose Kubus 4 for a timeless icon that anchors a tabletop or shelf.

When it comes to Scandinavian design, few names carry as much weight as Audo Copenhagen's Kubus series. The Kubus candleholder, designed by Mogens Lassen in 1962, has become a modern icon, celebrated for its geometric purity and functionalist aesthetic. In 2018, the collection welcomed a new member: the Kubus T, a tealight holder designed by Sarah Abbondio, which brings a fresh yet complementary perspective to the family.

Choosing between the Kubus T and Kubus 4 can be a delightful dilemma. Both embody the minimalist ethos of Scandinavian design, but they serve different purposes and spaces. This comparison will help you understand the key differences in size, design, and functionality, so you can pick the one that best fits your home and styling needs.

Design heritage and aesthetic

The Kubus 4 is a direct descendant of Mogens Lassen's original 1962 design, a piece once reserved for family and close architect colleagues. Its sharp lines and cubic form reflect a contemporary Functionalist style, making it a statement piece that has achieved international icon status. The Kubus 4 is larger and designed to hold a standard pillar candle, making it a prominent centerpiece for a dining table or mantel.

In contrast, the Kubus T, introduced in 2018, is a tealight holder that emphasizes simplicity and graphic stringency. Designed by Sarah Abbondio, it offers a more delicate and versatile presence. Its smaller scale makes it perfect for creating intimate vignettes or for use in clusters, allowing for creative arrangements that play with light and shadow.

• Kubus 4: classic, bold, and architectural.
• Kubus T: modern, subtle, and adaptable.

Size and functionality

Size is the most obvious differentiator. The Kubus 4 is substantial, designed to hold a standard taper or pillar candle, making it a focal point. Its presence is commanding, suitable for anchoring a table setting or adding a sculptural element to a shelf. The Kubus T, on the other hand, is compact and holds a tealight, making it ideal for smaller spaces like a windowsill, bathroom shelf, or as part of a tablescape.

Functionally, the Kubus T offers more flexibility in number and placement. You can easily mix and match multiple Kubus T units to create a dynamic arrangement, while the Kubus 4 stands alone as a single statement. If you prefer a minimalist look with less visual weight, the Kubus T is the better choice; if you want a bold, iconic piece, the Kubus 4 delivers.

• Kubus 4: one large statement piece.
• Kubus T: multiple small accents for creative arrangements.

Finish options and materials

Both candleholders come in a range of finishes that affect their appearance and how they age. The Kubus T offers classic powder-coated versions, raw burnished copper that darkens beautifully over time, brass, and a shiny nickel version that glows warmly. These options allow you to match your decor or create contrast. The Kubus 4 also offers various finishes, though the specific options may differ; it is crafted in Denmark, maintaining the quality and tradition of the original.

Consider how the finish will interact with your space. Powder-coated finishes are durable and matte, while metallic finishes like brass and copper develop a patina, adding character. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, powder-coated is easier to care for; if you appreciate natural aging, choose a raw metal finish.

• Kubus T: multiple finish options including copper and nickel.
• Kubus 4: traditional finishes, crafted in Denmark.

Trade-offs to consider

• Size vs. versatility: The Kubus 4 is larger and makes a bold statement, but the Kubus T's smaller size allows for more creative arrangements and placement in tight spaces. If you want a single focal point, choose Kubus 4; if you prefer flexibility, choose Kubus T.
• Classic vs. modern design: The Kubus 4 is a 1962 icon with a strong architectural presence, while the Kubus T is a 2018 addition with a more subtle, graphic aesthetic. Opt for Kubus 4 if you value heritage; Kubus T if you prefer contemporary minimalism.
• Finish options: The Kubus T offers a wider range of finishes including raw copper and nickel, which age beautifully, while the Kubus 4's finishes may be more traditional. If you want a unique patina over time, Kubus T's copper or nickel options are appealing.

Product facts at a glance

• Kubus T: The tealight, Kubus T, is added to the Kubus collection in 2018, designed by Sarah Abbondio. Simplistically and graphic stringency is the keywords describing the candleholder. Choose the classic powder-coated versions, the raw burnished copper, which over time will darken beautiful, brass or the beautiful, shiny nickel version, which is warm and unique in its glow - or combine more for a beautiful, sculptural Still... The variety of finishes allows you to match your decor and create a personalized look, and the compact size makes it easy to combine multiple units for a sculptural display.
• Kubus 8: With a sharp sense of contemporary Functionalist style, Mogens Lassen designed the iconic Kubus candleholder in 1962, a piece once reserved solely for family and close architect colleagues. The Kubus is still crafted in Denmark, and among architects and design connoisseurs it has achieved the status of a modern international design icon. This heritage and craftsmanship give the Kubus 4 (and its sibling Kubus 8) a timeless appeal and enduring value, making it a worthy investment for design enthusiasts.

Which one fits you?

Best for

• Kubus T: those who want a versatile, compact candleholder for creating intimate vignettes or styling in clusters
• Kubus 4: those who appreciate classic design heritage and want a bold statement piece for a prominent spot

Not for

• Kubus T: those who need a large candleholder for a dining table centerpiece
• Kubus 4: those with very limited shelf space or who prefer a more understated look

Both the Kubus T and Kubus 4 exemplify Audo Copenhagen's commitment to timeless Scandinavian design. Your choice ultimately depends on the scale and statement you want to make in your space. Whether you opt for the modern versatility of the Kubus T or the iconic presence of the Kubus 4, you're adding a piece of design history to your home.