Elegant Ramadan decor: A simple concrete candleholder DIY

Why we choose simple DIY projects during Ramadan

At Deenista, we return to simple DIY projects because they align with the core discipline of Ramadan: restraint.

Ramadan is a time for intentionality. Creating an object by hand, especially with children, gently shifts the focus from consumption to production. It becomes an exercise in using time and attention rather than simply buying more.

Working with concrete requires a specific pace. You mix, you pour, and you wait. For a child, this process becomes a lesson in patience (Sabr) and in the physical reality of making. The resulting candleholder is not just decoration. It is a functional object for the home, shaped through shared effort.

DIY project overview

What you need for this concrete candleholder DIY

This project uses artist-grade materials, not hardware-store cement. Artist’s concrete is designed for decorative objects, finer details, and indoor use.

Materials

• Artist’s concrete
• Cool tap water
• Silicone mold with a geometric or Islamic-inspired shape
• Tealight candle
• Disposable cup for mixing
• Spoon for measuring
• Optional: gold acrylic paint and a fine brush for decorative details

How to make a concrete candleholder at home

Step 1: Mix the concrete

We used the Artist’s concrete mix (cement-based), blended with water according to the package instructions. We added slightly more water than stated to achieve a smoother, more fluid consistency that was easier to work into the detailed areas of the mold.

Mix slowly until the texture feels even and smooth.

Step 2: Pour into the mold

Carefully pour the concrete into your silicone mold, working slowly to avoid trapping air.

Make sure that you fill the silicone mold all the way to the top so that the round circle in the middle is also covered (see the pictures for reference).

Once filled, gently tap the mold using your fingers. This helps release air bubbles and results in a cleaner surface. This step was one of the most enjoyable parts for my child.

Step 3: Let it cure

Allow the concrete to cure according to the instructions on the package. Artist’s concrete usually sets fairly quickly, but give it enough time so the piece holds its shape properly.

Step 4: Remove from the mold

Once fully cured, gently remove the candleholder from the mold. At this stage, the raw concrete finish already feels complete and calm.

Step 5: Optional decorative painting

For added detail, you can paint selected areas using gold paint. I chose gold to highlight parts of the geometric pattern and add warmth.

This step is optional. The candleholder is beautiful both painted and unpainted. Each version creates a different look and atmosphere.

A minimal Ramadan look, inspired by Scandinavian calm

At Deenista, we often choose to stop before adding more.
For this candleholder, we intentionally kept the styling minimal. Natural wood, soft daylight, and a single object placed with care.

This approach reflects both a Scandinavian design sensibility and the rhythm of Ramadan. Less visual noise. Fewer objects. More space for presence. The concrete’s raw surface and geometric form stand on their own, without decoration or excess.

The same piece can feel ceremonial or everyday, depending on how it is placed. That flexibility is what we value most.

Below, the candleholder styled in a minimal, Scandinavian-inspired home setting.

Light, reflection, and the meaning of noor in Islam

Light holds deep symbolic meaning in Islam. The word noor (nūr) means light, but it also represents guidance, clarity, and divine presence.

One of the most well-known Qur’anic verses reflects this symbolism:

Surah An-Nur (24:35), Ayat an-Nur

Arabic:

اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

English translation:

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp. The lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills.

Placing a candle in the home during Ramadan can serve as a quiet reminder of this meaning, without excess or display.

A final note from Deenista

This DIY is not about perfection.
It is about presence. About creating something simple with care. About choosing meaning over accumulation.

If you enjoy working with geometric forms, you may also like our DIY stamp set inspired by Islamic geometry. The same visual language appears across materials, from concrete to paper.

Islamic geometric pattern stamp set

With one set, you can create Islamic geometric artworks, decorate paper and journals, design Eid Mubarak cards, or add pattern to napkins, tissue paper, and disposable table covers for Ramadan gatherings. You can even create your own Ramadan Calendar!

Buy now

You can explore the stamp set here and see how one geometric form can take many expressions.

Islamic geometry without the Math: easy DIY art & decor

Islamic geometric art can feel difficult at first. Many patterns look complex, technical, or hard to plan. This post explores simple, practical ways to create Islamic geometric art at home, using repeatable patterns for everyday projects, home décor, and seasonal moments.

DeenistaNeda A.