The Gathered Home

A Blog about Finding and Making

DIY Copper Pipe Icosahedron Light Fixture

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Several months ago I found an amazing light fixture online and fell head over heels in love with it. It sparked a spinoff DIY idea that knocked my socks off, but I kept it under my hat for a while. I nursed the idea for a few months, plotting carefully, working up the courage to attempt it…

I’ve once or twice claimed to be a “fearless DIYer”, but that’s not actually how I see myself. If anything, I’m somewhat of a fearful DIYer. My creative side is restricted by my perfectionist side. I’m often intimidated by the processes/tools/skills required to make my ideas a reality, so I put them off or write them off. I don’t just dive in and hope for the best – I have best-case, worst-case, and zombie apocalypse scenarios worked out beforehand.

But deep inside, I knew I could figure out a way to make my dream light fixture come to life…

So fears be damned, I sat down and did some freaking geometry.

And, well, this happened…

DIY Copper Pipe Icosahedron Light Fixture

My light fixture: $50…

Inspiration light fixture: $2111: The Block 2 light, designed by Henry Pilcher.

I’m going to take you on a step by step… journey… of how I built this icosahedron light fixture. Tutorial just doesn’t seem to cover the epic scale of this endeavor. Tutorial feels a little too middle school, while I’m going for a lot more middle earth with this whole “journey” metaphor. Come be the Samwise Gamgee to my Frodo on this adventure? (And yes, I’ve been rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy lately. Extended editions. Your point?)

We begin by facing our deadliest foe yet…

Step 1. Math.

Remember when I said “I sat down and did some freaking geometry”? Like I’m all bad/tough yet good at math? Truthfully, I had a little help with the geometry. To say it is not my strong suit would be an understatement. I’m just impressed that I managed to figure out that my inspiration light fixture was 20-sided, composed of equilateral triangles, and called an “icosahedron.” After that, I needed to borrow Bryan’s brain.

I began by tracing the base of my light fixture. I knew that I needed to fit the circle inside a pentagon (see this diagram to help you visualize how an icosahedron fits together), so we divided our circle into 5 sections with a protractor (72 degrees/section). Bryan helped me figure out that 7.5” sides for the pentagon (and hence, for the entire icosahedron) was a close enough number while giving me an easy length to cut. In retrospect, once assembled, the entire icosahedron came out a little large for the Ikea pendant light, so I probably could have shaved the sides down to 7.25” or so.

This seems so simple now, but I assure you, trying to wrap my mind around the circle-within-a-pentagon and pentagon-to-icosahedron was quite the headache. Grr. Maths!

Step 2. Spray paint.

The 10” Foto lights from Ikea come in silver, green, red and beige, but I wanted/needed black, so I taped around the wire and did a few coats of glossy black spray paint*.

*denotes affiliate link: shop from your sofa and contribute a few pennies to The Gathered Home – win-win!

Step 3. Cut the pipe.

An icosahedron has 30 equilateral edges, so I needed to cut my copper pipe into thirty 7.5” pieces. A 10’ pipe will give you sixteen 7.5” pieces (plus 1/2” to 1” extra, I discovered, as they aren’t exactly 10 feet), which is why I needed to purchase two 10’ pieces. If a 10’ pipe is too long for you to safely transport home, and it very nearly was for me even in the bed of my truck, you could always cut the pipes in half at the 5’ mark before loading them into your vehicle, using one of these:

Although cutting all thirty pieces was a little tedious, this small copper pipe cutter worked just fine. First, I made dots at the 7.5” mark all around the diameter of the pipe with a sharpie.

Then I lined the blade in the pipe cutter up with the sharpie marks, tightened it, and laid it on its back on a flat surface. I found it easiest to rotate the pipe against the cutter, rather than vice versa. Otherwise, my hand began to seriously cramp. After you turn the pipe to score it, you tighten the wheel on the top of the cutter, the blade scores a little deeper into the pipe, and a few turns later, the two pieces separate – easy peasy! I also put on a pair of work gloves right after this, because my hands began slipping & burning on the pipe after a little while. So, pro-tip: wear gloves.

All in all, the cutting process took a little over an hour with the majority of the time spent measuring and marking my cuts.

