DIY Easy DIY Projects

7 Things You Can Make with Copper Pipes—Easily!

Copper just may be the new black. This bright-toned metal is a fast-growing design trend, found in big statement pieces as well as small details. No doubt, copper makes an impact—but it comes at a price. With a bit of imagination, however, you can take copper in its most humble form—everyday copper plumbing pipes—and turn it into some very cool creations. Whether you're after modern luster or a vintage patina, copper can be the star of your tables, lighting fixtures, and more. Here are 9 ideas to get you started.

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Mixed Media


stylebyemilyhenderson.com

This striking table combines timeless leather weaving with sleek copper detailing. Building it takes a bit of patience, but the difficulty level is pretty low on the scale. After you do the necessary recon for materials, it’s a project you can finish in an afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to admire your achievement.

Trip the Light Fantastic


thegatheredhome.com

The shape of this light fixture is known as an “icosahedron,” but don’t let the unwieldy name scare you off. To create this geometric project, you will need some trusty mathematics—but from there, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Use a standard pendant light as your base, then string together equilateral triangles with copper wire. See the complete tutorial here.

Pencil It In


afabulousfeteblog.com

If you love industrial design elements but aren’t quite ready to take down the drywall and expose your pipes, start small with this quick project. This minimalist pencil holder was made by cutting one piece of copper pipe into seven equal lengths and simply hot-gluing them together in a V shape.

Turn the Table

forme-
foryou.com

Copper has a pricey reputation, but you can DIY your own projects on a dime. The slender legs of this contemporary coffee table are built with 1/2-inch Type M copper pipe, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to cut. After building your copper base, attach a solid top (like the laminated pine used here) using copper tube straps.

Related: 16 Style-Setting Coffee Tables You Can Make Yourself

Powder Room Polish



kristimurphy.com

If you want a bathroom conversation starter (OK, maybe not), here’s a copper project you can put together in no time. This shiny toilet paper holder is just a collection of copper pipe and elbows. Kristi Murphy has the complete list of supplies and instructions.

Radiant Replica


sarahmdorseydesigns.blog
spot.com

Based on a much more costly retail piece, this homemade tripod lamp offers an equally gorgeous contemporary statement—at a fraction of the price. Requiring merely a lamp kit and shade, copper pipes, spray paint, a drill, and a 2×4, this lamp takes only a few hours to assemble. Find the tutorial at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs.

Copper at the Core


almostmakesperfect.com

A paper towel holder is a kitchen staple, so why not make it special? Start with a wooden base of your choice, then drill a hole in the center to accommodate one end of a length of copper pipe that’s slightly taller than your paper towels. After a bit of glue and some drying time, you’re ready to roll!