How to Turn a Wood Candlestick Into a Side Table

July 01, 2011

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Transforming a chunky wood candlestick into a cute side table.

This simple candlestick turned table transformation all started with a really tall and chunky candlestick I found at Goodwill for a few bucks. 

It was quite lovely on it's own, but I knew I could do something fun with it. Have you seen how expensive little side tables are? It just has to be big enough for a cup or remote, but they can really get up there in price. 

The process was pretty simple, and I took pics the steps for this easy DIY project!

First up, the big wood candlestick. You'll want something with a base that's wide enough it won't topple over:  

chunky wood candlestick

No sanding was needed, just some cleaning: 

cleaning wipes before spray paint

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If there are obvious imperfections you can give it a quick and light sanding in those spots, but not much else is needed. 

I grabbed a wooden plate from Hobby Lobby, most craft stores carry something similar:

wood plate for tabletop

You could also use a round wood tray -- the lip around the edge would be a nice touch!

I added a bead of Liquid Nails glue around the top of the candlestick:

Liquid Nails on wood

Any wood glue would work, but we have animals that sometimes knock things over. I wanted this to be extra sturdy.

I laid the plate on the floor and did everything upside down so I could see to make sure it was centered when I placed the candlestick on top:

candlestick turned table

I let it dry for a day or so, and then added a couple coats of white spray primer:

spray primer

And then a coat of Rust-Oleum Heirloom White spray paint:

hierloom white rustoleum

This lovely color has been around forever and is such a pretty, creamy white. I've used it for years!  

I like eggshell or satin spray paint for furniture projects, but glossy will do just fine.

After it dried I scuffed it up a bit and distressed it to highlight the details, but obviously not needed:

distressing painted wood

Because I didn’t want it too look like there was a PLATE sitting on top (even though there was), I added a small round mirror from the craft store (found in the candle section). 

I didn’t even glue it – just set it in the center. It was a perfect fit:

tall wood candlestick table

And now I have an itty bitty side table perfect for this small spot:

candlestick turned side table

I LOVE IT. Seriously…in love.

The table is surprisingly sturdy – the candlestick is nice and heavy (the bottom is weighted). It holds a drink or the remote just fine, and that’s all we need. ;)

Simple projects like this are the best! 

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July 01, 2011

Comments

  1. CharoJuly 1, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Love this project! Awesome!

    Happy 4th July!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  2. JanetJuly 1, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    This is so cute!!! Love it! :)

    www.iheartmygluegun.com

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  3. Katie @ Wildwood CreekJuly 1, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Great transformation! I'm your newest follower.

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  4. Two Thirty Five DesignsJuly 1, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    LOVE this!! and the little candle ;)

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  5. Catie @ Catie's CornerJuly 1, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Hey Sarah, LOVE this! What a great idea. I'll be on the look out for a big chunky candle stick now. It turned out great. No one would ever think your table was a candle stick and a plate. Genius! : )

    Happy 4th to you too!! I'm an American living in Canada so I don't really celebrate the 4th. Today is actually Canada's version of the 4th, Canada Day. But I have to say, the Canadians I know, don't really do anything for it. When I lived in the States we always had big bbq's with lots of friends and family. I miss that. : ( Enjoy your weekend!!! ~ Catie

    http://catiescorner2.blogspot.com

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  6. House of SmithsJuly 1, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    What the... creative!?!?
    I love this! You're simply amazing, girly.

    ~Shelley

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  7. 1 Funky WomanJuly 2, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    No way, you made a table with those things? So so cool! Love it!

    Megan

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  8. Andrea @ Decorating CentsJuly 2, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    Thanks for the inspiration. You are so creative.

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  9. Meredith BJuly 2, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    What a great idea! I love your blog! I get so much inspiration from you...thanks...have a great weekend

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  10. CindyJuly 2, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    Excellent idea! It's so adorable! I LOVE it!

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  11. CJuly 2, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    That is absolutely genius! Your ability to visualize random objects as a completed product is amazing. Great work!

    themusingsofasimplegirl.blogspot.com

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  12. UnknownJuly 2, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    LOVE IT , WHAT A GREAT IDEA. ITS SO CUTE.

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  13. AnitaJuly 2, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    Love it! Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)July 2, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    Love how your table turned out, Sarah! Looking forward to your family room reveal. I know it's gonna be awesome! Have a wonderful 4th!

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  15. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Love this idea. How high was the candle holder? I'm always looking for economical projects like this for staging.

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  16. HomeroadJuly 2, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Sarah I love it! Best of all is the beveled mirror on the top, it really reflects the candle and looks great!
    Susan

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  17. Life, Crafts and WhateverJuly 2, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Love that, Sarah! I'll have to keep my eye out for one of those!


    http://lifecraftsandwhatever.blogspot.com/

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  18. Lisa @ Shine Your LightJuly 2, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Sarah you never cease to amaze me with your creativity!! Such a cute little table!

