Making a Candle Chandelier

Candle Chandelier Designs

Walking into a room with a candle chandelier often reminds people of centuries past. Though the candle chandelier can be purchased in opulent glass and crystal or as a fantastic wrought iron hanging meant to impress, most chandeliers that are homemade have a rustic country look to them.

Candles that are used in chandeliers range from votive to tea lights to tapers. The holder in the chandelier often determines what type of candle you will use. When you make your own, be sure to leave enough room between the ceiling, chain and candle flame.

Making a Candle Chandelier Simply

Simple candle chandeliers are the easiest to make. Instead of taking on the task of converting an electric chandelier into a candle one, or forging your own design, use simple supplies and everyday items to create a unique candle chandelier that fits into your home’s interior design.

Rustic Wooden Chandelier

Supplies:

• 2 equal sizes of wooden boards, sized for room or hanging area
• Screws or nails
• Hammer
• Varnish or paint
• Paintbrush
• 4 chains of equal length
• Large o-ring
• 8 S-hooks
• Wire
• No-drip pillar candles

Instructions:

1. Nail or screw the two pieces of wood together to form a cross with four equal sized arms.
2. Paint or varnish the wood, then distress with a hammer.
3. Hammer an s-hook approximately ¾ of the way down the arms.
4. Attach chains to the hooks.
5. Use four more s-hooks to attach the chains to an o-ring.
6. Hammer a long nail through the cross arms one to two inches away from the ends so that the pointed end of the nail sticks up.
7. Securely push the no-drip pillar candles onto the nails.
8. Hang the chandelier from your ceiling.

Rectangular Metal Chandelier

Supplies:

• Small collapsible dog kennel
• Paint, if desired
• Hanging glass votive holders with hooks
• Lighting chains
• Bracket

Instructions:

1. Take apart the dog kennel so that you are left with one of the long rectangular sides.
2. Clean and paint the kennel side, if desired.
3. Attach lighting chains to the four corners of the kennel.
4. Use a bracket for hanging the kennel from the ceiling. Kennel side should be parallel to the room’s floor.
5. Space the hanging glass votive holders evenly on the bottom of the hung kennel side.
6. Fill the holders with votives.

Birdcage Chandelier

Supplies:

• 1 round metal birdcage
• Metal cutter
• Welder
• Lighting chains
• Ceiling mount kit
• Tea light candles
• Metal candle holders
• Chandelier crystals

Instructions:

1. Cut the floor off of the birdcage.
2. Trim floor so it fits down into the cage, past the bird door.
3. Cut the rest of the cage off to that point. You should be left with a few inches of the top of the cage.
4. Weld the floor to the cage so that you have a fully enclosed dome.
5. Attach the lighting chains and ceiling mount kit so that the former top of the birdcage faces down and the birdcage floor is towards the ceiling. The birdcage chandelier will be hung “upside down” compared to its former orientation.
6. Weld the metal candle holders onto the flat surface of the former birdcage floor and away from the lighting chains and let cool.
7. Attach chandelier crystals to the wire cage sides around the bottom.
8. Place tea light candles in the metal holders.
9. Hang from ceiling.

Tips and Tricks

Making a candle chandelier can be hard for those who are not crafty. If you have difficulty making the chandelier, ask an experienced friend or relative for help. Other tips include:

• Measure chain lengths and fixtures accurately.
• Add bracketing to wooden chandeliers for extra support if/when needed.
• Purchase candles that are weighted appropriately for the chandelier’s strength.
• Always follow safety instructions when using a welding torch.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Hang the chandeliers far enough away from the ceiling to eliminate soot marks.

If you enjoy making your own candles, use those in your newly created chandelier.