Ten DIY Candle Holders: From Scrap Wood and Concrete to Dyed Veneer and Clay

Cardboard Box Centerpiece

A used cardboard box becomes the mold for a long rectangular candle holder, with paper cups placed inside to hollow out candle wells. Mix concrete and pour around the cups, then pull the cups once the mix hardens. No special tools are required, so it's a low-barrier first concrete project. The finished piece sets on a dining table and works as a centerpiece, with tea lights dropped into the cup-shaped holes.

Fence Post Tea Lights

Scrap 4x4 fence posts get drilled with a step drill bit attachment to create tea-light cavities. The drill bit's stepped design lets you widen each hole gradually without burning the wood. After drilling, paint or stain the posts to match any room. With only scrap wood and a bit attachment, this is a quick afternoon build for a beginner. The round holes sit flush on a mantel or windowsill.

Tree Branch Candle Holder

Don't send that fallen branch to the fire—cut a short section, flatten the base, and drill one or two tea-light-sized holes along the top. The natural bark texture gives a rustic look that fits fall and winter tablescapes. Because branch wood can crack while drying, select a piece that's already seasoned. A single branch becomes a seasonal holder with no extra materials beyond a drill bit.

Rose-Tinted Concrete Holders

These DIY concrete candle holders incorporate red oxide coloring during the mixing step, resulting in a gorgeous rose-tinted finish. They make lovely gifts, and the tint is applied throughout the material for a uniform color.

Paper-Wrapped Taper Holder

Scrap wood gets a coat of Mod Podge to adhere scrapbook or wrapping paper onto the surface. Once the paper is dry, drill a 7/8-inch hole—or whatever a standard candlestick measures—to seat a taper candle. The paper can match a current color scheme or a favorite book cover. This project needs no fancy tools beyond a drill and brush, and the paper covers any wood imperfections.

Plywood Edge Tea Lights

Plywood edges are usually hidden, but here they form the visible side of each tea-light holder. Cut squares or rectangles from a plywood sheet, drill a shallow hole in the top for a tea light, and leave the layers exposed. A battery-operated candle eliminates flame risk while showing off the natural edge grain. The result is a modern, light-colored piece that suits minimal decor.

Oven-Baked Clay Candle Bases

Using oven-baked clay, a low-cost material, beginners can shape simple bases for dining-table candlesticks.

Copper and Wood Holiday Holder

Copper tubing wrapped or joined with scrap wood gives a candle holder an industrial feel for the holidays. The design pairs a wooden base with a copper pipe sleeve that holds a taper candle, combining warm wood tones with metal shine. Make the joint snug with a pipe cutter to avoid a wobbly holder. It's a beginner woodworking project that uses minimal tools—a saw, drill, and pipe cutter—and the contrast makes it a seasonal standout.