DIY A Simple & Versatile Stand That Looks So Chic Using A Few Affordable Dollar Tree Supplies

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Decorative display stands aren't just for function. Yes, they serve practical purposes, like giving you a place to place your soap dish and Q-Tips dispensers on the bathroom counter. But they also create a decorative touch that maximizes the mood of your candles or other décor items. And while all kinds of decorative stands already exist, you can do yourself a solid by making one using a few affordable items from Dollar Tree.

For the base of the stand, you'll need a black pedestal candleholder from Dollar Tree. If you'd like the display to have a bit of height, buy this black pedestal candleholder that has a long oval hole in the center. If you'd prefer a stand that's a bit closer to the ground, choose the round metal candleholders instead.

A Dollar Tree bamboo cutting board provides you with a shelf for the stand. To create a more secure stand, consider swapping the cutting board with one of Dollar Tree's Crafters Square wood trays with handles. This latter option works well if you want your stand to hold things like hand towels and wash cloths, or hair bands and clips in the bathroom. The trays have 2-inch elevated sides that'll keep everything on top secure. Finally, you'll also need a hot glue gun and a pencil to complete this project.

To start this clever cutting board DIY, you'll need to mark one side of the cutting board or tray with a circle right in the middle. This is the spot where you're going to glue the metal candleholder to the bottom of the board. In light of that, make sure that you put it in the exact middle so the stand stays balanced once everything's glued into place. You can use the candleholder to trace a circle of the right size onto the board.

If you're working with the tall candleholder, add hot glue to the lip of one of the round metal coasters. Then, stick it onto the bottom of the cutting board where you've marked. If you're using the shorter candleholder, line the rim of the smaller end of the holder with glue (the end that you'd typically put a taper candle into). Stick the part with the hot glue onto the board to finish your project. Allow the glue on the stand to dry completely before you begin to add items to it.

Decorative stands or risers in a display create visual interest in an area, allowing you to show off items like a bunch of birthday cupcakes, a couple of small potted plants, bamboo bathroom supplies, or framed photos of your family members. For more complex displays, consider making stands with both the round and oval candleholders. Having two stands of different heights gives you more elements to work with to create an eye-catching display. 

This stand is already chic and elegant as is, and if you like simple items, you can to use it this way. However, if you think your display will benefit from additional creative embellishments, there are a couple of options that'll dress up the stand a little more. These will involve a little paint, some stencils, Mod Podge, and a paintbrush.

Stencils can add a bit of whimsy to the display stand, and if you use these Qupaen Inspirational Stencils with decorative fonts, you'll give your arrangement some quirky vibes. Think of statements like "spread sunshine, not shade," and you'll get why this creates such a fun DIY, particularly if you top the display with a jar or a canister and organize your sunglasses inside. Otherwise, you can just get stencils with butterfly, bird, or flower themes. Apply them with your preferred paint color on the wood board, then seal with Mod Podge, before gluing the candleholder to it.

Finally, you also have the option of turning the metal candleholders from black to the hue of your choice by adding a coat of spray paint to them before you start the gluing process. Doing this lets you tailor the pieces to decor styles that call for lighter color schemes, like shabby chic. Just use the Chalky Mineral Spray Paint from AMY HOWARD AT HOME, and you're good to go.