Originally published August 15, 2014. In the quest to make our screened in porch more intimate, I wanted to add drapes. Given the size and shape of the porch, West Elm’s Industrial Pipe Curtain Rods were out of the question due to budget constraints because of the quantity needed & only adjust in length, unable to accommodate the corners of the room. You all know my love obsession with copper. After we paint the exterior of our house, we plan to add copper light fixtures and hardware. It’s undeniably beautiful when new, but becomes even more gorgeous when it ages. So, we did what I had wanted to do for years, we created custom copper curtain poles for our odd shaped space. They were easier than I had anticipated surpassed my expectations. This project involves a little critical thinking if you’re designing around a bay window or space with angles, but nothing that overwhelmed me. What I loved most about this project is that you can just eye most cuts. Measuring is not my fave.

To create your own custom copper curtain rods, you’ll need: copper pipes {we used 3/4″} flanges {found in plumbing, but come in silver} 3/4″ {or corresponding size} copper male adapter for each flange you need elbows for corners – we used 45 degree copper elbows copper tee – one for each support you need Wall to Wall Instructions: Spray paint your flanges. Keep in mind that it will scratch easily, so handle them with care. Once they’re up, there’s no concern. Screw in your first flange to the wall. Loosely screw an adapter in.Mark where you want the next flange {or if doing an extended like ours, the support} to be. Install 2nd flange in marked spot. Loosely screw in adapter. Mark & cut pipe. Insert the pipe and voila! Standard Industrial Curtain Rod Style: Screw your flanges to the wall, ensuring they’re level. Cut two small pieces of pipe at the desired distance from the wall. Insert the small pipe at both ends.

Insert the elbows at both ends. Measure & cut the pipe to desired length. Bay Windows & Odd Shaped Spaces:Mark and cut pipe. Add the tee connector. Put the copper piping back in flange #1. Line & mark where you need to cut it. Remove the pipe, cut it {so easy, even I did it!} and place the pipe in the rod.argos blackout curtains sale Working around a large/unusual space? purple curtains matalanRepeat steps 4, 5 & 6 and add your elbow for corners.duck egg blue curtains tesco If you don’t have the same affection for copper that I do, you can always use pvc or galvanized pipe and spray paint with Rustoleum. eclipse lime green blackout curtains

Black is always beautiful as well. I have only been successful locating true copper spray paint at Ace Hardware. I CANNOT WAIT to do the same, adding finials for future makeovers in indoor spaces. These custom curtain rods took just one afternoon nap {the kids, not us}!short curtain rods jcpenney Update – we’ve painted. casual curtain avon ctYou can see more of our outdoor dining room / screened in porch here.blinds and curtains griffith nsw Do you have an awkward window you’d love to add drapes to? Tagscopperdiyhomehome decorscreened porchthe tudorThis article describes how to build a tension rod that could be used to hold up a curtain going from one wall to another wall.

Typically, store bought rods are either too short (maximum 6 feet) or longer (up to 8 feet) but flimsy plastic with no stability. The overall cost of this rod is less than $15 and takes about 1 to 2 hours to install. The washers are taped to the head of the bolts. Once the rod is secure, the tape can be removed. If you don't tape the washers to the bolt heads, then the washers will fall down when you're putting up the rod. The washers are there to distribute the pressure over a larger surface area. You can choose washers, a block of wood, or something else to distribute the pressure. I chose washers because they are thin but rigid and go with the overall look. The longer the rod, the more force required to secure it, and the larger the washer should be. The washers I used were the largest I could find. Note: the hole in the washer should be small, so the bolt head covers it completey. Ideally, there would be no hole, just a flat plate. Use the tube cutter to cut the rod to the appropriate length.

Take into consideration the space required for the washers, bolt heads and nuts. Cut the tube so that once the bolts+nuts+washes are inserted in both ends, you can slide it between the walls with as little play as possible. If the curtain hooks onto the rod, then you can put it on after. If the curtain slides onto the rod, then you'll have to put the curtain on first, and then secure the rod. Screw the nuts onto the bolt as far as they will go (hand tightened). Insert the bolts, one into each end of the rod. Then hold the rod in place and unscrew the nut at one end so that it puts enough pressure on the wall to keep the rod up. You might need a friend to hold up one end of the rod, or rig up some system to hold it in place. As the nuts unscrew, they press tight against the rod and that puts pressure on the wall which keeps the rod up. Note: if you unscrew the nuts too far, it could crack your wall. As you unscrew, the washer should not turn at all. You can hold the bolt head inplace using one wrench, and use a second wrench to unscrew the nut.