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  19. Jill C., Camarillo, CAJuly 2, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Interested in selling your great little table? I too will have to be on the prowl for a big ole candlestick to make one of my own--I know my mom gave a way some candlesticks just like that a few years ago--if only I could go back in time!

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  20. UnknownJuly 2, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    I love the fabric! I also have a few dark places in my home.I just know heirloom white is the solution to bightening the browns that I have become so bored with.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  21. Kari July 2, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Holy cow that is one big candle stick holder!! I love workin' with what ya got projects!!

    Happy 4th!

    Kari

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  22. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I love it! Whay can't I find a chunky candlestick like that?? --I will spraypaint anything heirloom white..... LOL

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  23. Amanda @ Serenity NowJuly 2, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Very nice! Love that you added the mirror on top too. What a pretty accent piece you have now!

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  24. A little old houseJuly 2, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    That's fantastic! I love it ... hmm, that might work instead of a night stand for our guest bedroom ....

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  25. The White Pear TreeJuly 2, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Seriously in luuuurve with this too! Love that colour paint. I'm now going to be on the lookout for a chunky candlestick to shamelessly copy you!!!

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  26. PamJuly 2, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Adorable....great idea.

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  27. Rachel @the house redeemedJuly 2, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    That is fantastic!!!

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  28. Alana KarlJuly 2, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    What a great idea. One question, how big is the candlestick? I would love to do this!!

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  29. Rebekah @ reclaimed richesJuly 2, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    So precious! I love it!

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  30. Lana ManisJuly 2, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    What a perfect idea! I had saved smaller candlesticks over the past year with the intentions of doing something like this, only using them for display props at craft shows. Now I'll have to look for large ones to make little tables! Thank for the inspiration! :)

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  31. KellyJuly 2, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I love it!!! And I have a chunky candlestick...think I will do a cute table too. Happy 4th!!!

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  32. Sarah ClarkeJuly 2, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    LOVE!! That was so perfect for that space and what a "high end" look for practically nothing out of pocket. You are my hero :)

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  33. NillebobJuly 2, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Great idea! Really enjoyed the Madagascar 2 reference!

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  34. UnknownJuly 2, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Oh my gosh - I'm so doing this! I have the tiniest spot that I have to have a table in for my wine er uh I mean coffee and this cutie table would be perfect!! You are genious- I love every single part - the mirror and candle included!

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  35. UnknownJuly 2, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Wow! How do you come up with this stuff!? Awesome idea!

    http://bonniegetchell.blogspot.com

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  36. LindaJuly 2, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    That is a cute little table! You are so creative!

    I used to be more like that when I was younger and had more energy. But I have fun watching you! (smile)

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  37. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I'm salivating waiting to see the family room. Since I'm sofa/chair shopping, I'm wondering if you ordered your sectional from Arhaus? I'm flying back to Michigan to visit family and they have an Arhaus store there so I thought I might have to shop while I'm there.

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  38. EvelynJuly 2, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    WOW! You amaze me. I am so happy I found your website a couple months ago, so inspiring. I want one of those now-I will be looking at garage sales.

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  39. MelJuly 2, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Very nice. I did this exact thing last weekend :)

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  40. AmyJuly 2, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    So Stinkin' cute! I need a little inspiration I am in the middle of a furniture project and its not turning out. I was feeling poopy so came in to perk up. You did the trick! Thank You Off I go!
    <3
    Amy

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  41. Beth @ Free Stylin'July 2, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    What a cute project!! Love that it is just the right size for what you need without taking up a lot of space. :) I can't wait to see your new family room!!

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  42. Susana of Montessori CandyJuly 2, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Looks good, looks good! Can't wait to see the sectional!
    -Susana

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  43. ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁July 2, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    how cute is that?!?!? Funny, I've got some small wooden candlesticks, in various heights that are meant to hold votive cup candles, that I've been wanting to transform. I want them to hold the large chunky style candles but need something on top...like your wooden plate but smaller...so that the big candles won't fall off. Guess I need to check out Michael's or Hobby Lobby to see what I can find. :)

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  44. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    I'm so impressed! Would Never have guessed it was a candlestick with a plate on top!! And can't wait to see your couch!!

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  45. Julie AveryJuly 2, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Love it!

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  46. Katie SmithJuly 2, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    UN-BELIEVEABLE!!!

    You are amazing - thank you for saving us piles of money while helping our homes look beautiful...

    Have a wonderful 4th with your family!

    Blessings - Katie

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  47. Jessica LaurenJuly 2, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    This looks amazing! It's just the thing I've been looking for for my living room; I can't wait to try this for myself! I'm featuring you as a favorite find on my blog!
    http://copy-cat-crafter.blogspot.com/2011/07/five-favorite-finds.html
    ~*Jessica Lauren*~

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  48. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Love that DIY project! Love spray paint! :)

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  49. TraciJuly 2, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    It turned out so cute! What a great idea!

