A few years ago, the Vice President of Special Projects built my first free-standing party backdrop from PVC pipe. You can see it in use in my Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Party. This system — sometimes called a pipe and drape system — is terrific because it allows you to put a backdrop anywhere you need it. I used it again in a different configuration for my Snow Cone Stand, and today I’m sharing my tricks for how to build to party backdrop from PVC pipe.
If you need a party backdrop that is:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Re-configurable
- Inexpensive …
then you must try this PVC pipe system!
PVC Pipe & Drape System Supplies
- 1-inch x 4-foot PVC pipe – 4
- 1″ T-connectors – 6
- 1″ elbow connectors – 2
- Miter box and saw
Optional Supplies
- 2-inch x 3-foot PVC pipe – 2
- 2-inch x 4-foot PVC pipe – 1
- 2″ T-connectors – 2
- 2″ elbow connectors – 2
Decide …
Decide on the scale of your PVC pipe scaffolding. The pipe comes in 4-foot sections and 10-foot sections. My standard set-up is 3.5 feet wide, which means the VP had to trim the 4-foot sections with a miter saw. That’s actually pretty easy. The miter saw helps you cut a straight line.
Honestly, it would be easier to make it 4 feet wide and avoid some pipe cutting, so that’s how I’ve written these tutorials. (If you need a backdrop that’s wider than four feet, you may want to insert vertical supports in the center to give the backdrop more stability.)
Decide if your backdrop needs to be free-standing or will lean against a wall. Either way, your frame will be the same. However, you’ll create a different base.
Build the Frame: Freestanding Version
This version is good for a narrow space when you can brace the backdrop with something like a dessert table. This will give you a backdrop that is roughly 4-foot x 6-foot.
- Trim your pipe to size using the miter box and saw. We used four 4-foot pipes for the horizontal sections and eight 1.5-foot pipes for the vertical sections.
- Start at the bottom with two 1.5-foot sections. Add a T-connector to each 1.5-foot section by twisting until you have a firm connection.
- Now, add a 4-foot section horizontally between the two T-connectors.
- Add two more 1.5-foot sections in the T-connections and another 4-foot section.
- Add two more 1.5-foot sections in the T-connections and your third 4-foot section.
- Add two more 1.5-foot sections in the T-connections. Top those with the two elbow connectors and add your final 4-foot section. If you want to hang a drape from the top horizontal pipe, obviously slide the drape onto the pipe before you twist the 4-foot pipe into the elbow connectors.
Tip: In the photo with the purple polka dot backdrop, I selected a curtain at WalMart and hung it upside down from the bottom hem. (The top hem is meant for a standard curtain rod and is too narrow for the 1 inch pipe.) You also could use 45 or 54 inch fabric, drape it over the top pipe, and safety pin it to itself by wrapping it up and around the second pipe from the top.
Build the Frame: Back Brace Version
This version is what I built for our snow cone stand. It is probably the most stable base design, but the upright section is not as strong because there is only one cross-support. It also requires the most space and you will need the optional supplies. This will give you a backdrop that is roughly 4-foot x 5.5-foot, but of course you can add an additional 1.5-foot vertical section for a taller backdrop.
- Trim your pipe to size using the miter box and saw. We used two 1.5-foot pipes for the vertical sections.
- Start at the bottom with the 2-inch x 4-foot pipe, laying it on the ground to be the back of the base. Add elbow connectors on either end.
- In the elbow connectors, add the 2-inch x 3-foot pipe. Now you should have a lowercase “n” shape.
- Add two 2-inch T-connectors to the two 3-foot pipes.
- Now, add two, 1-inch x 4-foot sections upright in the two T-connectors. Top these with two more T-connectors. Turn these connectors to the back, which I forgot to do. (So sad!)
- Add two 1.5-foot sections in the T-connectors. Top these with two elbow connectors.
- Add the top 4-foot section in between the elbow connectors.
