I wasn’t entirely sure what this was when I first spotted it at the thrift. But when I got close enough to inspect it, I realized it was a folding candelabra of sorts. I thought, “Well, this will look lovely in front of our fireplace”…and slowly an idea for modern fall decor started to percolate in my mind.
I envisioned some heirloom pumpkins placed upon each candle holder. And as luck would have it, I also spotted this single brass candlestick that was quite tall on its own.
Along with the OTHER vintage brass candlesticks that I’ve thrifted over the years, I was pretty much all set.
Now I just needed a bunch of heirloom pumpkins and a few other things to bring my Fall vision to life!
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Vintage Brass Candlesticks for Modern Fall Decor
Now, my most recent acquisition (the large folding candle holder) isn’t what I’d call vintage, per se. But it had the right look for some modern fall decor that had an eclectic, vintage twist.
The key to it, as well as the single large brass candlestick, was that they were meant for pillar candles. Which meant they had that metal spike in the center of the candle platform.
You see, craft pumpkins could be pierced on the bottom so that they’d sit quite perfectly on the candleholders.
Just like this! While the spike wouldn’t secure the pumpkins permanently, of course, it would definitely stabilize them a bit more.
Next, it was time to focus on said pumpkins- with a little paint, of course!
Painting Pumpkins for the Fireplace Display
Most of the craft pumpkins that I purchased were the wrong color- either plain white/cream or bright orange. So, I needed to change that by painting them!
First, I gave one a basecoat in a matte green. I used paint colors from Folk Art’s line of matte craft paints, and they worked wonderfully!
Then, before the basecoat was totally dry, I dipped the very tips of my same paint brush in a contrasting color. Brushing it in smooth lines up and down the pumpkin gave it some natural look color striations, just like real pumpkins have.
In some cases, I even added a hint of a third color! Either way, it was fun to experiment with color combinations.
Once all of my heirloom pumpkins were painted, it was time to set the scene!
First, I placed my pillar candelabra in front of our fireplace. Doesn’t it look great there- even undecorated?
Then, I began placing pumpkins on it. Thanks to all the craft store sales, I was able to buy a few extra so that I could play around with the placement until I was satisfied.
It just needed a few more things and then my modern decor for the fireplace would be perfectly put together!
Modern Fall Decor for the Fireplace
Lastly, I added a few more pumpkins in front of the folding candelabra, as well as some vases that held some faux pampas grass.
Ready to see the entire look, complete with my minimal mantel decor, too? I kept it clean and simple- modern but eclectic.
Colorful, but in an understated fashion. Minimal, but full enough. Modern, but with vintage and upcycled touches.
I just love how it turned out! Never did I think I’d be the modern fall decor type, but here I am- loving it completely! Maybe it’s more eclectic modern, which is just fine by me.
AND, guess what today is? It’s the second Wednesday of the month, which means it’s Thrift Store Decor Team Day! Check out what my blogging gal pals have been up to:
1. Rose Back Chair Makeover – My Repurposed Life
2. Transfer a Recipe to a Cutting Board – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
3. Modern Fall Decor for the Fireplace – Sadie Seasongoods
4. Framed Wedding Seating Chart – Our Southern Home
5. Desktop Hanging Clock Makeover – Domestically Speaking
6. Window Art with Glass Plates – House of Hawthornes
7. Large Thrifted Wooden Tray Makeover – Organized Clutter
8. DIY Recycled Sweater Pumpkins – Petticoat Junktion
9. Vintage Trash Can Upcycle – Shop at Blu
You might also recognize that green vase on the mantel from when I posted it earlier this year! As for the jugs on the hearth? Well, stay tuned for those, as well…
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I love this display. In fact, this is probably my favorite of your Autumn craft projects over the years 🙂
Thank you so very much!! I truly enjoyed pulling the whole look together.
That is just soooo cute. Do you have any ideas for Christmas using the same candle holder. Would love to hear.
I do! Currently mulling over some ideas, but I honestly need to drag out my Christmas bins from storage so I can play around with my ideas, LOL. Everything works perfectly in my mind…not always in real life!
I love that!
Did I miss it or did you post the cost of the candelabra? It would be great if thrifters would include the price of their thrift store items.
Lou
Ahh, I didn’t mention it- so many times, it’s easy to see the price in my photos, but this was a larger piece. I paid $15, which is a lot by my standards, but this has SO many potential applications. If you’re interested, this post is about all the thrift store furniture we’ve purchased for our new home, and includes the prices!: https://www.sadieseasongoods.com/thrift-store-furniture/
I love how you used it. Pumpkins look fantastic on it. Perfect for any fireplace this fall
Thank you so much, Meagan!
The candelabra looks really great by your fireplace and the fall decor is perfect. I’m sure you will have the perfect Christmas decor too.
Thanks, Rita- I’m definitely mulling over some Christmas ideas!
great idea!!
Thank you!
Hi there- I have the exact same candelabra and paid around $8.00 at Goodwill about 5 years ago. I only use it for Christmas with round candles in white with a bit of seasonal greenery added here and there. Love your take for Fall decor and can’t wait to see how you dress it for Christmas.
ooooh, I’m jealous of your deal!! What a great price!
I was wondering what you were going to do with that piece, it’s so unique! I love the pumpkins displayed, super cute!
Thank you, Kristin!
It is the perfect pumpkin holder! Genius!
Thank you so much, Maryann!
Ooh, this is lovely! I do seasonal decor in the reception area of my office and have been struggling with ideas for late-summer-into-early-fall without going ALL IN with strong fall colors and Jack O’Lanterns. Seeing a composition put together by someone else is most helpful. (I have an accumulation of brass candlesticks that I didn’t think about using as pumpkin stands, so bonus points for that.) Thank you for such great ideas.
You are so very welcome, Deb- and happy decorating this season!!
Looks really good! Seems like I remember a few posts back you mentioning that you and your husband were switching to a more modern decor in your home, so this must fit in beautifully. Very creative AND “thrifty”!
Yes, you remember correctly- and thank you!!
Here I am thinking “What the heck is she going to do with THAT?” and it turned out super cute and stylish too! Loving the color palette. So perfect for a Modern look!
Thanks, Pam!
Sarah,
Your new modern fall decor with the pumpkins is perfect for your fireplace. In fact, I love your mantel too as it all comes together so perfectly.
I too, can’t wait to see what you do for the holidays!
pinned
gail
Thank you so much, Gail!
BRILLIANT idea, Sarah!! I’d love for you to join us over at the Creative Crafts Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
https://creativelybeth.com/team-creative-crafts-linky-party/
Followed and Pinned! 🙂
Creatively, Beth
Beautifully done
Thank you, Carolyn!
Sarah,
I absolutely adore this entire fireplace look! I love how you painted the pumpkins to make them work for you. That candelabra was a total score!
Thank you so much, Christy!! I agree, so glad I swung by that thrift on that particular day!
Always LOVE your creative upcycles, Sarah!
I’d love for you to join us over at the Creative Crafts Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party/
Followed and Pinned! 🙂
Creatively, Beth
Hi There, Now that you have the peacock screen, what do you plan to do with this candelabrum?
Keeping them both to use at different times! Thank goodness they both fold up for easier storage.