DIY Galvanized Curtain Rods from Plumbing Parts
I wish I had a dollar every time someone at the home improvement store asks me, “What are planning to do with all that stuff?”. What I really wish is that a had a camera the day the cashier asked me the same thing about all the plumbing parts in my cart. When I told her I was making DIY curtain rods, all she could utter is, “oh”. By the look on her face, it was not an interested “oh”, but an utterly confused “oh”.
I’m definitely not the first to make curtain rods from plumbing parts, and after this tutorial, I’m hoping there will be some of you who will also tackle this DIY project.
Here are the supplies that you will need to make your own industrial DIY curtain rods:
(affiliate links are added to help you find products if they’re not in your local home improvement store)
- Galvanized floor flanges with a 1/2″ opening
- Galvanized Steel Pipe Nipple 1/2″ diameter x 2″ long (these are threaded on both ends)
- 1/2″ Galvanized 90 degree elbow
- Metal conduit pipe
- Screws
- Curtain ring clips (you’ll thank me later when you have to take the curtains down to wash them)
I’ll forewarn you, the floor flanges are expensive at the home improvement store. I bought mine much cheaper through Amazon.com!
>Here is the link for the flanges on Amazon<.
If you don’t need a pack of 5 like I did, these 1/2″ flanges are also available. Free shipping is always a plus.
You might be able to find the parts cheaper at a plumbing supply store, but I didn’t check.
First, you will need to order your 1/2″ galvanized flanges from Amazon since it takes about a week for them to be shipped.
Here’s another money saver: Use metal conduit from the electrical section instead of galvanized plumbing pipe. It is also called 1/2″ EMT conduit. The item number at our local Lowes was #118909. The length of metal conduit should be the distance between the elbows plus a 1/2″ on each side so your conduit will fit inside the elbows.
Hanging the curtain rods:
To make things easier, pre-drill your holes for the flanges and install one side of the assembled rod holders. I chose to install my flanges into the studs. Have the other rod holder assembled and slip the pipe on both sides. Have a 2nd person hold things up while you screw in the other side. This is where is helps to have a 6’1″ son. Learn from my mistake…put your curtain ring clips on the pipe before you proceed to hang it! *hits palm to forehead*
For the closet rods, you can hang them this way.
Here are some updated pictures from when I reorganized his closet that give you a better idea how the rods are hung.
For our back porch, I used the real plumbing pipe in black that had to be threaded. They can do this for you in the store, also. Here is a close up of how it is put together.
I had to hang the rods this way because of the string lights. If you would like the link to the string lights, just leave a comment. I adore them! (Update: I found similar string lights on Amazon.com!)
The galvanized flanges, elbows and nipples on the porch had to be primed and spray painted with Rust-oleum’s Hammered Metal in black to match the black pipe. This also has kept it from rusting. By the way, the curtains are drop cloths and have really held up well during this summer’s humidity. I’ve had to wash them once, so far. Leave me a comment if you have made or are planning on making any projects from galvanized plumbing parts!
I love your idea about using drop cloths! I have been pricing out heavy fabrics. I live in California and I actually want to do this in the winter so we can still eat outside in a cozy contained area! Thanks for the tips!
Are you having any problems with the curtain clips rusting? If so, what do you recommend. I live in a suburb of Houston and the humidity is soaking wet most of the time! Thanks!
I’ve since moved from that house but used the same curtain clips for 3 years on our porch with no rusting issues. They came black and I got them off eBay from Urbanest. It stays pretty humid here in South Carolina but probably not as bad as Houston. If you’re using brushed nickel rings, maybe a coat of clear spray poly or even car wax (with carnuba) can be used 1st to give them some protection from the humidity. Hope that helps!
Does this mean that the pipe is NOT removable, and the rings need to be placed before you screw the piece to each side of the wall?
Yes, you need to put the rings on the pipe before you hang the assembled curtain rod.
Great idea for some privacy for my patio below my deck! By the way, where did you get the curtain rings with the clips? Thanks!
