Ever spent hours building something, only to realize it could have been done in half the time? Don’t let this project drain your energy. Benefit from my “trial and error” to building a stunning, sturdy display stand in record time with these tips and a straightforward tutorial that even beginners can master.
These stands were initially used to display children’s outfits and to be used as a centerpiece! So, the stand needed to be pretty as well!
MATERIALS
- Candle pedestal
- 3/8” flange
- Dowel
- Hose clamp
- Picture hanging hook
- Decorative top for dowel
- Paint
- Felt
- Glue (for glue gun)
- E6000
- TOOLS
- Saw (can be cut at a big box store)
- Screw driver
- Drill/bit
- Paint brush/sprayer
- Scissors (my favorite!)
- Glue gun(my favorite)
base
I used a candle pedestal as the base for my display stand. I had 2 at home but found 5 more at Goodwill for $2.99-$4.99 each. Despite their different materials, sizes, and styles, I created a cohesive look with paint and adjusted their heights. While wood pedestals hold paint best, all materials worked well!
painting tips!
01. I used Sherwin Williams All-Surface Enamel Primer and Paint. True to its name, it worked flawlessly on every material used to build the stand.
02. Use a paint sprayer for primer and paint, applying several light coats for a smooth, professional finish. It’s far more efficient than hand painting. Always scuff sand and clean before priming, and lightly sand between coats if needed. Trust me—spraying saves you from drips and frustration
03. I matched the paint color of the clamp and hook to the rod. These were not not elements that I wanted to feature, so a single color helped with this.
04. Painting the flange can cause rust due to moisture. In hindsight, spraying with Rustoleum first would have reduced the need for extra paint layers. Lesson learned!
rod, clamp and hook tips
01 I tested various rods, including curtain rods with finials, but not all fit securely in the flange. The best and most affordable option is a wood dowel—it fits perfectly and can be spray-painted any color. For finials, pre-drill a hole in the dowel before assembly if needed.
02 The small clamp worked well, though I trimmed the excess band for a cleaner look. While not the most aesthetic, it was functional and hidden in the back, covered by a bow.
assembly
01 Attach the hook with the clamp to the rod.
02 Attach the rod to the flange.
03 Attach the finial to the top of the rod.
04 Adhere the felt to the bottom of the pedestal
05 Adhere the flange to the pedestal
comments
I hope these tips are helpful. In theory, this project should have been very simple. If I used these tips, it would have been a snap! I plan to use these display stands for a bridal shower and seasonal decor – so, stay tuned!
