We both love the simple yet sturdy look of the Industrial Pipe Curtain Rods from West Elm, but not the price. Just one would have set us back $99, and we needed two.
Inspiration for DIY Industrial Pip Curtain Rods by somethingwewhippedup.com
A quick trip to the hardware store helped us create an almost identical look for a fraction of the price. In fact, a set of two rods cost around $45, a savings of more than 75 percent!
DIY Industrial Pipe Curtain Rods by somethingwewhippedup.com
DIY Industrial Pipe Curtains Rods
Makes 1 rod
- 1 1/2-inch by 48-inch black iron pipe
- 2 1/2-inch 90-degree black iron elbows
- 2 1/2-inch iron floor flanges
- tarp or drop cloth
- Rust-Oleum Universal Hammered Spray Paint (in Sliver Hammered)
- drill
- hammer
- screwdriver
- screws with anchors
1. Make sure the pipe you have selected is the length you want to use. The pipes don’t come in too many sizes, but they can be cut to your specifications and rethreaded at most larger hardware stores—just ask! Once you have all of your pieces, connect them to form your rod. Connect an elbow to each end of the pipe, making sure you create two 90-degree arms facing in the same direction (so your rod will be flat against the wall). Next, connect a flange to each elbow.
2. Put your tarp or drop cloth down in a well ventilated area (preferably outside) and apply spray paint in an even coat and let dry.
3. Install your rods making sure to use anchors that are well suited to your type of wall.
SWWU Tip 1: Since the rod won’t be spring-loaded, you’ll need to think about how you want to hang your curtains before you put up your rod. If you want to thread the rod through your curtains you’ll need to do this BEFORE you attach the last flange and attach the rod to the wall. If you’d like your look to be more flexible (like we did) choose curtains with grommets and hang with hooks. We used the IKEA Grundtal Hooks.
SWWU Tip 2: Pipes come in various finishes including copper, black and gray. We chose to paint ours so the look was consistent, but you can leave yours plain for a more natural look.
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Something We Whipped Up 
Good idea with the hooks! I am just working out the details to do this in my son’s room and love the idea of using hooks with the grommets – I bet they slide easier too!
Thanks, Shawna. Yes, they do slide nicely. Good luck with your son’s room!
Nice job getting on BuzzFeed!
Thanks, L!
I love these! But have the hooks worn off any of the paint you put on them? Or do you not really close and open the curtains much?
Thanks, Kate! We haven’t had any issues with the paint chipping off. We did choose a paint with a hammered look, so it’s not super smooth and wouldn’t show ware as much as another finish might. Good luck with your project!
Where did you buy the hooks for the curtains?
Hi Heather,
We used the IKEA Grundtal Hooks. You may be able to get something similar at a hardware store. Good luck!
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Where are the curtains are from? Cost? I like the burlap and the grommets. Thanks.
Hi Chris,
We’ve had the curtains for nearly two years and they are no longer available. I did a quick search online and found a similar style currently available at World Market:
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/hemp+burlap+grommet+top+curtain.do?camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A20221932299All_products&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=COO4n5W4nrwCFZBj7AodUBcA-Q
Try searching online for burlap curtain with grommets. Good luck!
-SWWU
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Is the DIY version pretty heavy?
Not at all, Brittany. The pipes we used a fairly small in diameter, just 1/2 inch. Keep in mind, the longer your pipe is, the more it will weigh.
Hello. I love the look! It is very creative. If I had a wide window, what do you suggest I use as a middle support that would be consistent with the overall industrial look? Thanks in advance.
Thanks so much for all of your kind words. If you’re looking for a good support for the middle, try a iron tee fitting, available at hardware stores. Good luck!
The longest piece of pipe I could get was 10′ and I need 12 1/2′, I have purchased extra pipe and am intending on connecting them at the ends to extend the pipe. However, I’m nervous about the weight, even without the extensions, and how the drywall and studs will hold up to this much weight. Did you have an issue with this?
If you are having trouble finding long enough curtains or find they are expensive, try new dropcloths. They come in 10 foot or longer lengths and are canvas type material for a rustic look. I purchased ring hooks with the spring loaded clips. Fold the cloth to the length needed and clip on. The fold at the top is doubled and acts like a valance, or cut to length.