Inspiring Examples of DIY Candle Holders from Recycled Materials

Real-life examples of DIY candle holders from recycled materials

Let’s start with what you actually came for: real, specific ideas. These examples of DIY candle holders from recycled materials are all based on things most of us already have at home. Think of this as your menu of possibilities.

1. Painted glass jar lanterns from pasta and sauce jars

Those glass pasta sauce jars you rinse and forget about? They’re secretly perfect candle holders.

Wash off labels with warm soapy water and a bit of oil to remove sticky residue. Once the jar is clean and dry, you can:

• Brush on frosted glass paint for a soft, diffused glow.
• Use painter’s tape to create stripes or geometric patterns, then spray-paint the outside.
• Wrap the jar in twine or jute, leaving gaps for light to shine through.

Drop in a tealight or small pillar candle, and suddenly you’ve got a moody lantern for your dining table or balcony. This is one of the best examples of DIY candle holders from recycled materials because it’s cheap, forgiving, and endlessly customizable.

2. Wine bottle candle holders with a modern twist

Empty wine bottles are a classic example of turning trash into chic decor. Instead of the old-school wax-dripping-in-the-neck look, try a more updated style.

Remove labels with hot water and baking soda, then:

• Use a glass cutter to carefully remove the bottom (follow a tutorial and safety rules, including eye protection and gloves).
• Place the bottle over a tealight or LED candle to create a hurricane-style cover.
• For a simpler option, skip cutting and just add a taper candle in the neck, securing it with melted wax.

Green, amber, and clear bottles each give a different vibe. A row of three or five bottles in varying heights is a great example of DIY candle holders from recycled materials that looks like something you’d see in a wine bar.

3. Tin can punched lanterns from soup and bean cans

If you’re looking for examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials that are very beginner-friendly, tin cans are your new best friend.

Clean the cans, remove labels, and fill them with water. Freeze them until solid—this keeps the can from denting while you work. Then:

• Use a hammer and nail to punch holes in patterns (stars, constellations, simple stripes).
• Let the ice melt, dry the can, then spray-paint the outside in matte black, white, or metallic.

Drop in a tealight and you get a starry, patterned glow. Group a few cans together on your porch or patio for a cozy evening setup. These are some of the simplest real examples of candle holders made from recycled materials that still feel stylish.

4. Upcycled wood and glass: pallet wood plank candle shelf

If you have access to scrap wood or old pallets, you can make a rustic candle holder that looks straight off Pinterest.

Sand a plank of pallet wood until it’s smooth, then stain or paint it. Attach small metal brackets or reclaimed jar lids to hold glass jars or votive holders along the plank. Mount the plank on the wall or use it as a centerpiece on a table.

Drop in candles, and you’ve got a long, linear display. This example of a DIY candle holder from recycled materials works especially well for holiday tables or mantle decor. Just remember to keep flames away from the wood and never leave them unattended.

5. Teacup and mug candle holders from thrift store finds

Old teacups and mugs—especially the single odd ones—make adorable candle holders.

You can:

• Use them as-is and place tealights inside.
• Or melt old candle stubs and pour the wax into the cups with new wicks.

This is a charming example of diy candle holders from recycled materials that also repurposes leftover candle wax. It’s a nice way to keep sentimental pieces (like Grandma’s chipped teacup) in use instead of hidden in a cupboard.

6. Broken tile and mirror mosaic jars

If you’ve ever broken a plate or had leftover tiles from a renovation, don’t toss them. Small shards of tile, glass, and mirror can turn plain jars into mosaic candle holders.

Use strong craft glue to attach pieces around the outside of a glass jar, leaving small gaps between them. Once dry, you can fill the gaps with premixed grout if you want a traditional mosaic look, or leave them open for a more raw, boho style.

When you light a candle inside, the light bounces off the reflective surfaces and creates a beautiful, fragmented glow. Among the best examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials, this one feels especially high-end.

7. Concrete-look candle holders from recycled cardboard molds

Industrial-style decor is still trending in 2024–2025, and you can get that concrete look with recycled materials.

Use cardboard tubes (like from toilet paper or paper towels) or small food cartons as molds. Mix quick-setting concrete or a cement mix, pour it into the molds, and insert a tealight or votive cup in the center while it sets.

Once dry, peel off the cardboard and lightly sand the edges. You can leave them raw gray, or paint them white or black for a minimalist look. This is a great example of diy candle holders from recycled materials that taps into current design trends without the boutique price tag.

8. Driftwood and branch candle holders from yard waste

For a natural, earthy look, fallen branches and driftwood can be turned into candle holders.

Choose a thick, stable piece of wood. Drill shallow holes sized to fit tealights along the top. Sand the wood to remove rough spots and seal it with a clear, non-toxic finish.

This kind of project is one of the best examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials that brings the outdoors in. Just make sure the wood is dry and stable, and always keep an eye on open flames around any organic material.

How to safely turn recycled materials into candle holders

Before you start gluing and painting everything in sight, let’s talk safety. Candle holders made from recycled materials can be beautiful, but they still involve open flame.