Build the Frame: Feet-Brace Version
You may want to try this style if you need a free-standing frame but don’t have the space for the back-brace version. This style allows you tuck the front feet under your dessert table, so they are hidden while providing you stability. This will give you a backdrop that is roughtly 4-foot x 5.5-foot.
- Trim your pipe to size using the miter box and saw. We used four 4-foot pipes for the horizontal sections and eight 1.5-foot pipes for the vertical sections.
- Start at the bottom with two T-connectors. Add two, 1.5-foot pipes to each T-connector.
- Now, add a 4-foot section vertically to each T-connector. Top each 4-foot section with another T-connector.
- Add a 4-foot section horizontally between the T-connectors.
- Add two more 1.5-foot sections in the T-connections. Top each with an elbow connectors and add your final 4-foot section.
great idea!!! 🙂
Thanks, Laura! If you try this for a party, I’d love to see photos.
for sure!
Hello! I want to build the last model, and I just wondering if I can amplify the size and if this is strong enough to hang a balloon arch. Thank you!
Hi Jennifer,
I like the idea of the backdrop! What size storage container do you store the parts in? And you are able to change the configuration with only the parts in the container? Very clever idea!! I might have to use this!
Hi Ty – My container is 23″ x 15″. I think you can see it in one of the photos. The really long (4′ sections) don’t fit in the container. Those, I just lean in a corner of my party storage/studio space. When I transport them, my husband wraps them with a bungee cord so that don’t roll all over the van. Yes, I can create all three versions with just the parts in the container + the long sections. Hope that helps!
Hi Jennifer!
So I went to The Home Depot (THD) and bought some pvc pipe and a container (same size as yours). The guy cut them to the specifications you mentioned, but they don’t fit in the container! Is it possible the pipe is cut to about to about 21.5″? It looks like I am going to have to go back to THD for more pipe because it appears your box has about 8 short pieces… Can you confirm for me? Thank you in advance!!!
Hi Ty –
This tutorial has instructions for several different styles of PVC pipe backdrops, so I’m not sure which style you made. All my dimensions were in even numbers (no .5 inches). You can make the lengths whatever size you like to fit your needs and your container. As you can see, my longest lengths don’t fit in the box. If I were you, I might build my backdrop, see if I like the dimensions, and if so, buy a different container.
Hope that helps a little!
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer!
I opted for the 1″ pvc piping. I bought two 10′ pipes and had THD guy to cut it for me (4′, 4′, and 2′). I realized the 4′ pieces would not fit, but I had expected the smaller pieces and the connectors to fit! But when I went to put them in the box, they didn’t fit in like yours because the container was too short. But that is okay! I was once a girl scout leader, so I know how to adjust! 🙂
I happened to have a container (about 36′ long) that was slightly longer, so all the smaller pieces to fit in something! I probably will not cut anymore because each cut warrant more connectors and I am afraid it may make the backdrop less sturdy. At any rate, I believe I am set!
My first use will be later this month as I am participating in career day at my old high school! Would love to send a pic of the finished product!
Thank you again for your vision and help! Blessings to you!
I’d love to see your pics! Excited that it is working out for you!
Hi morning I would like some help I will be getting married in couple me and my fiancee Scott ave a lot of money so we r taking our time planing our wedding my concern I want to ask of u is how to make the back drop where we will be sitting all so the lace where the venue will be it’s a recreational place how ever I would like to dress it will sheer cloth an balloon pls give me ur option on that thank you.
Thanks for offering the complimentary party planning sheet! Really appreciate it.
So glad you like it, Kay! Thanks for letting me know.
If you wanted to build a much longer version of this (say 80 to 100 feet) would you just replace the curved corner brackets with a 3-way “T” bracket? That seems easiest to add in the pipe to support the length while allowing you to go a longer distance. Then you could use the curved corner brackets only on the end. Am I thinking about the set up correctly?
Thanks so much!
Jessica