Thanks Ben! I love that idea. I’ve found the best deal for the curtain clip rings on EBay with UrbanNest https://www.ebay.com/itm/261308606049
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I actually love this so much. I would love to try it soon, thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Glad I inspired you to do this yourself 🙂
Not sure if anyone has asked this: I’m going to do this on our back covered porch hang from 2×6 pergola boards with posts 6 feet apart. If I use plumbing pipe, do I have to rusroleum all piping?
we just installed these in our bathroom to cover up the washer & dryer but j am still looking for rings to use to hang the Curtains on. Where did you get yours?
I just got back from Lowe’s and was bummed when I learned that the galvanized fittings will not screws in to the electrical conduit pipe due to they both have different threads. So, did you screw your fitting in or did you just fit your conduit pipe into the fittings? You may have explained this and I missed it. Thanks for the idea!
Hi Teri! The EMT conduit just slips inside the elbows.
This is genius! I didn’t really notice, at first, that the curtain rod has plumbing parts. It’s only when I read the article that I realized that it has those parts. And it’s really cool. Love doing DIY projects, and now, this one is on my list. Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I am interested in knowing where you bought your string lights for the porch.
Thanks!
Darlene
I was looking at ideas for renovating our lakehouse fixer upper for the porch railings.
Love your galvanized pipe curtains, love your entire home. I’m getting ready to make an end table with galvanized pipe, likely the black pipe, but it’s really greasy to touch. How did you clean it? I might use the black as is or might paint it metallic black. Thank you.
Hi Susan! I clean them with mineral spirits and then spray prime and spray paint with Rustoleum hammered metal in dark bronze. Hope that helps!
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Thanks for the photo. I came up with the same idea but was having trouble explaining it to the people who are helping me with the installation, and this photo helps a lot. My problem was that I have patio doors that are 16′ wide and I want the rod to extend an extra 2′ on each side for a total span of 20′. Given I can’t support it anywhere but the ends and center, curtain rods were not going to be strong enough for that kind of huge span. They would give too much and droop (if not just breaking). So, I needed a really strong, rigid alternative. Since I have contemporary furnishings, I liked the idea of an industrial look, too. One thing worth mentioning – I went into a smaller hardware store (a local ACE) and they charged a couple bucks to cut and thread the pipe for me (I used galvanized fittings with a black pipe, as you described). The big box stores don’t offer this service. Also, I bought the flanges for very cheap at Menard’s. I hadn’t thought of the rings with the clips – great idea. I’m stealing that one from you. They will slide easily and make the curtains a lot more practical for me.
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Hi, I found your curtain rods on pinterest and was wondering if you could tell me how much it cost to do your closet curtain rod. Thanks so much for your time.
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Question, do you think that the electric conduit would hold up with a corner bookshelf unit made out of the same supplies (no wood)? Being that the electrical is just not as stout as the plumbers pipe? What’re your thoughts??
AHH! So excited that I found this! I’ve made these rods before (with plumbers pipe) but the electrical pipe IS so much cheaper than the plumbing pipe! The other day I bought some electrical, thinking I would just use regular brackets to mount, but it just wasn’t as cool looking! I was sad because I thought that the electrical was sure to go to waste! THANK YOU!
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I actually found this blog and that is amazing thing I enjoy reading this easy to understand stuff. Keep it up.
thanks so much for these instructions!! we have a 1920s brick home, and it’s pretty much impossible to hang curtain rods [or anything else] on the walls [in our bedrooms they’re screwed into the woodwork]. we have huge living room windows which i love, but cafe curtains just aren’t doing the trick, especially in the winter, so i think i’m going to try the way you did your porch curtains from the ceiling and see if that works! thanks again!! SO excited!
Hi Emily! That sounds like a wonderful idea. I’m so glad you found a solution with this tutorial!
