Cozy Fall Mantel Decor with DIY Candleholder & Layered Dried Stems
Hey friends! Do you remember the reclaimed DIY wooden candleholder I made a few years ago? This year, it’s back as the centerpiece for my cozy fall mantel decor. Instead of just adding candles, I reimagined the project by layering dried stems and faux greenery to give it a fresh autumn feel. Today, I’m sharing how to style this centerpiece and anchor each end of the mantel for a complete look. Let’s get started!
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Reclaimed Wood DIY Candleholder Reimagined
We made the DIY reclaimed wood candleholder four years ago, and I’ve loved using it ever since. However, I’ve always used it as a dining table centerpiece and just filled it with candles for a warm and cozy feel. This year, as I was contemplating my fall mantel, I decided to use it in a new way. Let’s take a look at what I did.
Adding Candles to Candleholder
As I reimagined the candleholder, I decided to add candles to the center instead of filling all the holders. I used a variety of fall colored tapers. As you can tell, they didn’t want to stand straight, so here’s what I did.
To keep the candles standing straight, I dipped them in stick-um. Just press the candle base in the sticky goo to coat it, and then secure it in the holders by twisting.
How To Layer Stems on the Wooden Candleholder
First, gather your stems and cut them into smaller pieces. I was using several pieces that I already owned.
- Begin with the faux greenery stems and weave them in between the candles. Bend the wires so that they are secure around the candles. Place the bottom of the stem between the candles and allow the ends to extend to the ends of the wooden candle holder.
- Layer the faux dried white flowers on top of the greenery, weaving the ends between the candles as you did with the greenery. Be sure to press the stems down to the bottom of the candles as far as possible.
- Finally, lay the dried yarrow in between the faux white dried flowers and greenery.
Continue to layer until all gaps are filled for a pleasing and balanced arrangement. Since the arrangement is on my mantle, I didn’t use styrofoam or glue. I tucked the dried stems into the layers of faux stems to secure them. If you are placing your arrangement in an area that can be disturbed, you can use hot glue to secure the lighter pieces in place.
The finished arrangement feels very organic with a natural style. It’s hardly recognizable as the same candleholder.
How To Complete the Cozy Fall Mantel Decor
With the wooden candlestick holder as the centerpiece, I wanted to balance the ends of the mantel with more fall decor.
First, I added a vintage crock as a vase and filled it with more faux fall stems. I stacked the vase on a coffee table book and added a sweet gold bird on a tiny wooden cutting board. The crock’s lid is also displayed with this vignette.
At the other end of the mantel, I added a vintage pheasant and a handcrafted wooden bowl filled with gold figs on top of another coffee table book. To add additional light for evenings, I included a small rechargeable LED gold lamp at both ends.
The elegant pheasant and gold figs add an elegant touch to otherwise rustic fall decorations.
Budget-Friendly Cozy Fall Mantel Decor
I love the simple fall decor used for this year’s mantel. I only used items that I already had on hand, and most items are thrifted or DIY. The centerpiece of candles and dried stems creates a cozy but uncluttered feel. A few simple pieces at each end complete the shabby chic mantel decorated for autumn.
Supplies For Cozy Fall Mantel Decor
When planning my layered stems for the candle holder, I first gathered what I already had on hand. Here are the stems I used and other thrifted items used to create the budget-friendly, cozy fall mantel decor.
It just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a unique and interesting display of fall decor.
Insider Tip
When thrift store shopping for fall decor, don’t overlook items that can be repurposed. I found this adorable ceramic pheasant that was hand-painted, and with just a little rub n buff, it was transformed into this stunning fall decoration. See the full tutorial at How to Update a Cheap Thrifted Figurine with Gold Rub ‘n Buff.
I hope you enjoyed seeing this year’s cozy fall mantel decor. I look forward to sharing more fall decorating ideas soon.
