If you’re like me, every purchase that arrives in the mail is a source of great anticipation and high hopes. I tear open the box and pull out the item (most recently, three curtain rods for our bedroom), convinced it will look just like the photo in the online catalog. Unfortunately, in my experience, too many of these packages fail to meet expectations and end up being sent back to where they came from. After repeating this scenario several times with curtain rods, I decided to make my own. My mother, visiting from Sweden, was opposed to the idea, especially when I told her I planned to build my rods out of plumbing pipe. She wasn’t aware of the great DIY plumbing pipe movement, but an online image search helped win her approval, and soon she was even ready to start sewing curtains. Above: All of my curtain-rod parts were sourced in the plumbing aisle: copper pipe, copper elbows, copper adapters, and galvanized flanges. Earl greeted me at my neighborhood hardware store.

He soon became my new best friend, after all the time he spent helping me find fittings and cutting the copper pipe. It took a lot of measuring, questioning, and strategizing before we were able to make all the pieces fit together. Here’s a list of the parts I ended up buying for each curtain rod (thanks again, Earl) My windows are 31 inches wide. For each rod, Earl cut a 54-inch length of pipe, plus two shorter, 3-inch pieces. (A rule of thumb: The flanges should be placed 10 to 12 inches from window frame. Measure in between those two spots, and that’s how long your rod should be.) If your hardware store can’t handle the pipe cutting, consider doing it yourself with a Pipe Cutter (they’re surprisingly user-friendly). If you have a wider window, the weight of the curtains will cause the pipe to bend in the middle. Prevent that by connecting two pipes using a Copper Pressure Tee. You’ll also need an extra piece of short pipe and an additional flange to screw into the wall.

Depending on the width of your window, you might have to add several copper pressure tees. Above: To support the combined weight of rod and curtains, I opted for toggle bolts instead of drywall screws. I used the washers to secure the bolt. Above: Assemble all of the unfinished pipe pieces. Above: I decided to have a black powder-coat finish applied to the rods. I called a local powder coat shop and asked if they were able to help. It was surprisingly affordable–only $50 for the three rods and all the other parts. Stainless Steel Toilet Seat HardwareMake sure the powder-coat people know that you plan to assemble the pieces, so they leave the connecting parts unfinished. Soft Tone Light BulbsAlternatively, you can apply black spray paint youself for a simpler finish. Engineered Hardwood Flooring In Bathroom

Or, if you prefer the look of copper, don’t paint the pipes at all. But be aware that copper can oxidize and change color; if desired, you can apply a coating that prevents oxidation. Above: I opted to painted the screws a brass color and the washers black to match the flange. I also added two more screws to fill in the remaining flange holes (for cosmetic purposes). Above: Hanging the rod is definitely a two-person job (my husband helped). Just don’t forget to slide the curtain rings onto the rod before you screw both ends to the wall. Above: A top view of the rods. I made three for our bedroom. Above: My formerly skeptical mom helped sew the linen curtains. For two more of my DIY projects, both under $15, check out the Pendant Light Makeover and an Industrial Wall Light. Like the look of leather? See DIY: Curtain Rods from Leather Straps. And how about a DIY Bed Frame from Pipes and DIY Copper Plumbing Pipe Hooks? For still more ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Exposed Copper Pipes as Decor.

Take a look at Gardenista for plenty of outdoor DIY projects.I searched high and low for a curtain rod for my toddler’s room, and nothing really jumped out at me. So what do you do when you can’t find exactly what you are looking for? This plumbing fixture curtain rod was so easy to make, and it’s definitely budget friendly! Plumbing fixtures and electrical fittings for a curtain rod? Plus, the industrial look is really popular in nurseries and kids’ rooms right now. Materials: (2) 1/2″ Galvanized Floor Flange, (2) 1/2″ x 3″ Galvanized Nipple, (2) 1/2″ Galvanized 90 Degree Elbow, (1) 1/2″ Electrical Conduit Pipe cut to the length of your window (I used electrical conduit instead of galvanized pipe due to the major difference in price) All of these materials can be found in the plumbing department at your local hardware store. I purchased my supplies at The Home Depot, and they will cut the pipe for you. Screw the flange into the wall making sure to drill into a stud or use drywall anchors.

I attached mine at the very top of the wall to give the window the illusion of added height. Screw one end the nipple into the elbow, and then screw the other end into the flange. Insert the pipe into the open end of the elbow. You will need another person to help by holding the pipe as you get the next side ready. Slide your curtain panels or ring clips onto the rod. Pre-assemble the flange, nipple and elbow for the second side before attaching it to the wall. Once you have those three pieces together, fit the elbow onto the rod, and then screw the flange into the wall. See why you needed that extra set of hands? Have you ever made your own curtain rods? What do you think of this DIY plumbing fixture curtain rod?Lately I’ve been totally digging an industrial look, with a girly edge to it. Too much industrial and it feels cold and uninviting, just the right amount and touch of industrial and it feels cozy and inviting. I’ve seen others use plumbing pipes as curtain rods and figured I’d take a stab at it.

the basic parts and pieces you need for the curtain rod I made are: I used all 1/2″ pipe fittings so I could easily slide my curtains right on the plumbing fixtures.  Btw,,, it’s a bit of a puzzle to put these together, as once all the plumbing pieces are put together you can’t fit over your curtain (unless you have the clip on kind) so you have to piece this together in some sense of order. Step 1: Measure your window and how wide you want your curtain rod. Get al supplies and your long pipe cut 6″ less than the measurement of how wide you want your curtain rod (this accounts for approx. 2-3″ for the floor flange and elbow etc.) then use goo off to clean off all the grease and stickers. Step 2: Assemble the curtain rod in this order. Take 1 floor flange, connect to the nipple, then connect to the elbow. Do the same thing for the other set. Then screw in the long bar piece. Step 3: You need a 2nd set of hands for this, but hold up the curtain rod where you want it, use a level to make it level and you’ll need as sharpie to mark the holes on each of the floor flanges on the wall