How to Make a Birch Log Candle Holder for Decor

Do you love rustic birch logs for home decor and special events? Same here. Today, I’m sharing how to make a birch log candle holder for decor. The best part is that this craft project comes with very minimal additional cost. These simple DIY birch candle holders take about 20 minutes. Which is perfect if you love saving money while creating home decor, especially during the holiday season. Cozy, charming, and effortless. They’re the kind of project you’ll enjoy using in your winter decor or anytime.

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Supplies List: How to Make a Birch Log Candle Holder for Decor

• Birch logs
• Metal candle holder cups (HERE)
• 11/2 Drill with a spade bit ADD LINK
• Double AA batteries
• Saw
• Hot glue gun – (MY MUST HAVE)
• Taper flameless candles (HERE) or tea lights flameless (MY FAVORITE – HERE)

Back Story: DIY Birch Candle Holders

A little backstory, I’ve wanted to create something with these birch logs from our neighbor’s tree since last year. They ended up in the basement, and honestly, we completely forgot about them. While planning our holiday decor for this year, we rediscovered these rustic logs. I immediately knew what I wanted to do. I was excited to finally create birch log candle holders in mixed heights to add to our home decor. And the best part? They take about 20 minutes to make and will still look beautiful after the holiday decor comes down. This log doesn’t have the typical white birch bark. Rest assured, it’s from a birch tree. This is the kind of project that brightens your winter decor or anytime.

Step 1: How to Make DIY Birch Candle Holders – Find Your Logs

It’s best to start by choosing a sturdy birch log with a flat bottom. We spaced out where we wanted to drill the holes. Since the birch bark had a knot right in the center, it made the decision easy. We went with five holes to keep everything balanced. That knot in the birch bark adds such natural character, too.

Short story: When we downsized, we sold our table saw, and of course, that’s exactly what we needed to cut the log to the perfect length. So ours doesn’t have a flat bottom. But don’t worry, we figured out a simple way to keep the log from wobbling. I’ll share that tip at the bottom of the blog post.

Step 2: Cut the Holes for the Candles

First, my husband measured and marked a long X with a pencil so he knew exactly where each hole should go. He predrilled a small hole and then used his drill with a 1 ½-inch spade bit to make five openings. You can use a Forstner bit, but a spade bit creates a cleaner, flatter hole with a smooth center. Perfect for what we need. Having a nice flat bottom in the holes is especially important if you’re using flameless candles, whether tapers or tea lights.

Step 3: Add the Metal Candle Cups

To keep the candles stable and snug, I added a thin line of hot glue around the outer edge of each drilled hole. Then I pressed a metal candle holder cup into each opening. They only need about a minute to set, and once they’re secure, you’re ready to add your flameless candles.

DIY Birch Log Candle Holders 

For our birch log candle holders, we decided to create mixed heights. This adds charm when they’re grouped together. My husband marked the remaining birch log with a pencil so we could cut each piece into different sizes and heights. Using the table saw, he cut the logs and made sure each bottom was flat. Then he marked a long X on the top of each one to find the perfect center. After that, he drilled pilot holes and used his spade drill bit to create openings deep enough to fit each flameless tea light candle just right.

Cindy’s Birch Log Tips

• Drill slowly: Let the drill bit cut the wood cleanly to prevent your birch logs from chipping. Make sure each candle holder has a flat bottom.
• Pre-drill: Begin by drilling pilot holes, and drill slowly with the grain of the birch log to avoid splintering the birch wood. Drilling birch wood logs this way makes the wood a bit harder but much cleaner.
• Use the right tools: A sharp drill bit, like a spade bit or Forstner, makes creating smooth holes simple.
• Drill in stages: For your DIY birch log candle holders, mark a long X to find the center and keep the holes straight.
• Work with the grain: Always follow the grain of the birch wood for the best results.
• Mix sizes and candles: Making different sizes is a fun way to add tea lights and taper candles to your log. This piece will add rustic elegance to any home decor. I recommend flameless candles; wood can burn, so these are the safest option for your rustic, natural DIY birch candle holders.

How I Styled My Easy DIY Candle Holders

• Long centerpiece: I added pine cones, pomegranates, walnuts, and evergreen branches for a natural, cozy look. Because the log isn’t perfectly flat, we propped up a little deer figurine with a book. Draping a plaid scarf around the centerpiece makes it feel grounded and extra cozy all winter.
• Grouped mixed heights: For my candle holders in different sizes, I used a rubber band to hold them together and tied a burgundy velvet ribbon. I added my grandmother’s antique dish for a personal touch and a sweet family memory. After the holiday season, the velvet ribbon can be used throughout winter, or you can swap it for jute twine for a rustic, natural vibe.
• Low-cost, natural decor: Using natural elements like pine cones, evergreens, and walnuts is an easy way to add charm to holiday decor, winter, or all year. Plus, it comes with little additional cost. You can see how I incorporate nature in our home with my cozy Christmas decorating ideas. Here, you’ll see nature at its best. With a little planning and minimal fuss, natural elements are budget-friendly and work from the holidays through winter for a cozy, inviting home. These look beautiful in spring with fresh greenery or in fall with acorns, pine cones, and small pumpkins.

Make Rusty Bells in Minutes – (HERE)

Cindy’s Tips and Tricks

• Always stabilize uneven logs with small items (books, coins, or flat wood pieces) or use evergreen branches to prevent wobbling.
• Layer textures, like ribbons, scarves, and natural elements, to make your centerpiece feel cozy and interesting.
• Mix different sizes and heights for grouped candle holders to create an interesting display.

Cozy and Rustic Charm in Minutes

Ready to try how to make a birch log candle holder for decor? These charming little projects are fast, budget-friendly, and add instant rustic charm to any table or mantel. Group, add a few natural touches. This creates a cozy centerpiece that’s perfect for the holiday season, winter decor, and beautiful all year!