
Bring a piece of nature home: turn firewood into rugged candle holders that showcase the wood
Home decor blogger Maria Meder turns firewood into beautiful candle holders. You’ll find the materials in the woodshed or out in nature.
Candleholders from firewood—supplies
- round firewood or other wood pieces at least 8 cm (3.1″) in diameter
- ready-made metal candle cups
- saw
- drill
- hammer
- craft paint suitable for wood surfaces
- candles
Rugged candleholder instructions:
1. Cut the firewood or wood pieces to a suitable length, 10–17 cm (3.9–6.7”). For a smoother finish, use a fine-tooth saw or a miter saw.
2. Measure and mark the exact center of each piece. Choose a drill bit the same diameter as or slightly smaller than the candle cup’s stem so it stays snug in the wood.

3. Drill a hole to the right depth for the candle cup. The depth depends on how much of the cup’s stem you want visible. Halfway is a good depth, for example.
4. Remove the bark and sand away any rough spots.
5. Paint the blocks to your taste—or leave them natural. Bare wood pairs beautifully with colorful candles.

6. Press the candle cup firmly into place. Tap it gently with a hammer to fit it fully. If it doesn’t go in straight, gently twist it into a better position.
7. Before use, make sure the candle holder stands securely. And always supervise burning candles!
