DIY Acrylic Hardware For Kitchens + Baths & More

DIY Acrylic Hardware For Kitchens + Baths & More

Without a doubt, one of my most popular projects has been my DIY Acrylic Curtain Rods.  (some people say lucite, some say acrylic – potatuh, potatah)  So imagine my feelings one night when I am searching for hardware for our Master Bath renovation, and I come upon an image of this.

brass pipe clip

Do you see what I see?  I instantly thought “I CAN MAKE SOMETHING WITH THIS!”  Originally, I was thinking I could put brass rods through these to make some killer hardware, but then I pondered acrylic.  It would definitely be cheaper, and since the pipe clips are a little more bulky and industrial looking, perhaps that would be the perfect combination of mechanical and sophisticated.

This is a rather convoluted story, but follow me on the struggle for an idea to come to fruition…

So the next day, I called up my local plumbing supply searching for brass pipe clips.  They did not have them, never heard of them.  I called several others…nothing.  No one seemed to have ever heard of pipe clips; rather, pipe clips that were brass (aka pretty).  Finally, I got my answer after calling yet another plumbing supply store (and after he laughed at me when I told him I was looking for brass pipe clips).  After sending him the picture, he said, “Oh, these are probably European.  In the UK and countries over there, they care about stuff like this.  You will never find these here.” (WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU AMERICA?!  : )  )

Therefore, I did what I always do when I cannot find something in the States, I go to Ebay UK.  My first set of clips I ordered from this seller.  They were very nice and easy to work with.  Sadly, in the midst of all of our home renovations, the pipe clips got lost.  By the time I went back to order, my Ebay UK seller was out of the ones I needed.  I had to find another source.  Then I found Supreme Plumb.  On their site, they tell you they will not ship internationally, but they will.  Just email them.

Note:  When I am shipping items internationally, I always request Expedited Shipping.  It is worth the extra few dollars, and trust me, Standard Shipping from other countries these past couple of years has been a nightmare.  I bought some art for a client last year, and it was stuck in customs for MONTHS.

Just FYI, if you prefer a silver look rather than a gold, pipe clips come in chrome, too.

chrome pipe clip

The new pipe clips arrived, and I was ready to get started.

Here is what you need…

diy acrylic hardware

Of course, for my acrylic rods, I called my buddy Kipp over at Nationwide Plastics.  He can get you any width of rod you want, cut to size, with ends polished.  You can see the Acrylic Rod post for more details.  It has been really fun to get emails from my readers over the years about what they have done with their rods, and how great Kipp was to work with.

Once you have gathered all of the materials you see above, you can literally assemble your hardware in minutes.

1.  What you want to do first is insert your screw through the hole in the pipe clip and then through your cabinet door or drawer front.  Secure it with a nut and bolt.

diy acrylic hardware

2.  Place a vinyl bumper (found at any hardware store) over the screw hole.

diy acrylic hardware

Now Grace, you may be asking, why do I have to do that?  Well, it keeps the rod secure.  These pipe clips have holes that are measured in millimeters. (again, these are form the UK…which reminds me…in third grade, I will never forget my teacher Mrs. Carruthers telling me that by the time we graduated high school, America would have changed over to the metric system.  : )  )  What I did to decide what size pipe clip to order was I converted the mm to inches.  For example, I made this hardware for my kitchen cabinets…I wanted really narrrow rods to work with the look of my cabinet doors so I ordered 1/2″ acrylic rods from Kipp and 15mm pipe clips.  I ordered the 15mm because it equals out to .59 inches.  Therefore, I knew the hole would be slightly bigger than my rod.  Of course, it is better to order them slightly bigger than slightly smaller.  The vinyl bumper makes up for the extra room and keeps the rod tight in the pipe clip.

3.  Place your rod in the pipe clip opening, screw the top bracket and screws tight, and you are done!

diy acrylic hardware

After I finished the first rod, I stepped back, and I knew I loved it.  It was a bit of a primal moment – I HAVE MAAAAAAAADE HARDWAAAAAAAARE!!!!!!

diy acrylic hardwareDIY ACRYLIC HARDWARE

Changing out your hardware is such a quick and easy fix for bathrooms, kitchens, and furniture, but to get something stylish, it can be very expensive.  I think these are a very budget friendly fix.

diy acrylic hardware

diy acrylic hardware

For my lower kitchen cabinets, I used the same method, but I attached the rods horizontally.  They are only about two inches long.  This project works for pretty pulls, too!

diy kitchen hardware

diy acrylic hardware

Because these turned out so well, I did them again in my Master Bath, and used a different type pipe clip.  (the first brass one I showed you in this article, photos to come)

My kitchen is not very big, and I had such a hard time finding hardware that I liked.  I decided I wanted something with more substance on my upper cabinets than knob pulls, and the long pulls that you see in all of the magazines just seemed like too much.  This solution provided me with the style and sleekness I was looking for.

diy acrylic hardware

This hardware is beautiful in the kitchen, in a bathroom, on furniture, or as door pulls!  I think it works with a myriad of styles, too.  Don’t you need some DIY hardware somewhere?  ; )

If you enjoyed this article, please follow me on Facebook or Instagram.  Or subscribe by entering your email into the box on the right sidebar.

