Industrial-strength design

[Times photos: Fred Victorin] These picture frames are made from light-switch plates and outlet covers.

By Times Staff Writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 31, 2001

The candlesticks are assembled from plumbing parts. Together with the picture framesthey lend a high-tech touch to Straub Court, a townhouse project under construction on Fourth Avenue N in St. Petersburg. Designers for Home Depot originally created the accessories for a loft project in Atlanta.

The candlesticks and picture frames are made from basic plumbing and electrical parts you can find in the aisles of your local home center.

They were designed by two Home Depot designers for a loft in Atlanta, one of the live-work units recently introduced by Beazer Homes and designed by the Miami architectural firm of Duany Plater-Zyberk. The idea was to convey a high-tech, industrial look.

Here are the directions. Prices are what we paid recently at Home Depot.

Candlesticks

SHORTER STICKS:

A galvanized floor flange for the base of the candlestick. Ours range in size from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch to 1 inch. The size refers to the diameter of the hole in the middle, not to the diameter of the flange. Price: $2.17 to $2.55.

A galvanized nipple for the middle, or "stick," of the candlestick. The size of the floor flange has to match the diameter of the nipple, so, if you're using a 1/2-inch flange, you'll need a 1/2-inch nipple in the length of your choice. Ours are 4 inches, 3 inches and 21/2 inches long. Just make sure you can screw the nipple into the flange. They ranged in price from 65 cents to $2.17, depending on size.

A second galvanized floor flange for the top of the stick or a galvanized coupling, either straight or reducing. A reducing coupling is slightly smaller at one end. Price range: 86 cents to $2.13.

Plumbing flanges, nipples and couplers screw together to make the candlesticks.

How to: You can select components to create the look of your choice. Just make sure that they're of compatible sizes: a 1-inch flange will screw onto a 1-inch nipple, which will screw onto a 1-inch flange or coupling for the top.

Plumbing components may be slightly greasy. If so, your first step should be to wipe them down with a citrus degreaser such as Goo Gone on a paper towel. Remove labels and price stickers.

Screw the floor flange to the nipple, then top the stick with the second flange or with the galvanized coupling. For one of our candlesticks we topped a straight coupling with an inverted flange. (If you want a more secure fit for this one, use Household Goop, also available at Home Depot. It takes about 20 minutes to set.)

TALLER STICKS:

A galvanized floor flange for the base (we used one 1/2-inch, one 1-inch).

A galvanized nipple for the middle (one of ours is 1 inch by 8 inches; the other is 1/2 inch by 10 inches).

A galvanized coupling for the top. (We used a 1/2-inch straight coupling and a 1-inch reducing coupling.)

How to: Screw together the flange, nipple and coupling.

Again, you can select flanges, nipples and couplings in the lengths and combinations of your choice to get the look you want.

Note that these candlesticks are hollow. You may want to set them on a protective surface when you light the candles.

Picture frames

A switch plate, an L-bracket, a couple of screws and cardboard are all it takes to assemble one of these picture frames.

Stainless steel light switch plate or outlet cover in the size and shape of your choice. We used a single rocker switch plate, a double rocker switch plate, a single outlet cover and a four-hole duplex plate. Price range: $1.17 to $2.25.

One 2-inch L-bracket for each frame (find these near handles, hooks and drawer pulls). Price: $6.68 for a four-pack.

Two 1/2-inch flathead screws (these come in the package with the switch plates or outlet covers).

3M Heavy Duty Attachment Adhesive ($2.98).

Cardboard cut to fit the inside of the switch plate.

How to: Trim the picture to fit the inside of the switch plate.

Place the cardboard behind the picture.

Use a craft knife or awl to poke a starter hole through the picture and cardboard where the screws will go, then screw the switch plate into the cardboard.

Attach the L-bracket using the two-sided attachment adhesive. Place it about a half-inch above the bottom of the plate so the plate will lean back at an angle.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright