This DIY industrial pipe plant hanger is a great way to increase your plant space while adding an interesting decor element to the room.
As an avid plant lover, I often find that I have plants that would probably grow better if they were hanging in a window. I have a huge bay window that gets good light in the dining room, however, I only had a couple of hooks set from the ceiling.
I thought a curtain rod would do the trick. However, my husband mentioned that it might not be sturdy enough, depending on the weight and number of plants.
So we put together this interesting looking plant hanger made out of iron plumbing pipe and fixtures that should be sturdy enough for many plants, and it looks pretty cool too.
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Sections At A Glance
Supplies
- Iron pipe in 1/2 inch width the length of your space ( you may need extra smaller lengths and coupling connectors like I did if the area is larger than standard pipe lengths)
- 2 - 1/2 iron elbows
- 2 - 1/2 inch iron flanges
- 8 - self-tapping wood screws approx. 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inch in length
- 2 - 3-inch pipe nipples
- Heavy duty S hooks (optional)
Creating the Pipe Plant Hanger
Putting the Industrial Rod Together
The image above shows a view of one of the ends. The standard pipe was 6 feet long, but I wanted it to be closer to 8 feet. So we bought 2 more pieces of pipe that were 8 inches long. They were then connected with a coupling connector on the left.
On each end the pipe screws into an elbow. Then a nipple connector is then screwed into a flange.
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Since the pipe hanger was going to be suspended from the ceiling we needed to drop it down a bit. That's what the nipple connector is used for.
Attaching the Rod to the Ceiling
After the industrial pipe plant hanger was assembled I held it into place while my husband use a drill to screw it into the ceiling.
Note: This bay window ceiling is made of plywood. So we only needed to use wood screws and attached it directly to the ceiling. If you are working with drywall you will need to find studs to screw into or use some type of special anchors.
It turned out great and I love the way it looks. I bought a pack of heavy duty S hooks that work and look great for hanging plants anywhere along the pipe.
I even moved my embroidery hoop hanging basket planter to this room and placed a couple of Christmas Cacti and a string of hearts plant in it. They will look spectacular as they grow and flow over the basket.
Right now I have several plants outside enjoying the summer weather. Come fall I'll bring them back inside and they'll fit right in.
In the meantime, with all this extra room I think that it's time to go shopping for more plants.
How to Make an Industrial Pipe Plant Hanger
Equipment
- Drill
Materials
- Iron pipe - 1/2 inch width the length of your space
- 2 - 1/2 iron elbows
- 2 - 1/2 inch iron flanges
- 8 - wood screws -1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inch in length self-tapping
- 2 - 3- inch pipe nipples
- Heavy duty S hooks optional
Instructions
- Put the industrial rod together using a coupling connector on the left.
- Screw each end into the pipe elbow.
- Screw a nipple connector into a flange.
- Screw the rod into the ceiling with a dill or power screwdriver and self-tapping screws.
- Add S hooks to hang the plants anywhere along the pipe.
Zuzanna
hi Patti, I love this idea. But the home we moved to last year is beautifully finished in an older style cream, brown tones... traditional? How can I get this idea to blend in with this aesthetic? Can the pipe be painted?( I can send you a photo. )
I am designed challenged!
Patti Estep
I think you could paint it. There are spray paints on the market that cover everything from metal to plastics. What I would do is go to one of the big box stores like Home Depot and ask the paint department or wherever you would normally buy the piping material. Good luck!
Debs
Brilliant idea and execution. Do you think copper fittings would work and be as strong?
Thanks
Patti Estep
Debs, I'm not an expert on hardware but it would seem to be fine to me.
Jim Bensen
Thanks for the great idea. I put two of them up in bay windows and they look fantastic! I opted to put another flange in the middle for extra support using a tee, so two shorter sections of pipe (30") instead of one long one. So much better than hanging a curtain rod there.
Patti Estep
Jim, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Roselyn
Hi Patti,
Where did you buy the materials? Great job! I love it!
Patti Estep
Roselyn, I bought them at Lowes mostly and there are links to them in the post. Enjoy.
Marilou
Love this so much 🙂
Patti Estep
Thanks Marilou. It's been so helpful and I love the way it looks. Now I'm thinking about where else in the house I can do the same project.
MrsSW
What a great window for plants - and a good idea for the plant hanger. I'm looking forward to seeing the embroidery hoop basket when it fills in and blooms. 🙂
Sheila
Patti Estep
Thanks Sheila. It's definitely the best space in the house. I can't wait to see the Christmas cactus bloom. It's the first "true" Christmas cactus I've owned.