PS – You may have noticed my backsplash change!  (here is the before and what we did to make it look a little better while we saved and waited for a new backsplash) Woohoo!  Many thanks to Rebecca at Bottega Tile for her expertise and help with that project.  We have also made other changes to the kitchen since I took these photos.  I will have a reveal up when all is completed!  I still have more coming on the Garden Makeover, plus another Bathroom renovation at our house!  #whywearestillsharingonebathroom

One more thing!  

I received a few emails about the Sprout by HP and wanted to touch more on that here.  In this post, the DIY board (here it is again below) was created using the Sprout.  

diy acrylic hardware

The Sprout has revolutionalized the way I write about projects I have created because I can actually place the materials needed on the touchmat.  (see below photo from this project using Sprout)

sprout by hp

Before I started using Sprout, if I was creating a DIY board, I would have to take pictures of the items, upload them to the computer, edit them, and then after all of that, insert the images into a board.  Now I place my items on the touchmat, scan them in, and voila, everything I need is there in seconds – in crisp 3D.  

sprout by hp

Not only has the Sprout changed the way I demonstrate projects, it has also changed how I create my design boards.  (for the better!)  It has been so gratifying to put color schemes and fabrics together using the samples I have, and place them into a design board in seconds.  Truly, the best part of Sprout for me has been the time I save.  

sprout by hp

You can see in the above photo the fabrics I scanned in (a future pillow scheme).  Now I can place this image into a design board I am creating for a living room.  (this client LOVES blue and white – and I LOVE the ability to write my own text – see “blue and white” : ) )

sprout by hp

This board is a work in progress, and I can tweak it as necessary with the touch of a finger.

sprout by hp

Not only has Sprout made me more efficient, I feel like I can present my clients with a better idea of the end product they will receive in their room(s).  I can better show them how these elements will all go together.  And of course, I really appreciate being able to switch from creating to answering emails at any moment.  The Sprout has been a great addition to my personal and professional life.

*Thank you to Sprout by HP for sponsoring this post.  All ideas, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.*    

Written by Grace

 

46 Comments
  • Jessica
    Posted at 11:04h, 07 August Reply

    Love, love, love this hardware; what a fantastic idea! I’m currently in the process of putting up my lucite curtain rods, thanks for sharing your sources!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:19h, 04 December Reply

      Oh awesome Jessica! Please send me a photo! xoxo

  • Kelly Reber
    Posted at 11:31h, 07 August Reply

    These are so beautiful it is ridiculous!!! Love it!! You are an evil decor genius 😉 Do those pipe clips come in larger sizes… as in do they come large enough to be used as curtain hardware?

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:20h, 04 December Reply

      Kelly, this is so sweet! Thank you! I believe they do, just check the website. (you have to convert from mm to in) If you don’t see it listed, shoot Supreme Plumb an email. Hope that helps! oxo

  • Cheryl
    Posted at 11:50h, 07 August Reply

    Unbelievably awesome!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:22h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you Cheryl! xx

  • Emily
    Posted at 11:50h, 07 August Reply

    You need to market and sell these Grace!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:22h, 04 December Reply

      Emily, I know! I’m working on something pretty cool. Probably won’t happen until next year. xoxo

  • Susan M.
    Posted at 11:59h, 07 August Reply

    Brilliant I tell you… just brilliant! I’m so glad you are back in my world!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:23h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you, Susan! Me too! xoxo

  • Sarah
    Posted at 12:04h, 07 August Reply

    I think you just blew up the internet. These are amazing!!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:23h, 04 December Reply

      HA!! Yay. 😉

  • Betty
    Posted at 13:26h, 07 August Reply

    Simply stunning – I love these!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:23h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you, Betty!

  • Lisa
    Posted at 13:34h, 07 August Reply

    Hi grace, I don’t think you know me, but I was at the brenning wedding at your house a few months ago. I noticed your kitchen pulls, and went home and searched the internet looking for them, haha! I had no no idea you made them. But just from looking at your house, maybe I should have known, ha! You have such a great I I definitely think I will try these.

