There’s something about old barn wood and simple glass that feels right at home on a porch in the fall. This little 2-item rustic wall sconce project turns a pair of plain dollar store glass cylinder vases and a couple of weathered wood scraps into something cozy and useful, whether you fill them with flameless candles, dried stems, or a few bittersweet branches from the roadside. I’ve always had a soft spot for projects like this—humble materials, easy assembly, and a finished piece that looks like it’s been part of the house for years.
If you want an inexpensive porch decoration that looks charming without a lot of fuss, this is a good one. It’s especially nice for beginners because the build is simple, the supplies are easy to find, and you can finish both sconces in an afternoon.
Materials
2 old barn wood scraps, each cut to 18 inches long x 5 1/2 inches wide x about 3/4 inch thick
Instructions
1. Wipe the barn wood clean with a dry rag and lightly sand any splintery spots, keeping the rough rustic character intact.
2. Clean the outside of each glass cylinder vase with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner so the adhesive will grip well.
3. Measure and mark the center of each wood board, then lightly sketch where the vase will sit, about 4 to 5 inches up from the bottom edge.
4. Apply a generous vertical bead of glass-safe adhesive to the side of one vase where it will contact the wood, then press it firmly onto the marked spot.
5. Hold the vase in place for the time recommended by the adhesive, then repeat with the second vase and board.
6. Lay both pieces flat and let the adhesive cure fully according to the package directions; don’t rush this step or the bond may fail later.
7. Turn the boards over and attach a D-ring or sawtooth hanger to the upper back of each piece using 1/2 inch screws.
8. Hang the sconces on porch posts, siding, or an exterior wall, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart for a balanced look.
9. Place a flameless candle or a small bundle of dried fall stems inside each vase, then adjust the display so both sconces match.
10. Step back and check that the pieces hang level, then make any small adjustments before enjoying them through the season.
Variations & Tips
For a warmer glow: I recommend flameless candles for a porch, especially in windy weather. They give that soft harvest-time glow without the worry of an open flame near dried stems or old wood.
For a fuller fall look: Tuck in a few stems of wheat, faux eucalyptus, mini maple leaves, or bittersweet-colored branches. In my neck of the woods, even simple dried grasses from the roadside can look beautiful if you keep the arrangement loose and natural.
If your barn wood is very rough: Sand only the spots that might catch hands or clothing. The age marks, nail holes, and worn edges are what make these sconces charming.
Adhesive matters: Be sure the glue is rated for both glass and wood. I’ve learned over the years that using the right adhesive saves a world of disappointment later, especially on anything that hangs upright.
Try a stained look: If you don’t have old barn wood, use new pine boards cut to size and stain them in a weathered oak, walnut, or driftwood tone. They won’t have quite the same history, but they’ll still look lovely on a porch.
Seasonal swap idea: Once the fall season passes, keep the sconces up and change the filler. Evergreen sprigs work for winter, fresh-looking faux lavender for spring, and simple greenery for summer.
Hanging tip: Before mounting outdoors, make sure the wall surface is solid and dry. On a covered porch these hold up best, and a sheltered spot helps both the wood and adhesive last longer.