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Stylish pipe bookends with a black finish holding colorful books upright, adding an industrial touch to the decor.

Build Your Own Pipe Bookends: A Fun and Easy Dorm Room DIY

Are you looking to add industrial charm to your dorm room while keeping your books organized? Look no further! Pipe bookends are a fun, easy-to-build project that not only serve a functional purpose but also make a stylish statement. Plus, they’re the perfect conversation starter when friends visit your room. Let’s dive into how you can create your very own pipe bookends in a few simple steps.

Why Pipe Bookends?

Pipe bookends are a fantastic DIY project because they are easy to assemble, requiring no advanced skills, and they add a stylish, industrial look to your decor. Functional and customizable, they keep your books upright and organized while allowing you to adjust the size and design to fit your style and needs.

What You’ll Need

Illustration of DIY pipe bookends with a detailed parts list and assembly instructions, showcasing a functional and stylish design for keeping books organized

Before we get started, here’s a list of materials you’ll need:


  1. 4 x 1/2” Flange
  2. 2 x 1/2” Side Outlet Elbow
  3. 2 x 1/2” 90° Elbow
  4. 1 x 1/2” Cap
  5. 1 x 1/2” Tee
  6. 5 x 1/2” x 4” Pipe
  7. 2 x 1/2” x 6” Pipe
  8. 2 x 1/2”  Close Pipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Person in a blue shirt with gloves preparing to assemble DIY pipe bookends, displaying various pipe fittings and tools on a wooden table.

Make sure you have all the components listed above. You can easily find these at your local hardware store or you can order online.


Step 2: Assemble the Sides

Close-up of gloved hands assembling DIY pipe bookends, attaching pipe fittings and flanges on a wooden table.
  • Start by attaching a 1/2” Flange (A), a1/2” x 4” pipe (F), and a 1/2” Side Outlet Elbow (B). These will serve as the base legs for each end of the structure.
  • Attach a ½” Close Pipe (H) to the middle thread opening of the Side Outlet Elbow (B). Do this for both sides.
  • On the other open end of the Side Outlet Elbow, connect another ½” x 4” pipe (F) followed by one ½” 90° elbow. Do this for both sides of the bookends.

Step 3: Connecting the two Sides

Man in blue shirt and gloves assembling pipe bookends, tightening pipe fittings on a wooden table.

  • Connect a1/2” x 6” pipe (G) to the open end of the side outlet elbow. Do this for both sides.
  • Connect both ½” x 6” pipe with a ½” Tee at the center.
  • Finally, attach a 1/2” Cap (D) to the remaining open end of the Tee.

Step 4: Final Touches

Completed DIY pipe bookends on a wooden table, holding a variety of books upright and organized.

  • Ensure all connections are tight.
  • Wipe down your new bookends with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the pipes.

Why These Bookends Are Perfect for Dorm Rooms

Dorm rooms are often tight on space, so having a stylish yet functional piece like these pipe bookends can really make a difference. They keep your study materials organized and within reach, all while adding a unique touch to your room decor. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest textbooks.

Customize Your Bookends

One of the best things about pipe furniture is its versatility. Feel free to paint the pipes or add additional fittings to customize the look. You could even use different sizes of pipes and flanges to create a unique design that fits your personal style.


There you have it – a quick and easy guide to building your very own pipe bookends. Whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, this project is sure to be a hit. Not only will your dorm room look great, but you’ll also have a functional piece that helps keep everything in order.


Ready to get started? Check out PIPE DECOR® for a wide range of pipe fittings and accessories to elevate your space. Happy building!

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