Make Fall-Perfect Wooden Candleholders — Without a Woodshop

When I think about fall, cozy nights by the fireplace instantly come to mind. I don't have a fireplace right now, but candlelight is a great visual substitute. It's the perfect way to add atmosphere and a cozy feel on chilly nights. Combined with a blanket and a good book (and maybe a heater), it sets the atmosphere for the perfect fall evening.

One of my favorite ways to display candles is on the coffee table in a grouping of three at different heights. Combine them with a simple stack of books and a tray, and you'll be on your way to creating the perfect tablescape. I made a set of unique textural candlesticks using simple materials for only a few dollars, and you can too. Here's how.

Materials:

• 1 pack of long wood shims (thin pieces of wood used to fill small gaps in carpentry projects)
• 1 pack of short wood shims
• Half sheet of ¼-inch MDF
• Wood glue
• Clamps or tape (to hold the wood in place while the glue dries)
• Wood filler and sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint in the color of your choice
• Chop saw and table saw


1. Cut four pieces of MDF to your desired width and length for the edges of the candleholders. Then cut a square for the candle to sit on in the middle.

We used a table saw to cut the width to 4 inches and a chop saw to cut the height. Need help cutting the MDF? Staffers in the lumber department at your local hardware store will often make a few cuts for free and charge per cut after.


I cut the width of each piece of MDF to 4 inches and overlapped them when putting them together, so the overall width was 4¼ inches (the width plus the wood shims). I then cut the small square to sit inside, making it 3¾ inches.

My overall candleholder heights were 12 inches, 8 inches and 4 inches.


2. I used wood glue to build the box. Hold each piece in place until the glue sets a little, then use tape or clamps to help hold it in place as it dries.


3. Once you've attached three sides, apply wood glue on all sides of the square that will hold the candle and insert the square. Hold until the glue sets a little and then finish the box by gluing the fourth side on.

For my 3-inch candle I measured 2 inches from the top for the square for the candle to sit on.


4. After the glue has dried completely, start applying the wood shims. Mark the edge by drawing a line underneath.


5. Secure each shim with wood glue.


6. Cut the wood shims with a chop saw to varying lengths and heights for a casual, scattered look.


7. Once the glue has dried, add wood filler to smooth any gaps or imperfections between the shims or on the wood itself.


8. Using a fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand down the wood filler and any sharp edges.


9. Finish with primer and the paint or stain of your choice. I used gold paint, since I love how metallic finishes bring out the variances in wood.


Voilà!


For safety, never light a candle unless it is surrounded by nonflammable material. These holders work great for tea lights in glass cups or candles in glass jars. You can also use larger electronic candles to create a nice glow.


Tell us: What's your favorite way to bring fall into your home?

More: Your Easiest Fall Decorating Ever

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