Instead of Tossing Scrap Copper Pipe, I Turn It Into a Dresser-Top Jewelry Stand
No matter how much drawer space my wife has, her jewelry always seems to end up scattered. Necklaces tangle, bracelets pile up, and delicate pieces get buried fast. Instead of buying another organizer, I used scrap copper pipe to make a simple jewelry stand that sits on her dresser and keeps everything visible and easy to reach.
What I like about this project is how flexible it is. I can build a clean, single T-shaped stand for a more minimal setup, or add multiple tiers when she needs more hanging space. The materials are basic, the structure is sturdy, and the finished stand looks intentional rather than like a temporary solution.
What I Use
- 8 ft copper pipe, 1/2-inch diameter
- 1/2-inch T pipe fittings (three-way connectors)
- Handheld pipe cutter
- Drill
- 1/2-inch drill bit
- Solid wood block
- Paint, stain, or clear lacquer (optional)
- Super glue
How I Start the Base
I begin with the wood block since it determines the stability of the whole stand. I drill a hole straight down into the center of the block, about halfway through. This hole holds the vertical copper pipe and keeps the stand upright.
Once the hole is drilled, I finish the block if needed. Sometimes I leave it natural with a clear lacquer so the wood grain shows. Other times I paint it a solid color if I want the stand to stand out on the dresser. This step is optional, but it helps the base feel finished.
How I Build the Copper “Tree”
Before cutting anything, I decide how tall and wide I want the stand to be. I always measure the dresser space first so the stand doesn’t overwhelm the surface.
I cut the copper pipe into sections using a handheld pipe cutter. For a basic version, I create a single T shape using one three-way fitting and two horizontal arms. For larger stands, I stack multiple T fittings to create tiers, spacing them with short or long pipe sections depending on how much room I want between layers.
I dry-fit everything first. This lets me adjust proportions before committing. If something feels too wide or too tall, I trim the pipe slightly. Cutting shorter is easy. Making it longer is not.
Securing the Stand
Once the structure looks right, I insert the bottom pipe into the drilled hole in the wood block. It should fit snugly. If there’s any movement, I add a small amount of super glue inside the hole to lock it in place.
The copper fittings usually hold well on their own, but I’ll glue joints if I want the stand to stay fixed instead of rotating.
How I Use It
I hang her necklaces on the top tier and use the lower arms for bracelets, leaving enough space between pieces so nothing overlaps. When she needs more room, I rotate the arms slightly to add depth instead of stacking jewelry on top of itself.
The finished stand keeps everything visible, untangled, and easy for her to grab. It reads more like a small sculptural object than a storage solution, which is why it works on a dresser without feeling utilitarian.
Instead of tossing leftover copper pipe, this project turns it into something practical and lasting. It solves a daily problem, uses materials I already have, and adds structure without adding clutter.