Don't Throw Out Broken Bar Stool Legs & Use Them To DIY Rustic Candle Holders

Finding unique accents for your home can be an expensive endeavor, especially when they are smaller elements that are merely decorative and less functional, making anyone hesitant to drop big bucks on them in a home decor store. Candles and candle holders can be one of these decor elements which have endless choices online and in aisles, but oftentimes, DIY versions can be a more budget and eco-friendly alternative. And luckily, you can easily create treasure from trash in the form of adorable rustic pillar candle pedestals made from broken bar stool legs. The result is a stylish set of DIY and one-of-a-kind candle holders that are very easy to assemble and use as part of your decor.

These candle holders are completely customizable to fit your decor aesthetic, and can be cut down with a saw to your desired size. This fun way to repurpose old furniture legs is a great chance to use broken elements from furniture that are beautiful carved accents in their own right. While one looks stunning, the number of available legs means you can create a grouping or set in various sizes as a beautiful accent for shelves, sideboards, or to decorate a fireplace hearth. They would also make beautiful dining table centerpiece elements combined with flowers or greenery to create a sense of height.

This project works with broken or intact stool legs made from wood. You may need to cut them down to get a flat surface on both ends to attach to the base and top. The more carved and spindled, the more beautiful the detailing on the finished candle holders. You can also use wooden table legs from an old piece or buy new inexpensive wooden legs from a home-improvement store.

You will also need wooden rounds that are large enough to serve as both a base for the holder and the top where the candle goes. Great options include crafting rounds, wooden saucers, or round wooden plaque bases. You can also use inexpensive terracotta saucers that allow a recessed top the candle can sit inside of securely, which you can paint to match the wood. Use wood glue to attach the bottom of the leg to the base securely. You could also use a nail driven through for some extra support. On top, use another round piece glued or nailed in place for the top platform. Then, add a candle on top.

There are many ways to customize this project, including sanding down the wooden finish on the legs and re-staining them along with the wooden rounds on top. You can also paint them with chalk paint and crackle coat to create a distressed look perfect for a rustic space. To create additional interest, add wooden beads around the top platform or use a stencil along the sides to add painted details.

Fun variations on this project include painting the legs white and using a small vintage plate, small bowl, or saucer for a candle holder with shabby chic flair. Or, paint them all over with a glossy black for a chic and dramatic lacquered look. For simpler legs, wrap the entire length of the piece in jute twine for holders that fit in perfectly in a boho or coastal design space.