Step 4. Clean the pipe.

Once all 30 pieces were cut, I used some very fine 0000 grade steel wool to remove the red ink markings from the copper pipe. It worked like a charm – fresh, shiny, pure copper pieces ready for assembly. 15 minutes.

Step 5. Assembly.

This is the most detailed step, and the one for which I have the least amount of advice and helpful photos. I began with three copper pieces and as long a piece of copper wire as I could manage.

After I made one complete equilateral triangle, I kept adding triangles using one of the existing pieces as a side. (You might find this YouTube video helpful). While I wish I could be more informative, I’ll repeat that I do not have a geometrically inclined mind, so I had a hard time visualizing what exactly I was doing. I just kept in mind that each “point” of the icosahedron had five edges running into it, and the shape really did build itself. It was amazing watching it become 3D beneath my fingers. Gotta love that math!

When I ran short on wire, I twisted it off at an edge of one of the pipes and attached a new piece, tucking the edges inside the pipe. 50’ of copper wire was just enough for me to complete the icosahedron  (with literally only inches remaining), but that is partly because I had a false start and cut my wire too short at first, leading to some loss.

Before closing up the icosahedron entirely, I made sure to fit my light fixture inside. I didn’t do this at first, but you will want to run the wire for the light fixture through the center of one of the points of the icosahedron, and then close it up around it. I forgot to do this at first, so I had to open up one of the points after the fact and re-thread my wire.

Step 6. Hang it.

I mounted a plant hanging bracket on the wall up by the ceiling (with heavy duty toggle bolts – this light fixture isn’t a featherweight). My initial plan was to hang the light fixture with its own cord by looping it over the bracket, however I ended up using a piece of black rope (a shoelace, in fact) to remove the strain from the cord. This allowed me to position the lamp within the icosahedron exactly where I wanted it – I could separately control the height of the icosahedron and the height of the lamp. (In the photo below, see how it hangs down a little ways into the icosahedron?)

DIY Copper Pipe Icosahedron Pendant Light | www.thegatheredhome.com #tutorial #geometric
 
DIY-Copper-Pipe-Icosahedron-Light-Fixture-4

The purpose/destination of this light fixture? Task lighting over my side of our DIY Ikea hack double desk!

As you can see, I ran the cord down the corner of the wall to the outlet. (FYI, the Foto light has a plug on the other end of its decently lengthy cord). It may not make a whole lot of sense just yet in the context of the room, but we have these amazing reclaimed wood shelves that are going up across the other 2/3 of the desk, so this light is centered between the corner and where the shelves will start. With the slanted ceiling, this is the best placement for everything.

It’s perfectly easy to reach through the copper pieces to screw/unscrew a light bulb. I can’t decide if I love this light more on or off…

DIY Copper Pipe Icosahedron Light Fixture

And that is the incredibly long-winded tale of how I faced my fears, fought my polyhedron-shaped demons, and built one kickass copper light fixture. The End.

Brynne

Comments

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      Thank you Kerri! The geometry was the biggest hurdle for the whole project. And I really do just sit and stare at it 😉 I guess I'll finally get some work done when the newness wears off a bit!

  6. Hearts n Sharts says

    Dude. You're a badass. I have to say, I did feel the same way about not being picked. I even considered changing the name of the blog – I was in a glass case of emotion. A little happy tear came to my eye when I saw what you had done. I am so very proud of you and, although I am not a hugger, I WILL hug you at Haven for this… for the math, for the amazing light and, most of all, for the inspiration to never give up.

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      Hey – your comment made my day! I'm not much of a hugger either, but I will LET you hug me at Haven & maybe even hug back a little (a lot) 😉
      You ROCK and I love your blog! Your DIY projects always floor me – keep it up, Dena!

  7. Trisha D says

    I totally agree with Julia! Your project totally belongs among the CWTS! I would have totally voted for yours, since oddly enough I voted for the chandelier one!!

    I cannot wait to see the next piece of your office, to say I'm jealous is an understatement :p

  9. Megan Poletti says

    This is juuuuuust AMAZING. Brynne, you have some serious talent and imagination. You just make me want to get my hands dirty DIYing anything and everything.

