Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Cheapest DIY curtain rod using pvc pipe

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We recently moved to a new apartment. And the apartment has big windows in the bedrooms which bring a lot of lights. So obviously the windows need curtains. When I was looking for curtain rods and curtain options, it was overwhelming. I don't want to spend too much on curtain rods as we may move to another place anytime in near future. So, I came up with the DIY solution to solve this problem. I looked for many options like a wooden dowel, copper pipe and finally settled for PVC pipe due to few reasons, first easy handling, price and the length. The home depot I went did not carry long wooden dowel in the size I wanted. The copper pipes were too heavy and also it needed special tools for cutting. So, PVC was the perfect choice.When it came to hooks for holding the rods, I had an old belt which I cut into pieces and screwed to the wall.  Let's see how.




Materials Used :
PVC pipe 1 inch dia - 10 feet
End caps - 6 (For 3 windows)
Coupling - 1
Old belt
Dry wall screw and anchor - 6
Awl
Utility knife
Ruler
Drill

The materials used above are for three windows in total. Two big windows which are approx 6.5 ft in width and one small window which approx 3.5ft in width.

Step 1:  Measure the window width and decide the length of the PVC pipe. Cut the pipe according to the desired length. For the bigger window, I used 7ft pipe which will be 3" inches bigger than the window width on each side. Then cut the belt loop to hold the PVC pipe. For the one inch pipe, you will need approx 2 pieces of 7.25" belt loop. Cut the belt using utility knife.


Step 2: Wrap the belt around the pipe and mark the point for making hole. Use an awl to make hole in the belt loop. 





Step 3: Measure and mark the place where you want the loop to go. Drill the hole and hammer the anchor into the hole. Then use screw to secure the belt loop to the wall. 



Step 4: Insert the pipe into the belt loop and put the end caps to complete the curtain rod. For the bigger pipe length, it is advisable to screw the belt loop with the pipe on one side so that it is easy to slide and insert. When putting the curtain into the pipe, you just have to remove the end caps and slide the rod to a side then insert the curtain into it. Then, slide the rod again into the belt loop and put the end cap back to complete the look. 







As I got 2 10 feet pvc pipe, I used 7 feet for two big windows and cut the remaining 3 ft into 2ft and 1 ft . Then I used 2 pieces of 2 ft with a coupling in the middle for the small window. Here is how it looks. 


The total cost of pvc pipe, end caps and coupling is $14.47. I already had the belt and dry wall screws and anchor left over from the How to install pegboard and pegboard organizing ideas. So, the cost of curtain rod per window is $4.83 which I think is the cheapest . What say? 

Share what you think of this budget friendly idea. Have you done anything like this? I wanted to paint the pvc pipe but the weather did not coporate so I proceed as such for now. May be one day in future I will paint the pipe to mask the pvc look and update the post. 

Other Curtain projects you might like:





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17 comments:

  1. PVC pipe as a curtain rod is a great way to stay on a budget when you decorate. I wonder if you could spray paint the PVC pipe to a faux metallic or matte black. #HomeMattersParty

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. Find a spray primer formulated for plastic. Clean the pvc well with alcohol, spray with primer (enough to cover without forming drips and allow to dry. Use rustoleum in your preferred color and apply 2 coats, allowing to dey completely between coats. You might want to apply a clear coat in what ever finish you want ( matte, satin, glossy), again 2 coats allowing to dey between coats.

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  2. I am considering using PVC pipe to hold the outdoor drapery in my screened porch room. Thanks for sharing a great tutorial.

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  3. What a great idea! #HomeMattersParty

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  4. That's a great idea! Never thought of it! Would love to connect at http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2017/05/30/summer-tips-for-your-body/

    ReplyDelete
  5. These curtains look awesome! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
    ~Lorleai
    Life With Lorelai

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  6. I love your idea. I didn't want to spend a fortune on a new curtain rod and this fits the bill. I have a tweak to extend the rod from the wall. Using L-brackets and affix the belt piece to it to allow for the drapes when they are open. What do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your idea. I didn't want to spend a fortune on a new curtain rod and this fits the bill. I have a tweak to extend the rod from the wall. Using L-brackets and affix the belt piece to it to allow for the drapes when they are open. What do you think?

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  8. Going to my Big Box store this afternoon 2 get the materials and do this on my sliding glass door. Curtain rods just seem to bend from the constant use and this should be perfect. Thanks for the great idea

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  9. I love, love, love the brilliant blue! How striking! I'd love to see more of the room to see how you decorated! I'd vote for painting the pvc the wall color to let it fade away. Why do they have to stamp it with that ugly red i.d. stuff? Does that sand off? And, sorry, it looks like the pipe is drooping in the middle when the curtains are closed. Could you add a center rod support, and paint it the wall color or your pc's final color?

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  11. Nice sharing, good method for DIY Curtains. We can live soundproof with help of these noise absorbing curtains.

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  13. In olden days, they just used plain, single colored ones but now it's been completely changed and we could find the curtains for every taste, personality, styles and different colors and patterns.SubZero, Viking Refrigerator Repair in SIMI VALLEY

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