I’m loving this industrial-chic trend that has been popping up everywhere. This copper pipe bookshelf is simple to make, looks great, and is super functional. 

I’m super obsessed with this bookshelf. It’s half art, half bookshelf and 100% perfect for our bedroom. We have been living in this apartment for a year now and still the largest wall in our bedroom has remained empty. I played around with a couple decoration ideas but lack of enthusiasm with my ideas left it blank. Until now… 

I can’t take full credit for this bookshelf. A very nice and helpful guy at Orchard Supply helped me build this cool copper bookshelf. I was surprised at how easy it was to put together. And superglue is the only thing holding it together. Yep, go back and reread that sentence again if you need. Super-glue is holding the whole thing together. And basically the superglue is only needed to keep it from twisting. 

So if you are looking for something cool to add to your walls, keep reading because below is tutorial to help you make your own. 

Copper Pipe Bookshelf Tutorial 

 NEED: 

– 6 ft of Copper tubing (You can buy 1 foot pieces or cut a large piece down to size) 

– 90 degree copper elbow

– Tube cutter 

– 2 Floor/Ceiling flange

– Super glue

– Malet

– Tape measure

– Level

Cut the copper tubing

Cut 2 pieces of copper tubing about 3 inches long. This is going to be the width of your bookshelf. So if you are planning on keeping really large books on your shelf make it a little wider so they don’t fall off. Cutting the tubing made me a little nervous until they pulled out the tube cutter and showed me how to use it. It’s super easy and doesn’t require any intimidating tools. Just that grey and black thing you see in the picture.

Insert the 3 inch tubes into your flanges

Use a little bit of super glue around the edges to secure the tubing. Pound them down slightly using a mallet. Measure each piece to make sure they are even. You don’t want your bookshelf to be lopsided. 

Start building

 Play around with your elbow pieces and foot long tubes until you have your desired length. I used 5 pieces, all the same length. 

Glue Together

Once you have determined the length you like, start gluing your pieces together. Add glue to each of the ends and use the mallet to hammer the pieces together. 

Add the ends

Now it is time to add your ends. It’s easiest to glue the ends on if you lay them off the end of the table. That way your bookshelf stays straight and you can glue your base on at a perfect 90°. 

Screw to the wall

Use a level and measuring tape to determine where you want the bookshelf on the wall. Mine is fairly high on the wall as I wanted it to be more of a decoration piece. 

I only used two screws on each side because we are living in an apartment so I have to consider the work I will have to put in when we move out.  Consider the weight you will be putting on your bookshelf when you decide on what kind of screws and how many. 

Add books! 

Alternatives:
– Try different lengths of piping, they don’t all have to be 1 foot
– You can try 45° elbows for a wider V
– Since this is made out of copper, it can be used outside. It doesn’t have to be used as a bookshelf
– If you don’t like the copper, you can spray paint the bookshelf when you are finished to match the other decor

Financial compensation was not received for this post. However, Orchard Supply was kind enough to supply the materials for this bookshelf. The opinions are my own. It was just too good not to share!