How to Make PVC Pipe Room Dividers

Create a decorative room divider out of cheap and readily available PVC pipe. PVC pipe and the required fittings can be found at nearly every major hardware retailer. Decorate the plain white pipe material with paint and colorful fabrics for a deceptively expensive looking decoration. PVC room dividers are durable, long-lasting, and require absolutely no maintenance. They can be easily disassembled or collapsed for moving or storage.

Things You'll Need

• 6 5' PVC pipe segments
• 6 1.5' PVC pipe segments
• 6 4" PVC pipe segments
• 6 90 degree elbow connectors
• 6 T connectors
• 6 caps
• Drill
• 8 5" bungee cord segments

Instructions

1. Create the section hinges first. This is the most complicated part of the room divider assembly. Set two 5' PVC pipe segments parallel to each other. Drill ¼" holes in each pipe, approximately 2 inches from the top of the pipe. Start at the top of the pipe and cut a 1" slot toward the holes. Push a piece of bungee cord through the drilled hole and curve it upward. Tie a knot in the end and slide the knot through the slot to hold the cord in place. Repeat on both sides. Cover the bungee cord hinges with an elbow connector. Repeat this on the bottom section of the pipes, using a T connector to cover the bungee cord openings. Place a 4" segment of PVC pipe in the vertical opening of each T connector on the bottom. Place a cap in the end of the 4" segment. Repeat with an additional set of 5' pipes.

2. Create the first panel of the room divider. Place a cap in one end of a 4" segment of PVC pipe. Place a T connector on the other end, with the openings facing upward and outward. Place a 5' PVC pipe segment in the upward opening. Fit an elbow connector on top. Place a 1.5' PVC pipe segment in the elbow opening. Connect a section hinge (created in Step 1) to the end of the 1.5' segment. Finish the rectangle by connecting the openings of the two T connectors with another 1.5' segment of pipe.

3. Create the middle panel by fitting a 1.5' segment between the two section hinges created in Step 1.

4. Create the third and final panel by fitting a 1.5' segment in each of the last section hinge's connector openings. Fit an elbow connector to the top pipe and a T connector to the bottom. Connect the two with a 5' segment of pipe. Place a 4" segment of PVC pipe in the bottom opening of the T connector and place a cap in the opposite end of the pipe segment.

5. Attach fabric to the frame by pulling the edges of the fabric around the frame and pinning it in place. Disassemble the pipes and remove them from the fabric without removing the pins. Sew the fabric along the pinned line. Slide the pipes through the loop in the fabric and reconnect them.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the entire pipe project before adding fabric or other decorations.

• Instead of sewing, the fabric can be attached with pins, snap clamps, or other attachments.

• Make sure that the section hinges from Step 1 are flexible and can bend easily. If necessary, add a few inches to the bungee cord segments.

References

• Room Divider Plan
• Creative Room Dividers

Resources

• Room Divider Plan