DIY Candle Holders

Concrete DIY Candle Holders pairing perfectly with this Minimalist Tablescape

The Search for Modern Candle Holders

My love of candles has launched to a whole new level this year. I especially love taper candles in different styles of candle holders. After a year of making a stop at every thrift store I pass (sorry Dan) I have accumulated quite the collection of brass, silver, and crystal holders. This week I was putting together a minimalist tablescape. Neutral tones, clean materials. Feeling uninspired with how my current collection of candle holders paired with the scheme, I set out to make some super simple DIY candle holders. These concrete modern candle holders are simple to make and with their neutral design they compliment many different interiors and tablescapes!

DIY Candle Holders

Supplies to Make Modern Candle Holders out of Concrete:

A cardboard drawing tube. For reference, each candle shown here is 1.5 inches high, so buy the length of tube that will accommodate for the amount of candle holders that you wish to make.
Cardboard to make the circular bottom form
scissors
Candle sticks (as many as you are making candle holders)
Tape
Concrete mix!

Follow These Steps to Make Your Concrete Candle Holders

First, cut your cardboard drawing tube to the desired height for each of your candles. My candles shown here are approximately 1.5 inches high but you can certainly alter the height to your preference. To make your cut even across the tube, make several marks around the tube measuring the same distance from the top with each mark. When you make your cut, work in small sections connecting each mark to the next so that you ensure your edge is even all the way around. Use a sharp and safe knife to make your cut – I ended up finding that an exacto knife was not strong enough and a small saw worked best.
Next, trace the end of the cardboard tube onto a piece of flat cardboard and cut out as many circles as you are making candles. This will be the bottom of your form.
Now, using tape (painters tape worked well) tape the circular cardboard forms from step 2 to the cardboard tubes that you cut out in step 1.

Forms are Made…Now Time to Add the Concrete!

Mix your concrete! If your mix has coarse aggregate, remove any larger stones with a sift or by hand while wearing gloves. Work outside in a ventilated area and be careful not to get any mixture (dry or wet) on your hands. I prepared my mix in a plastic yogurt container and had to do 2 batches in this size container. Follow the instructions on your concrete bag for mix:water ratio. If your mix is too dry it will not dry into a smooth candle holder, rather it will be quite rough (talking from experience here ;)).
Pour to concrete mix into your cylinder forms. Place a candle in the centre of the concrete. Turn your candles every hour while the concrete is still wet so that the candles do not stick within the concrete.
Allow your concrete to dry. I suggest you leave it for at least a day. Cut away the forms and get ready to style your table!

Completed Forms

How to Decorate a Minimalist Tablescape with your DIY Candle Holders

To make your own minimalist tablescape, focus on simple materials and a monochromatic colour scheme. Bud vases are a lovely simple way to decorate a table so that it feels full yet still simple. Simplicity is key to a modern feel but bear in mind that simplicity does not necessarily mean sparse. Select candlesticks that match the colour of the decor on the table. I went with muted pinks and greys to compliment the flowers. I love how the linen and concrete are both simple materials with a rough feel which is set off with the shiny copper of the Umbra Geometric Shapes.