These industrial rods are so unique and cool! Just bought all the parts to make a shower curtain rod!! New follower!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty
So this is where all of my plumbing parts go when I throw them away lol. This actually gives me some ideas now when I am done with jobs. I have a lot of these extra parts left over all the time. I shouldn’t just toss them and could give them to the wife to use ha.
Great post BTW I am a DIY type person and love to read about everything hence the reason I made it here.
Hi there,
I’m wondering where you buy your curtain hooks?? Thanks! We are doing this treatment to our window and our shower in the bathroom and are starting next week. Just ordered the floor flanges via your link to the cheaper version on amazon! THANKS AGAIN!!!
Thanks for the tips. I was wondering if it is easy to take apart for washing curtains. I want to thread my curtains directly on the pipe without hooks.
It would just be a matter of removing 4 screws from one of the flanges so if you’re washing your curtains just every so often, I don’t think it would that hard to do.
Hi Tricia! I recently purchase my little house and I have a covered patio. The roof is rotting and I need to replace it. Would you mind telling me what you are using (materials) for your porch roof (the one that is shown with the plumbing materials used to make a curtain rod)? I LOVE this look but I can’t tell if this is a tin roof? Thanks! Jamie
Hi Jamie, Yes, it’s a galvanized tin roof! And I love the way it sounds when it rains. I’ll be doing a reveal of the porch as soon as we get a few more touch ups done so you’ll be able to see everything!
Thanks so much for response. I am excited to give this a try. So glad I found your blog.
Thanks for the tutorial – It’s great!!
Any ideas on what to do with a window span that is just a bit longer then 10′ . It is almost 12′ from one end to the other. Do you know if the pipe could be threaded together?
Hey Karen! Yes, you could do a 12′ span using a 1/2″ T-adapter like this one in the middle span of the window: http://compare.ebay.com/like/370772966650?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar This would mean you would have to buy a third flange and another straight nipple adaptor, but the nipple adaptor would have to be longer than the ones that you use on the ends of the curtain rod with the elbows. I’m just not sure how long it would have to be. You could still use the EMT conduit pipe. I just called our local home improvement to see what length they keep in stock. Their 10 foot 1/2″ galvanized conduit runs $1.95. You could have them cut two of those down to (2) 6 foot lenghts.
I meant to add that you could use the same t-piece adaptor with the threaded rods also. They would be less likely to sag under the weight of heavy curtains in the long run, but you would want to make sure there is a stud in the middle of the window to screw the middle flange. The threaded pipe (found in the plumbing section) is much heavier than the EMT conduit found in the electrical section. You would want to make sure it is all assembled before you hang it.
Great tutorial and thanks for the note about the flanges on Amazon.
You’re welcome, Eryn! I was glad to see that there was an even cheaper supplier!
I am absolutely thrilled to find your blog this morning! It is an amazing blessed answer to my nagging thoughts, “Surely, I could do that myself!” and, “Why can’t I find exactly what I’m looking for? I wish I could just do it myself.” Thank you so much. In the first five minutes, you have already equipped me with the knowledge to tackle three of my current decorating dilemmas. Bless you!
May I please have the string light instructions? They’re fabulous!
Sure, are you wanting to know how we have them hung up? I actually have to replace the clips that we used because the ones we have now are plastic and they keep breaking. I’ve bought new one that are metal. If you want, I can post a picture in the comments section how they are hung. The link to where I bought the string lights is in the comments section. This Spring, we will be finishing things up and do a reveal of the porch.
Wonderful! Truly, the best thing about having a blog is knowing that I’ve helped someone else. Good luck with your projects and if there’s any thing I’ve left out, just email me. 🙂
What a great idea! I really love the lighting too, could I get the link? That way when I compliment you by trying your look on MY back deck, the look will be complete! =) Thanks!!
Hey, Peggy! I would be totally complimented if you copied the look!
Here is the link for the string lights:
http://www.partylights.com/Commercial/CommercialStringers-C9-plug/C9CommercialStrings-Black_3
You have to buy the sign bulbs seperately:
http://www.partylights.com/The-Insiders-Guide/Best-Sellers/11S14-Sign-Bulb-Clear
We have ours on a plug-in dimmer!
