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Copper Pipe Bookshelf

December 2, 2014 By Lauren 24 Comments

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. 

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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. 

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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 

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 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

edit-6233Cut 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

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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

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 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

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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

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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! 

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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

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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! 

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Comments

  1. Marlynn [UrbanBlissLife] says

    December 2, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Love this industrial style bookshelf!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks Marlynn!

      Reply
  2. Rachel says

    December 2, 2014 at 9:13 am

    This is so “Portland!” I love the look of the shelf. Such a great project. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:46 pm

      I guess Portland has had a huge impact on me over the last year! hah

      Reply
  3. Brett Goldstein says

    December 2, 2014 at 11:31 am

    I love this! What a creative idea. And doesn’t look impossibly difficult! Pinning this for sure.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      Thanks Brett. I was surprised at how easy it was to put together.

      Reply
  4. Bill Volckening says

    December 2, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    Great idea! I may have to try it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      You should give it a try. I have received so many compliments on it!

      Reply
  5. Jenni says

    December 2, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    I think I may also be obsessed with this bookshelf! It looks fantastic and the copper really is beautiful while still giving an industrial feel. I’ll have to stop by Orchard and get some supplies to make my own!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      I love the copper! It’s a bright beautiful color.

      Reply
  6. Lindsey K. says

    December 2, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    I watched you start to make this and I couldn’t want to see what it turned into! I’m so excited you got it up – it looks great! And it doesn’t hurt that copper is currently one of my faves… 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 2, 2014 at 7:26 pm

      Copper is amazing! Now I want to re-do my bedroom in the industrial chic with a bunch of copper.

      Reply
  7. kelsey says

    December 3, 2014 at 7:06 am

    i seriously love this! so in! and it looks doable. 🙂 thanks for sharing
    http://www.ladiesinnavy.com

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 5, 2014 at 8:06 am

      Thanks Kelsey!

      Reply
  8. Renée says

    December 3, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    I always love ideas that make me think outside my box. Great idea!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 5, 2014 at 8:06 am

      Thanks Renee!

      Reply
  9. susan "susie" bolt says

    December 4, 2014 at 5:41 am

    Really enjoy your blog.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 5, 2014 at 8:07 am

      Thanks for keeping up with it, Susie! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Ellen says

    December 16, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    I LOVE this idea and will be featuring it on Create Happy Crafts after the holidays. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      December 16, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      Yay thank you for featuring my project 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing it there.

      Reply
  11. Susan says

    January 6, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    Thanks for the great and timely idea. Updating the bath and needed someplace to set out morning and bath time reads…..two small copper shelves on opposing corners of the room will be charming, useful and a snap to creat! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      January 6, 2015 at 8:23 pm

      I’m glad you liked the idea! Please share pictures you have it finished!

      Reply

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