Do you have one of those catch all rooms? You know, the one that looks like a tornado ran through it and spit out unfolded laundry and toys…. Well that is our family room. After months of mis-matched furniture, bare, walls and drafty windows, I finally decided enough is enough!
I’ve always wanted our family room to ooze warmness, laughter,and family togetherness where guests would feel comfortable and a part of the family… but not in a throw your clothes and toys wherever you want kind of way. I honestly had no idea the direction I wanted to go with this room. And although we’ve fallen in love with the farmhouse industrial feel… lots of wood, pipes, a warm neutral palette, etc., we didn’t want to go overboard which can be very easy to do. I mean… who doesn’t love the farmhouse style that’s becoming pretty much a top pick for most design enthusiasts?
So, our blank empty palette was a large room with a bit of a draft in the winter. But, during the summer months, we’re blessed with great lighting but with that comes unwelcome heat as the sun sets on that side of the house. I knew I wanted insulated window coverings that would block the draft and shade the sun. But most importantly, I knew I wanted something unique to hang those shade blocking draft preventing curtains. After searching for the perfect curtain rods that fit our farmhouse industrial theme, we decided to settle on galvanized pipes. Similar curtain rods can be purchased, like the West Elm Industrial Pipe:
Since we needed two rods for our project, purchasing these beauties were out of our budget. So, like most creative souls, we chose the DIY way.
If you can spray paint and drill holes, you can recreate this look!
*note: these instructions are for one curtain rod, covering one window. For more than one window, double the number or materials used.
• (2) ½ in. D Galvanized Floor Flanges $6.84 at Lowes
• (2) ½ in. D x 1-1/2 in. L Galvanized Nipple Fitting $1.58 at Lowes
• (2) ½ in. D 90 Degree Galvanized Elbow Fitting $1.92 at Lowes
• ½ in. D x 36 in. L Galvanized Pipe $10.88 at Lowes {*our window length was 36 in. Measure the length of your window first before purchased your longest pipe which will serve as your rod}
• (2) Toggle Bolts *we used toggle bolts because one of our flange wholes did not line up with the studs
• (4) Wood screws *were used to secure the flange into the stud
• Optional: Rustoleum Spray Paint. You can choose to leave your galvanized pipes as is.
• Measuring Tape
• Stud Finder
• Drill
• Pencil
• Clean Rag and Water
If you are choosing to spray paint your pipes, start by removing any dust and oils from your pipes by wiping with a clean wet rag.
Apply the spray paint as suggested by the manufacturer.
Once dry, your pipes are ready to hang. You should have measured already before purchasing your rod. Using your flange, mark the location of where you want your flange to hang. Once you have settled on where your rod will hang, use your stud finder to locate the studs in your wall.
Then, place your flange over the studs and mark using a pencil where you will need to drill. Using your drill, make three holes.
Repeat the same steps for the second flange.
Now here’s where things get tricky and you will need a second set of hands.
You will need to completely assemble the rod as well as place the curtains or curtain rings on the rod prior to hanging. Now, here’s where you’ll learn from my mistake. If you choose pocket curtain and use rings, you’ll be able to take your curtains down and wash or swap them out. I chose grommet panels so, unfortunately, there is no easy way to take these down without disassembling the whole rod.
After getting a second set of hands, place your assembled rod and curtains over your drilled holes. Drill your toggle bolts or screws into their respective holes.
We chose to not paint the heads of the screws because we really like the raw industrial look. Feel free to make it your own by painting the nail heads or leaving them as they are.
By far the hardest part of this project was ironing the wrinkles out of the curtains!
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