The DIY Candle Holder That Will Elevate Your Valentine's Day Decor

Whether you're hosting an elegant Galentine's gathering for your besties, or want to create a romantic vibe for a night in, you can't go wrong by adding a few candles to your Valentine's Day decor. If you're worried about the potential health risks from burning scented or paraffin candles, swapping them out for tapered candles made from natural beeswax is a nontoxic, pet-safe option. But unlike candles that come in glass jars or decorative pots, long tapered candles can't stand up on their own and need to be held upright in a holder. Grouping tapers together is an especially attractive way to create a candlelit vibe. You could purchase an ornate multi-stemmed candelabra that looks like something straight out of Beauty and the Beast. But making a chic DIY candle holder using a simple wooden box will let you display even more candles at once to create a stunning effect that elevates your Valentine's Day decor for less.

This is an excellent project if you're into creating sustainable DIY Valentine's Day decor that looks cute and classy. You'll start with an unfinished wooden craft box, which you can find online or at your local craft store. The ideal size will depend on the number of candles you want to display and the amount of room available on your table or mantle. A heart-shaped box like the Taiyin Unfinished Valentine Heart Box is a slightly more expensive choice, but could be precious for this project.

The DIY process couldn't be easier. First, remove any hardware from your wooden box. If it has a lid, consider using it to create a second candle holder. Use a store bought product or mix some sawdust with wood glue for an easy DIY wood filler you can make at home to patch the hardware holes before sanding the box smooth. Next, use one of your tapers to determine where and how many candles you want your box to hold. Trace around them in either a straight line or a random pattern, whichever you prefer, making sure to leave a little space between each candle.

Although there are many types of saws that can cut through any wood, the ideal one for this project is a hole saw. Carefully drill a hole in your wooden box that will hold each tapered candle before sanding any rough edges. At this point, your candle holder is ready to use. But don't be afraid to add any additional embellishments your heart desires. Try using a wood stain, paint, or even crystals like Beadsland's Flat Back Rhinestones to create a Cupid-approved look.

The final step is to insert the tapered candles into each hole. Wax adhesive plates like the Likejarcand Adhesive Wax Dots can help keep your candles firmly in place to avoid a fire hazard. For an extra sweet touch, tie a colorful ribbon into a delicate bow around the base of each candle. You can use any colored ribbon you like, but, of course, traditional Valentine's Day colors are red, pink, and white.