Nancy Golden, host of DIY's Decorating and Design, demonstrates another storage idea -- a brass pipe etagere. Materials:
Brass piping/tubing (the same component used to make foot rails for a bar counter -- you'll determine how many shelves you need and the height)
Brass open fittings
Brass end caps (for the bottom of the pipe/tube)
Hacksaw
Large file
Self-drilling brass screw (resembles a screw with a drill-bit on the end)
Drill
1/4" glass (cut to size), mirror or opaque glass (your choice)
Decorative S hooks
- Decide what size brass tubing to buy, then customize for your space by sawing. When sawing through metal, take your time. Start slowly, but once the saw has penetrated the metal, you can work a little harder.
- Once the end has been sawed, be sure to smooth the edges by using a file. The best way to create a nice, smooth edge is to file in one direction only (figure A).
- Insert the brass piping/tubing into the brass open fittings. The tubing slips right into the fitting holes.
- Slip the brass end caps into the bottom of the piping/tubing (figure B).
- On the brass open fitting are holes where you drill a self-drilling brass screw (figure C. This secures the piping/tubing into the open fitting.
- Secure all four open fittings to the four corners.
- Continue step 6 until you've constructed each layer of the etagere.
- Place the brass etagere construction on the floor.
- Place the glass or mirror shelving (cut to size at the hardware store) on the top layer and on each shelf layer.
- If desired, for extra storage use decorative S hooks on the top shelf of the brass etagere. You can hang towels, dried flowers, etc.
Note: A brass pipe etagere usually sells for approximately $300 in stores, but this one was constructed for $50.
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