I love incorporating organic pieces into minimalist interiors as I think they make clean, modern spaces a bit more approachable and comfortable to be in. These DIY faux bois candle sticks do just that and are a cinch to make! When wood grain is coated with highly lustrous liquid gilding paint, the combination of the two give the effect that the piece was actually cast in brass–a beautiful high-end look for a tiny fraction of what the real thing might run you! Read on for details on on how to create a pair for your home.

Materials:

2×4 Wood boardCircular sawElectric drill + 3/4″ drill bitSandpaperGesso or PrimerLiquid gilding paintPaint brushMarker or pencilRuler

On the 4″ wide side of your 2×4 board, draw a 1-3/4″ w x 3-3/4″h rectangle. If your board doesn’t have perfectly square corners, you’ll want to draw your rectangle slightly in from the edge, so you can cut off the eased edge. Then cut out the rectangle using a circular saw.

Use an electric drill fitted with a 3/4″ drill bit to create a 1/2″-3/4″ deep circular opening on one end of the block.

Sand down all rough edges with fine grit sandpaper until they’re smooth to the touch. Then wipe the block clean of sawdust.

Prime the block with gesso to seal the porous wood wood surface. Allow to dry and then apply a coat of liquid gilding paint to all sides of the block. The liquid gilding is extremely potent, so make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Allow an hour to dry completely.

Repeat steps 1-4 for the taller candle stick, only this time, the height of the block should be 5-1/4″ tall.

Lastly, top each stick with a tapered candle and light them up!

The end result is a beautiful pair of brass candlestick holders that add a touch of organic glam to any modern space!