A few key guidelines:

• Stick to non-flammable bases like glass, metal, ceramic, and real stone.
• If you use wood, keep the flame contained in a glass insert (like a jar or votive holder) and never let the flame get close to the wood.
• Avoid using plastic anywhere near an exposed flame; it can melt or release fumes.
• Keep wicks trimmed to about 1/4 inch to reduce large, flickering flames. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has simple candle safety tips you can review here: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Candles

Understanding basic fire safety turns all these fun examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials into decor you can actually enjoy without worry.

Design ideas and trends for 2024–2025

Home decor trends right now lean heavily into two things: sustainability and personality. That’s exactly where these recycled candle holders shine.

Muted color palettes and soft textures
Think frosted glass jars, matte spray paint in warm neutrals, and soft linen or jute accents. Your painted jar lanterns and tin can lanterns fit perfectly into this look.

Mixed metals
Brass, black, and brushed nickel can all sit together now. Spray-painting tin cans or metal lids in different metallics creates a collected, layered feel.

Organic, imperfect shapes
Concrete-style holders, driftwood pieces, and hand-painted jars tap into the “perfectly imperfect” trend. Visible brush strokes and irregular edges are in.

Upcycling as a lifestyle choice
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generated over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste in a recent year, with a big chunk of that being packaging and containers.¹ Every time you turn a jar or can into decor, you’re nudging that number in a better direction.

These design trends make your examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials feel current, not like a craft from ten years ago.

Step-by-step: turning your recycling bin into candle holders

You don’t need to copy any single example perfectly. Think of the earlier ideas as a toolkit. Here’s a simple way to get started with whatever you already have.

Step 1: Shop your trash and cabinets

Gather:

• Clean glass jars and bottles
• Tin cans in different sizes
• Old mugs, teacups, or bowls
• Scrap wood, tiles, or broken ceramics

Spread everything out and notice what shapes and sizes you’re drawn to. Often, your best examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials come from just one or two repeating shapes.

Step 2: Prep like a pro

Good prep makes the difference between “cute” and “I can’t believe I made that.”

• Soak jars and bottles in hot soapy water to remove labels.
• Use a bit of cooking oil or rubbing alcohol on stubborn glue.
• Sand rough wood and wipe off dust.
• Wash thrifted items in hot, soapy water and let them dry completely.

Step 3: Choose a finish and a vibe

Ask yourself: Do you want these candle holders to fade into your existing decor, or stand out?

• For subtle decor, stick to one or two colors (like white and gold, or black and glass).
• For a boho or eclectic look, mix bright colors, patterns, and textures.

This is where you can look back at the examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials above and cherry-pick details you like: the frosted glass from the jar lanterns, the metallic finish from the tin cans, the natural texture from the driftwood.

Step 4: Build in layers

Instead of trying to design the “perfect” piece in one go, work in stages:

• Start with a base: a clean jar, can, or piece of wood.
• Add one treatment at a time (paint, then twine, then maybe a small charm or tag).
• Step back, light a candle inside, and see how it looks in dim light.

Often, your best examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials come from stopping just before you add that one extra thing that makes it feel overdone.

Step 5: Style them in your home

Candle holders look best in groups.

• Cluster three to five holders of varying heights on a tray.
• Line up tin can lanterns along a porch step or balcony rail.
• Place a driftwood or pallet wood candle holder as a centerpiece on a dining table.

Remember to keep them away from curtains, books, and anything flammable. The NFPA recommends keeping candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.²

FAQ: Real-world questions about recycled DIY candle holders

What are some easy examples of DIY candle holders from recycled materials for beginners?

Some of the easiest examples include:

• Clean glass jars used as simple tealight holders, maybe with a bit of twine tied around the rim.
• Tin can punched lanterns with basic dot patterns.
• Old mugs or teacups with tealights dropped inside.

These require almost no tools and still give you satisfying, cozy results.

Which materials are safest for an example of a recycled DIY candle holder?

Glass, metal, and ceramic are the safest bases. They handle heat well and are easy to clean. Wood can be safe if the flame is contained in a glass insert and there’s enough distance between the wick and any flammable surface. Avoid plastic near open flames and be careful with anything that can tip over easily.

For general guidance on fire safety at home, the U.S. Fire Administration has helpful resources: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/

Can I use old candles and wax in these projects?

Absolutely. You can melt down old candle stubs in a heat-safe container set in a pan of simmering water, then pour the wax into clean jars or teacups with new wicks. This pairs perfectly with many of the examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials we’ve talked about, especially the teacup and jar projects.

How do I keep DIY candle holders from looking cheap or messy?

Focus on color, repetition, and restraint.

• Stick to a limited color palette.
• Repeat the same material or treatment (like all frosted jars, or all matte black cans).
• Clean up glue drips and paint smudges as you go.

Often, the difference between a messy craft and a chic decor piece is simply taking a few extra minutes to sand, wipe, and touch up.

Are there eco-friendly benefits to making candle holders from recycled materials?

Yes. Reusing jars, cans, and other containers keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new products and packaging. The EPA notes that recycling and reuse help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.³

This makes your projects more than just pretty decor—they’re small, practical steps toward a lower-waste lifestyle.

If you take nothing else from this guide, remember this: the best examples of diy candle holders from recycled materials aren’t the ones that look perfect on social media. They’re the ones you actually make, light, and enjoy in your own home. Start with one jar, one candle, and one idea—and let the rest grow from there.