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Awesome idea! I just went out and bought all the supplies for my picture window in the living room. I won’t need to cut the pipe so I will be using the whole 10-foot span. Did you need to put brackets up halfway down to support the rod or are they strong enough on their own?
Hey Katie! You’ll have to email me a picture when you get them up! With the conduit in Taylor’s room, there is a little bit of play in the pipe if I wiggle it, but as long as the curtains are not heavy weight, you should be fine. For aesthetic reasons, it may look nicer with a center bracket. Since his curtains are open most of the time, the majority of the weight is on the outside of the rods. Hope that helps!
You can make galvanized curtain rods with plumbing products with guidance from the producst here
I’m DEFINITELY going to try this when I move into my new apartment. I’d like to have copper pipes though, I think to save on costs I’m going to try to find a decent copper spray paint… if you have any recommendations on a good one lemme know!!
Hey Jacqueline! Hey! I’ve used the Rustoleum and Krylon paints, both in the Hammered Metal Finish and both in the copper. I noticed that the Krylon has a more golden tint to than the Rustoleum.
Thanks for the amazon floor flange link. It saved me about $20.
Glad I could help!
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It’s a fantastic Idea! I would love to make one for my home. Thank you so much for sharing it!!!
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Can you tell me what size metal conduit pipe you used? I got 1/2 inch and it won’t fit in the 1/2 inch elbow. Thanks, and your son’s room is awesome!
Thanks! I went by Lowes this morning just to check on the sizes of the conduit. With the 1/2 inch 90 degree elbow, the 1/2 galvanized electrical conduit fit inside. Below the 5′ electrical conduit, there is a label that says 1/2″ EMT Conduit. But I have no clue what EMT stands for! Lol! The item number is 118909. The first time I bought the elbows, I accidentally picked one up that was a 90 degree “reduction” elbow that is 1/2″ on one end and smaller on the other. The best thing to do is to take the elbows over to where the conduit is and see what fits best. It may be that your store stocks a different diameter. They also sell 5/8″ conduit. Hope that helps!
Oh, I forgot to mention that if you use the real plumbing pipe (which is more expensive than conduit), it will only fit inside the elbow if it is threaded. They can do that for you for free in the store. You will buy 1/2″ diameter of that also.
I have been wanting to remove my 1980’s mirrored, sliding closet doors in my bedroom and hang curtains to “soften” the look. I saw an episode on HGTV where plumbing materials were used for this purpose. I’ve been too afraid to try until now…..you have inspired me! Jana in Texas
I’m glad that I could offer some inspiration! This would be perfect solution for your mirrored door dilemma. We have an 1980’s home too, so I can relate!
Love it! Your blog is fantastic, can’t wait to follow you along the way!
Thanks for following!
I love this! Would love to have the link for the lights! Thanks so much 🙂
Hey, Katie! Here is the link for the string lights.
http://www.partylights.com/Commercial/CommercialStringers-C9-plug/C9CommercialStrings-Black_3
You have to buy the sign bulbs seperately:
http://www.partylights.com/The-Insiders-Guide/Best-Sellers/11S14-Sign-Bulb-Clear
We have ours on a plug-in dimmer!
Thank you! These are great tips. I’m going to give it a shot! I hadn’t really thought about doing the closet but I love the way that looks so I think I’ll do that, too. And your outdoor ones are fab!!
Glad I could help! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!
Hello and good morning, i bought drop cloth the other day and i knew i wanted to make curtains in the kitchen with them, what a perfect curtain rod to go with the them of my kitchen. I just moved and been having the pleasure and challenge of making this place mine, i moved from the beach too the mountains. thank you for showing us {me} how to make these rods, have a good day
Hi, Patricia! I’m glad you found the galvanized curtain rod tutorial! Your drop cloth curtains will look perfect with them.