Which tube size to choose for your industrial style decorating project - 1/2″ - 3/4″ - 1″
The tube size to choose depends on several factors to be taken into account when designing your industrial-style decorating project.
Here are a few factors:
- Thickness of wooden boards or panels
- The overall dimension of your project
- Size of certain elements that may alter the proportions, such as the bulbs used or a large enamelled industrial lampshade
All our steel plumbing tubes are stronger and more robust than standard construction tubes, because they are thicker and therefore more rigid.
For example, for our 1/2″ and 3/4″ tubes, the thickness is 2.6mm compared with 2mm for standard construction tubes.
Here are some tips to best determine the right size choice between 1/2″, 3/4″ or 1″.
Please note that the female fittings used with the pipes will have an extra +- 4mm diameter so that the tube can be screwed into them.
Size versus diameter (Inch in millimeter)
- 1/2″ = 21.3mm comparable to a 21.25mm €5 coin
- 3/4″ = 26.9mm comparable to a €2 coin of 25.75mm.
- 1″ = 33.7mm comparable to a 38mm tea light.
3/4″ size for large industrial wall shelf
For a large multi-level wall shelf, we recommend the 3/4″ size, which corresponds to a diameter of 26.9mm, which is close to the diameter of a 2€ coin.
This size of pipe can be combined with wooden shelves or boards of at least 22mm in order to have a good proportion between the thickness of the wood and the diameter of the structure's pipes.
1/2″ size for small industrial wall shelf
For a small, multi-level wall shelf, we recommend the 1/2″ size, which corresponds to a diameter of 21.3mm, close to the diameter of a 5-cent coin.
This size of pipe can be combined with wooden shelves or boards of at least 18mm, again for a good proportion between wood thickness and pipe diameter.
3/4″ size for large industrial-style deco wall sconce.
Large industrial-style deco wall sconces fitted with several T30 or Edison ST64 tubular bulbs are very popular. We recommend the use of 3/4″ size as the dimension of the structure is generally very large. The size and number of bulbs, such as tubular T30 or Edison ST64 type bulbs, also play a role in achieving the right proportion.
Size 1/2″ for small wall sconce and industrial-style deco suspension.
Whether for a small pendant or wall light, we recommend a 1/2″ fitting and tube size, as the overall size of the luminaire will be limited, and the visual aspect of the proportions will be more pleasing to the eye.
Size 1″ or 3/4″ for indus style handrail
To make a handrail you have the option of using the 1″ or 3/4″ size. The diameter of the 1″ size can be compared to the diameter of a small tea light.
The choice between 1″ or 3/4″ depends more on your aesthetic preference. If you prefer the handrail to be more imposing or less imposing depending on the size of your staircase.
Size 1″ or 3/4″ for industrial style deco table legs.
For table legs, we recommend a tube and fitting size of 1″. But you can also use a 3/4″ size. For a standard height of 700mm (70cm) to 900mm (90cm) 1″ tubes will be stiffer than 3/4″.
Size 1/2″ or 3/4″ for industrial-style bodyguard
When making a bodyguard, we recommend a fitting and tube size of 3/4″. It is also possible to use a 1/2″ size - this will depend mainly on the design.
Generally it's best to use the 3/4″ size for good rigidity.
Size 1/2″ or 3/4″ for wearing industrial-style deco clothing
As a general rule for a clothes rack the recommended size is 3/4″, as it's possible to have rod lengths of up to 1m50 that can support a lot of weight.
On the other hand, for a small clothes rack such as a simple wall-mounted bar we recommend the 1/2″ size.
Need for inspiration
Take a look at our Industrial decorating inspiration page.