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  50. Leave It To DavisJuly 2, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    And that is why we all keep coming back!! You are the most clever person on the face of this earth!!!! Just want you to know that I scored big time by adding a shade to my dining room ceiling fan. I emailed you because I had the wrong type shade and I couldn't figure out how to make it work. Then I read some of your fan's comments and one reader said they used a zip tie....which didn't work with my fan....but it put me in the right direction. I figured out to thread floral wire through the screw holes (the screws that held the glass bowl on my fan) and then wire them tightly around the wires of my lamp shade. It worked!!!!! I was sooooo freaking excited I wanted to hug you....so here's my hug! It looks fantastic and my family thinks I am great (I gave you credit after an hour of praise). Thanks so much for sharing all your great ideas!!!!

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  51. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I wish I could think of neat projects to make! You've got a knack!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Laura

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  52. ColleenJuly 2, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    That is just so creative! I love it! I have had a need for small tables forever and this is something I can do AND afford. Can't beat that! Thanks for sharing, it's simply gorgeous!!

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  53. Shelly @Crafty Creative StudioJuly 3, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    This is my new favorite table in the whole wide world!! I absolutely love it! And the candle for $3.50?? Man!

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  54. SilviaJuly 3, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    Love this...something I am going to try and remember by pinning it to Pinterest.
    Happy 4th july to you and yours

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  55. carol edgeJuly 3, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Love the table! I want to know what Goodwill you shop at. My local one never has stuff like you find at yours!

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  56. Highpoint CircleJuly 3, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I have a similar candle stick and will try to copy this fabulous idea. I was wondering what I would do with my "find". Thanks for the inspiration.

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  57. KimJuly 3, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    I love it! especially the distressing! good work!

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  58. JenJuly 4, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    Love! I am going to have to keep my eyes open for the materials to make this project. I am in need of a similarly small table!

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  59. Fiona, Lilyfield LifeJuly 4, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    looks great but so funny that you have put a candle on your table now. you could have saved all that work and just used your original candle holder!!
    in all seriousness though, great idea.
    cheers Fiona

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  60. AnonymousJuly 4, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Ha! I have the same sort of thing goin' on in a tiny space that needs a table -- a huge wooden candlestick ($1. from a yard sale) topped by a $.25 round unfinished wooden plaque from a different yard sale. Enough room for a can of Diet Coke. Someday I'll actually glue them together and paint them to match exactly...

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  61. Cindi @ Rustique ArtJuly 4, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    wow.wow.wow! Love it! Makes me want to go dig around my garage and find something to paint :)

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  62. Mango MomJuly 5, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    You have such great Ideas! LUUUVVVV them all!

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  63. lisaroyJuly 5, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    I seriously love this too :)

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  64. Bring Pretty BackJuly 5, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Sarah, WHY oh why can't my mind work like your and come up with these GREAT projects!? AWESOME!
    Have a PRETTY day!
    Kristin

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  65. Angie@mybodymovementJuly 5, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Hi! First comment here! I love this project! You've given me a great idea for an antique stair spindle I found about 3 months ago! Thanks for all your inspiration!

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  66. Katherines CornerJuly 5, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Love it too! Hugs hope your 4th was fun and safe.

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  67. NatJuly 6, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Ha! I was using that EXACT SAME brand and color of spray paint for a holiday weekend project as well! I used it to paint a nightstand!

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  68. kcgirlJuly 6, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Hi! I love your blog! Got hooked on decorating blogs when I started reading YoungHouseLove which led me to BowerPower. Then I found yours on a Google search. You have taste similar to mine and are inspiring me to make much needed changes! Question for you...how to I enter for the AmEx gift card drawing? My email is kcgirl3016@gmail.com. Thanks! Kandy

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  69. ACJuly 6, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Brilliant! Thrift stores and spray paint, what would we do without them?

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  70. ChristyJuly 10, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Great idea and I love how you showed "scuffing" it up...plan on trying it soon. Love love your blog!
    Mommy's Time Out www.thekoetherc.blogspot.com

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  71. NancyJuly 11, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Wonderful!! I have never thought of using a Wooden Plate when I needed a sturdy circle for a project! Thanks for Sharing this adorable project!!

    Nancy
    coeurdalenegifts.blogspot.com

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  72. UnknownJuly 18, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    This is such a great idea! I want to make my own candlestick table :)

    I would love to feature this on my blog and link back to your tutorial if that's ok :)

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  73. Nikki MonetAugust 24, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    How much do I absolutely love this right now?! Great job!!

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  74. ReviJanuary 17, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    Hi! I saw this on Pinterest, and I'm linking to it and featuring your great tutorial in a post tonight.
    Thanks for the great idea!
    -Revi

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THANKS so much for reading!