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Four Simple Copper DIY Products
The appeal of using copper within the home has become almost infectious over the last couple of years. It´s jumped head and shoulders above its rival metallic design materials, being heavily featured on prominent interior design blogs - from StyleBlueprint to Maison de Cinq. And it´s not just a single-purpose kind of material either; it´s being used all over the home, from bathtubs to kitchen equipment to decorative pieces in the living room area. We sell a wide range of copper decor pieces ourselves and as the new year is often a good point to take on a new challenge, we thought we would a list of DIY copper décor projects and then provide some insight on what you can do and can’t do with other copper projects.
The DIY Copper Pipe Side Table
(Image from Brit.co)
For many people, it's a case of making the most of the space they have available in their home and finding ways to meet their own individual needs without creating a cluttered, chaotic environment. This brings us to the first DIY copper project on our list and one that we would recommend you give a shot. While you can't control the dimensions of a mass produced furniture item, you do have complete control over this aspect of the design when you make DIY furniture and this little side table is designed to squeeze into the tiniest of spaces, wherever that may be. Not an incredibly difficult project, but probably not for the complete design newbie, guests will think you're "telling porkies" when you tell them that its essentially just a few lengths of copper piping and a piece of wood. If you're interested in trying you hand at this one, here are a few of the best guides on the internet:
- How to Make the Copper Side Table by Brit + Co
- DIY Copper Pipe and Wood Slice Side Table
- DIY Copper Pipe Floating Table
Versatile DIY Copper Shelves
(Image from Woodandfaulk.com)
Both of these first projects address a very simple but common requirement in any home: the need to put items somewhere, whether that be for decoration or storage purposes. Copper piping, usually in combination with another material (wood or cork works well, but you can really choose whatever material you like), can be used to create a great framework for shelving units and rather than blending into the background like shelving so often does, these shelves accent many interior styles very well and enhance the room from a visual perspective. The more complex versions are harder to construct than the table, but most DIYers with a little experience should be able to accomplish it. The great thing about these shelves is the range of possibilities involved; you can create small yet simple individual shelves that simply hang from a nail or other fixture on the wall, but you can also create larger units that span a considerable length of the wall. Here are a few of the better guides that we came across on the internet:
A Unique Centerpiece - The DIY Copper Candleholder
(Image from Recreativeworks.com)
Whether it be on a dining table or a mantelpiece, as homeowners we all want that stunning centerpiece that stands out and really crowns the most important feature of the room. Many times a beautiful candlestick holder is capable of fulfilling this role and copper piping allows you to make your very own. This project works especially well in rooms that boast a more contemporary design and the copper perfectly complements the warm glow given off by the candle when it's lit. Whether you just want it to hold a single candle or half a dozen, you can customize its design to meet your needs. For more information on how to construct one of these candleholders and to look at step by step instructions, take a look at the guides below.
Tame Your Towels With This DIY Rack
(Image from Lonny.com)
Copper pipes are just perfect for making the ideal towel rack for your home. So if you have trouble storing spare towels in your bathroom area, maybe this is a DIY project that could pay real dividends for you in 2015. If you've got adequate space for it you can make a freestanding model (this could also be used as clothes horse, or even a clothing rack if you don't incorporate too many horizontal pipes), but equally you can make a copper rack that attaches to the wall if you need to be careful about space efficiency. From single rails for hand towels to those that let you store a dozen spare bath towels, this is something that you definitely don't see in many homes and adds uniqueness to your own for a very good price!
Who knew that you could do so much with a bit of spare copper piping?! Whether you have some old lengths of piping from a previous construction project or you have to go out and buy some, these projects won't cost the earth and the end results look great. And that's not even mentioning the fact that these features can come in very handy too!
The Do's and Don'ts of Copper Decor: Make Your Home Shine
Now that we have covered what you can do with copper piping lets give you some ideas on what else you can do with copper décor to really brighten up your home.
