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DIY PVC Backdrop Stand

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Are you looking for a functional backdrop that’s easy and inexpensive to make? I’m sharing how to create your own PVC Backdrop Stand that has unlimited uses and will cost you about $30!

PVC backdrop stand with sheer curtain and floral garland draped along the top in empty room.

I love throwing parties!

A few years ago, some of my friends and I were planning a dance party and I wanted a cute backdrop we could use for couple photos.

I went to the internet and found exactly what I needed:

A DIY PVC backdrop stand.

It was quick, inexpensive, and easy to make.

I’ve used this backdrop stand for numerous parties over the years and it really elevates the decor. I love that I have something to hang a garland or wreath on and is more interesting to look at than a blank wall.

I finally decided it was time to put together a tutorial so you can make your own backdrop stand!

Materials Needed

As the name indicates, all you’ll need is PVC materials to create this DIY backdrop:

How To Make The PVC Backdrop Stand

DIY PVC pipe stand with sheer curtain.

Difficulty: Beginner

Time: 10 minutes (plus time spent purchasing and cutting pipe)

1. Purchase and cut supplies

First, you’ll need to head to your local hardware store to purchase the supplies.

Set up your work area so you can make the cuts in the pipe. You’ll need:

  • 4 – 12 inch pieces
  • 4 – 36 inch pieces
  • 2 – 60 inch pieces

Carefully mark and cut the pipe with the PVC cutter. You’ll have about 48 inches leftover that you can use in case you make a mistake or toss out.

2. Organize the pieces

Several PVC pieces on floor with various sizes and connectors.

The first time you set up the backdrop, you’ll want everything to be organized. Place the pieces together by size so you easily grab the correct pipe.

3. Assemble

PVC stand foot consisting of two pieces, end caps, and tee fitting.

First, put the feet together by joining 2 of the 12-inch pieces with 1 of the tee fittings. Repeat this for the other foot.

Second, attach 1 of the 36-inch pieces to each foot’s top.

Then add the remaining tee fittings onto the top of the 36-inch pieces.

Side of PVC stand shows tee fitting and middle support.

Attach the remaining 36 pieces to the top of the tee fittings and you should have two tall edge pieces.

Place one of the 60-inch pieces in the open space in the middle tee fittings to join the two edge pieces together. This will be the middle support.

PVC backdrop stand with curtain pulled back to reveal middles support.

Last, you’ll place the elbow fittings on the top of the edges and place the last 60-inch piece into place.

PVC elbow joint connecting two pieces of DIY backdrop.

4. Decorate

White and pink balloon garland and gold balloon banner attached to DIY PVC backdrop.

Once it’s all assembled, you can decorate your PVC backdrop stand for your party!

Quick Tips

This is really one of the easiest backdrops to put together, but there are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make the assembly process smoother.

  1. It’s easier if you have two people to hold each end steady as you put the middle pieces into place. You can do it by yourself, but it requires a lot of balance. If you do have to put it together by yourself, try to lean it on a table while you’re attaching the middle pieces.
  2. Make sure you twist the wording on the PVC pipe around so no one at the party can see it!
  3. The measurements I provided are just one way to build this stand. If you don’t want the middle piece to be so high, you can cut different dimensions so the support is more toward the bottom.
  4. If you’re going to place the backdrop behind a table and against a wall (which is what I do 50% of the time), you won’t need to use the feet. The table will hold the backdrop in place and the feet may just get in the way of the table legs.

Ways To Style A PVC Backdrop Stand

The possibilities for decorating this PVC pipe backdrop are endless! I usually use 2 simple sheer curtains that I taped with fabric tape and add a balloon garland, but here are several other ideas:

  • Spray paint it gold and drape with fabric and a floral garland
  • Hang colored fabric
  • Hang sequined fabric
  • Drape a balloon garland
  • Tie hanging flowers from the top piece
  • Use a wreath hanger to hand a wreath
  • Tie long fabric and ribbon pieces to the top piece
  • Tape several crepe paper pieces to the top

FAQS

How do you properly store this backdrop?


The best part about this backdrop is how easily it stores! I just disassemble everything and roll the fabric piece and store it in one of my closets. All of the pipes are so small that they don’t take up a lot of space.

How can I make this if I don’t have a PVC pipe cutter?


Here’s a little secret: most home improvement stores will cut the PVC pipe for you if you ask nicely! I didn’t even purchase a PVC cutter to make this. Going this route will usually ensure you get the proper measurements as well. The only downside is you may have to flag down an employee to help you make the cuts.

More Party Essentials

Besides this DIY backdrop, I’ve also invested in some party supplies that make it easy to save money with every party I throw and they make things look a little more elegant.

Here are a few of my favorite party essentials:

Want More?

If you liked this post be sure to check out the full party details from the photos that I featured:

Pinterest graphic with text and photo of PVC pipe backdrop with sheer curtain and floral garland.

Susan Harrison

Thursday 15th of September 2022

Can a boxwood hedge backdrop be placed on this or is it too heavy?

Jessica Ashcroft

Thursday 15th of September 2022

Hi Susan. I'd give it a try! I've never hung anything heavier than a wreath on the backdrop, but it's pretty sturdy once everything is put together.