For me, the use of copper in a kitchen evokes thoughts of old European style, like the copper cookware one finds in the classical French kitchen. Of course, one of the last things I need (at least, according to my husband), is another piece of cookware. He’s partially right; I do have a lot, and I’m running out of places to put them. This problem was made even worse when we had to replace our stove; the storage drawer was half the size of my old stove’s, leaving me with no place to put some of my frying pans!

So, to solve my storage issue and to add a bit of copper to my kitchen, I decided to install a small pot rack. Unfortunately, the ones I liked were a bit expensive for my preference, so I decided to hit my local hardware store to get the supplies to make one!

Supplies Used

• 3-foot length of pre-cut copper pipe
• 2-foot length of heavy copper wire, cut into 6-inch pieces
• 2 bell hangers/clamps

Tool List

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper or File
• Level
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Hacksaw or heavy-duty wire cutters (possibly optional)
• Metal Rod or Solid Wood Dowel, similar in size to copper pipe
• Pliers
• Clamp
• Safety Glasses
• Gloves (optional)

Step 1. Choose a place to install the rack, then using the level, mark locations and attach the bell hangers.

Step 2. Open the clamps on the bell hangers, slide in the copper pipe, and tighten the clamps down onto the pipe.

Step 3. If you’re using pre-made s-hooks, you can skip this step. Take your wire pieces, and using your metal rod or wooden dowel, carefully bend the lengths into s-shapes. Use the pliers for a better grip and to refine the curve if needed. Sand or file the ends if they are sharp.

NOTE: Do NOT use your copper pipe as the jig for this step. It is too soft and could bend while you are shaping the hooks. I used a short piece of metal rebar that I had on hand, but whatever you use to shape the hooks should be solid and in similar size to your copper pipe.

Step 4. After hooks are shaped, place them on the rack, and start hanging your pots!

Project Time: 30 minutes, start to finish
Total Cost: Under $10!