Published 20 July 2015 ● Last Updated on 6 April 2021
If you’ve renovated your house, you’ve felt that disbelief – that confused annoyance of seeing old hardware gutted out and thrown – even if it looks sturdy! – in favor of new shiny pipes and silky smooth wires. Seriously, does everything have to be thrown, you ask the contractor, and hear mumbo jumbo about new technology and old rust and hygiene and even (in a whisper) cheapskate.
Unfortunately, we cannot advice you on how to manage your contractor (and maybe he/she is right!). But we do have ideas on how you can turn around some of the “junk” into statement pieces. Discarded pipes don’t need to sit in a landfill. With a little thought and creativity, you can repurpose them into unique pieces in fun projects. Here’s a sampling of treasures we dredged out from a deep dive into Pinterest!
1. DIY Copper Pipe Drawer Pulls
In this project by Katie of of Upcycled Treasures, shiny piping meets grungy cabinet, creating a piece that can add modernity to any living room. We love the wardrobe, but the fundamental idea – of turning piping into rods – is even more fantastic. You can give a makeover to kitchen cabinets, and benefit from the additional hanging space (tea towels, anyone?). You can “hack” old Ikea cupboards into unique furniture. You can even install these as clothes rods in the bathrooms. So many possibilities!
We love contrasts; the surprise of an unexpected pairing always makes us smile, and that’s why this plumbing-turned-bookshelf by Mobeedesigns is amongst our favorite upcycling finds. The featured picture is a step-down shelf well suited for the middle of a wall, but given the flexibility of pipe corners, you can literally can go into any direction with this basic idea. Exposed pipes can weave up room corners, or meander up and down corridors – customise as you please!
The minimalist tuck-in table has become a mainstay of modern living rooms. This familiar design by Brittany from brittanyMakes gets an unusual look when fashioned with copper pipes for support. And yet, the metal and wood combination will work with a wide range of home decor styles. You will need good tools and good finishing to make this work as shown in the tutorial here– but the result is well worth it!
Leaky old school taps do not belong to a 21st century bathroom – unless they carry a retro vibe instead of water, as in this quirky toilet paper holder. If you have these vintage accessories and the handymanliness to create this yourself – wow, how old is your loo! For others, pick them up for US$47 at Nine & Twenty.
We came across these funky lights at Maison Ikkoku in Kampong Glam, Singapore. Filament bulbs aren’t a new thing any more, and line up an increasing number of walls in Singapore eateries – but paired with the exposed wall set up and metallic plumbing – these stand apart. The cafe/bar has a high style quotient, and you’ll find even more upcycled eye-candy should you visit!
6. Steam Punk Industrial Ceiling Light
If you want to go factory loft chic with industrial elements, here’s a beauty by West Ninth Vintage. It will dominate the decor in any space you put it in – so ideal if you are searching for a design centerpiece for your living room , or even restaurant.
This one’s for the balcony. Some wood, some metal, some greenery at the back and some spirit right up top – you definitely can’t go wrong in this combination by Nancy from A Life Designed!
Related Posts:
Junk to Funk | Here’s how some people are rocking recycling
Drab to Fab| Office Chair Makeover
Drab to Fab| Vintage Sewing Machine gets a glam makeover
– Anuja and Arti
Anuja is the co-founder of Secondsguru by night and mother to twins by day. She is done with investment banking and journalism as professions and hopes that entrepreneurship will prove to be her true calling.
Arti is the in-house marketing wiz at Secondsguru. She has a passion for all things vintage and a flair for cooking!
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