Copper was one of the first metals humans discovered and put to use in the form of tools and jewelry. Copper pendants have been found that are more than 11,000 years old. The Romans used copper for everything from coins to statues and cookware and today, copper still occupies a prominent place in our collective consciousness. That’s because copper’s versatility makes it a unique and exciting decorative element. Here are just a few ways in which copper decor can enhance the beauty and livability of your home.
In The Kitchen
You had to know we would start with the kitchen because copper has been a mainstay of the hearth since time immemorial. The kitchen is where copper’s versatility really comes to the fore as the same items you use to cook with can also be the design motif that anchors the entire room.
- Hanging Pots and Pans - Imbue your kitchen with rustic overtones or use some of our contemporary copper cookware to highlight the clean, refined look of your modern kitchen. Whether you hang your pots and pans over a central island or on a wall rack, copper cookware can deliver the finishing touch to any kitchen design.
- Copper Wall Decor - Our copper colanders, strainers, egg poachers and more improve the visual mix of your kitchen. Distribute them just so to offset other elements of the kitchen design and add a vintage copper canister here and there to complete the effect.
- Copper Tea Kettles - The classic copper kettle is perhaps the one indispensable copper decor element for your kitchen. Once the water has boiled, make your morning tea and then watch the snowfall out the window while enjoying the tranquility.
Decorative Copper Decor Elements
Copper decor elements come in all shapes and sizes from hanging pots to toilet paper holders. Use them to liven up hallways, entryways, bathrooms and more.
- Planters - Copper planters bring the timeless charm of the old world or the confidence of the new world wherever you use them. Keep them polished or let them acquire a rich patina that will enhance the air of your patio or garden walkway.
- Hanging Lamps - Hanging copper lamps over the kitchen counter can elevate the space to new aesthetic heights. Hanging lamps can be bought ready made or custom made to fit the specifics of your interior design scheme.
- Kettles and Urns - Place one of our beautiful candy kettles in the front hallway to enhance a focal point or place one of our large copper urns near the front door for umbrellas.
- Copper Wind Chimes - The wind chimes that we source from a selection of skilled artisans are a perfect way to integrate a beautiful copper accent into the design of your home's exterior; create a harmonious atmosphere while beautifying your outdoor space!
Extravagances
As long as we’re talking copper decor, we might as well dream. Here are a few extravagant copper items you might want to consider if the budget allows.
- Copper Bathtub - Sure it will set you back as much as a European vacation but it will be with you long after memories of the Champs-Élysées would fade from your thoughts. Keep in mind that the rest of the bathroom needs to be such that the copper tub won’t seem out of place.
- Copper Entry Door - Typically the domain of the Art Deco office building or Park Avenue condo, the copper entry door is gaining favor among homeowners wanting to make a statement. If done right the curb appeal can be off the charts.
- Copper Appliances - Refrigerators, stoves, coffee pots, blenders, toasters and more are all in the mix if you feel so inclined. Copper lends an old world air to many modern day appliances that allows them to mesh seamlessly with a rustic decor.
Copper Decorating Don’ts
The number of things copper is great for sometimes obscures the fact that there are a few ‘don’ts’ when it comes to copper.
- Don’t Overdo it from a Visual Standpoint - Copper is an accent metal. How much of an accent you want to provide depends upon context. Covering entire walls with copper may seem like a good idea but will likely get tired pretty quickly. Same with pots and pans. Too many are going to take away from the hundred other great things going on in your kitchen.
- Don’t Overdo it from a Practical Standpoint - Someone has to take care of all that copper. If you’ve got exposed copper pipes, copper plumbing fixtures, copper pots and pans, copper countertops etc you’re setting someone up for an awful lot of maintenance work.
Even after a hundred centuries in our homes copper is more popular than ever. Paykoc Imports carries a unique selection of handcrafted decorative and functional copper decor items that will look great in any home and last for a lifetime. Take the time to browse our collection of copper offerings and if you're searching for an item that is truly unique, or if you would like a piece customized and engraved get in touch with us and we'd be glad to help you obtain it. Remember, copper is not only beautiful, malleable and durable, it’s also affordable.