DIY Project for Vintage Lovers ; Create a Steampunk Bookshelf

The steampunk style is not one of the most well known in terms of interior design. Maybe that’s because many of us don’t even know what the style is all about.  When we say ‘steampunk’, we really talk about a look that stems from a mixture between elegant Victorian interior accessories and the strength of industrial elements. Maybe you have heard about Truth Coffee in Cape Town? Have a look at this inspirational Steampunk / Vintage coffee shop. (https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Restaurant_Review-g312659-d5263655-Reviews-Truth_Coffee_HQ-Cape_Town_Central_Western_Cape.html)

This might come as a surprise and it might seem like a pretty crazy and unusual idea, but steel pipes are actually quite multi-functional and can be recycled in many different ways. It is so easy to create a very industrial bookshelf out of steel pipes.  Let’s show you how:

Start by drawing a drawing of the shelf that you want.  Remember with pipes you can pretty much make any form that you like.  It is almost like playing lego J For the purpose of this tutorial, we will show you how to make a straight forward shelf like this one below, but be creative and make it your own.
Thank you to Design, Dining and Diapers for sharing this tutorial on their site.

Now that you know what you are trying to achieve,  visit your nearest hardware store and buy the following:

• Galvanized Piping (see image below)
• Black Hammered Metal Spray Paint
• 1″ X 6″ X 30″ Pieces of Wood
• Dark Walnut Stain – Clear Satin Polyurethane
• Strong glue
• Clamping Tape

Start by putting together all of the piping. Some areas are more secure than others. Since they all tightened at different angles, in order to get them perfectly level and straight, you will have to leave some a little looser. It will all be secure in the end once you attach it to the wall. Once they were built, consider spraying them with a Metal Spray Paint.

Due to the weight of the shelves, it is better to secure them to studs rather than using screws. It is also recommended to use a level to make sure your shelves are straight.

To secure the wood shelves to the metal piping, use a strong adhesive glue (for mixed materials).

Use clamping tape to assist with the drying process.

Now, add in creative, vintage elements on your shelves to complete your vintage look.  Think of photograms, letters, old type writers and random steampunk curiosities.

Email us a pic of your vintage shelf to see 🙂