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:23h, 04 December Reply

      Hi Lisa, how funny! Thank you so much. It makes me happy you noticed them. 🙂

  • Julie Blanner
    Posted at 14:28h, 07 August Reply

    I love those brackets! Beautiful and brilliant, Grace!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:24h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you Julie! xoxo

  • Victoria
    Posted at 15:15h, 07 August Reply

    I really LOVE these! They are so beautiful. I’d be really keen to hear how they hold up. I don think I’d be brave enough to try.

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:24h, 04 December Reply

      Victoria, we have had them over a year, and they are AWSOME! Holding up great!

  • AnnMarie
    Posted at 16:44h, 07 August Reply

    These look amazing and so classy!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:24h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you, AnnMarie! xoxo

  • caroline
    Posted at 18:37h, 07 August Reply

    hubba hubba. that’s so insanely gorgeous. I cant believe you MADE HARDWARE!!!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:25h, 04 December Reply

      Ha! I know, yay! 🙂 Thanks for reading, Caroline. xo

  • laurie @ laurie jones home
    Posted at 09:14h, 08 August Reply

    Brilliant!!!! Seriously beyond gorgeous!!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:25h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you, Laurie! xo

  • Lisa
    Posted at 17:32h, 09 August Reply

    Grace, I absolutely love this industrial-meets-sophisticated hardware!!! They are beautiful and interesting, and have a sort of vintage glam feel to them, so pretty!!!!! Now you’ve got my wheels turning about our impending kitchen reno!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:25h, 04 December Reply

      Thanks Lisa! And I LOVE the name of your blog. I have a feeling you are the kind of person that is shining their light every day! xo

  • Kirsten
    Posted at 07:23h, 19 August Reply

    Grace- I love your blog! Thank you so very, very much for always sharing with your readers. Have a wonderful day

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:26h, 04 December Reply

      Thank you, Kirsten! How kind! Same to you. xo

  • Tracy Laverty
    Posted at 20:59h, 23 August Reply

    Grace, this is brilliant!!! I am in such awe that you made HARDWARE! I would be thrilled too. About how much do you estimate the long ones cost to make? I love your kitchen and your back splash. So glad to see your blog posts. You have such incredible style!

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:26h, 04 December Reply

      Hi Tracy! Goodness, it has been so long now. I would say it was around $15 for the long ones??? Hope that helps! xo

  • Monika
    Posted at 19:17h, 24 August Reply

    You are crazy! As in “crazy brilliant.” Gonna steal this idea…

    • Grace
      Posted at 09:27h, 04 December Reply

      I love being crazy! 😉 Ha, thanks Monika! xo

  • Alex
    Posted at 10:15h, 22 September Reply

    This is really impressive! Changing the fixtures on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is a great way to save money if you’re looking to see a major change with minor tweaks.

  • Gina
    Posted at 08:39h, 24 September Reply

    Where did you purchase the fish figurine? What is the plant on the top? It looks great!

    • Grace
      Posted at 00:32h, 27 October Reply

      Hi Gina, I bought it at an estate sale, and I’m not sure what the plant is – some type of fern! Thank you so much for reading. xo

  • Clipping Path
    Posted at 07:39h, 30 November Reply

    One of of the best tutorials I have ever been. I appreciate your effort so much.

  • Lori
    Posted at 14:28h, 03 December Reply

    Hi Grace,
    Just out of curiosity which hardware from Supreme Plumb did you use for the handles? There seem to be several that look the same but are slightly named and priced differently.

  • courtney
    Posted at 14:02h, 26 July Reply

    Amazing, these may solve a problem I have with 2.5″ center to center holes! Do you remember what size rods you ordered? I’m guessing the measurement on the clips is for the size of the hole?

  • courtney
    Posted at 14:05h, 26 July Reply

    just found the measurements in the story, sorry about that:)

  • Kaleigh
    Posted at 10:44h, 11 August Reply

    Hey grace! Great tutorial! I’m going to try this for my daughters dresser. How much wiggle room do those vinyl bumpers give you? I’m thinking of doing a 3/4 inch rod so would need the 22mm clips but would make a difference of .12mm. Was wondering if that would be too much of a gap? Thanks!

  • Julie
    Posted at 20:41h, 14 August Reply

    Where is your gorgeous backsplash from?

  • Christina Winstanley
    Posted at 10:51h, 30 July Reply

    Hi Grace,

    I am looking to do this with some bedroom furniture and have some 15mm brass pipe clips (munsen rings with backplates) and ordered 15mm diameter acrylic rod.

    What I am really stuck on is what diameter and length screws I need to attach them! I don’t have any on hand to try and worried if I order any I will get it wrong and need to send back. Your article doesn’t specify the size you used.

    Many Thanks,

    Christina

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