  10. Sammi @ Every Home is a Castle says

    Brynne I am in awe. This is one incredible DIY!! I was excited by the tweet preview but this has surpassed my expectations. I am absolutely too intimidated to try this myself but it's exceptional and would absolutely get my vote!

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      Thank you Sammi! It was killing me not to post a million "sneak peeks" but, you know, that would defeat the purpose of a sneak peek, lol. I'm so glad you love it! And you absolutely could do this!

  11. Amber Wills says

    This is so amazing and beautiful! I absolutely love it. You did an incredible job with your geometry and the fixture! 😉 Hugs friend!

  12. Ashley Mayes says

    Love this! At least you had the COURAGE to enter the contest….I couldn't even muster that off. Seriously a great project Brynne! Pinning!

  18. Alexis Middleton says

    Not only are you a super talented DIYer, but you are so funny too. I love reading your posts! Aaaand, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be selected for CWTS so I wasn't too bummed, but now that I've seen the round 1 projects, I am relieved. Holy Moly… But this amazing light could have definitely been a contender! You are a total star, in my opinion.

  19. Katie Nathey says

    This is so incredibly amazing that my jaw dropped while I was reading this and staring at those stunning photos. By the way I had the same reaction to the first round of CWTS so you're a winner in my book 🙂 And it looks freakin' perfect in your office that I'm super jealous of. Pinned! I'd love it if you shared this over at The Makers Link Party!

  20. Amy Lee Scott says

    Brynne, this is seriously fabulous (even if math was involved :)! I wish I had a math class in my youth that made me appreciate how handy actual math would be to know in the future, like when I need to build this lovely icosahedron light!

    Amy | Club Narwhal

  26. GnomeLover says

    That lamp is amazing. You should be so proud of it! If I had room for it, I would totally make it.

    I was having a really rough time at the beginning of March. I seriously considered shutting down my blog. And every time I enter a weekly writing challenge and don't make it to The Freshly Pressed section, I die a little inside. And then I vow never to enter again. But I do. I entered another contest awhile back that I had my heart set on (is it sad that I cannot for the life of me remember what it was?!). That dream was crushed, too. But as we step on all of our crushed dreams, it just means we are getting closer to the top of the mountain.

    If they have that show on again, I am sure you will get picked. Don't give up!

    Jenni

  30. i might be Amy says

    This light is amazing. Thank you so much for baring your wounds and sharing your tutorial – I showed it to my husband immediately (we are in the process of re-doing our second home) and he said "I LOVE IT! Let's make it."

  32. The Projectory says

    I've been eyeing up a similar lamp for my dining room renovation that's just a little too expensive. This is exactly the tutorial I need, thank you!

  34. Jen says

    Although you make it look easy, I know I could never make this – it's too perfect! The copper looks stunning against your dark grey walls and I love the industrial feel of the fixture. I can't believe they didn't pick you!

  37. VintageBeachgirl says

    WOW, that's a brilliantly beautiful light fixture!!! You are so clever!
    What a smart looking piece, I t would win any DIY contest I would judge, hands down. A fabulous idea, excellently executed with a professional, fabulous result, you should be so proud. Your process is easy to follow because you and your Mr have done all the hard work for us, (thank goodness, bc math is not my friend either, you're not alone there). Thank you so much for sharing this, I saw it on Knock Off Decor and HAD to have a look, this is so well done it looks like it came from a lighting design firm's shop. I can't wait to show the photo to my son-in-law who owns a lighting design firm, I think he'll love it as well and will probably have one in their home or his office shortly! Thank you so much for sharing this great project! This is my first visit to your blog but I'll definitely be looking at all of your other projects.

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      VintageBeachgirl, thank you for leaving one of the nicest comments I've ever received! I hope your son-in-law does make one and that you'll send me pictures – I would love to absolutely love to see them! I'm so glad you stopped by today! 🙂

  40. Kianna K says

    I love this! I want to make it for my entry way so I need to make sure it would clear the top of the door.. how tall is just the copper part of this put together? Thank you!

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      Hi Kianna! I apologize this isn't as prompt as I would have wished! The copper icosahedron shape is approximately 17" tall (from the point on the bottom to the point on the top). I hope this helps!

  42. 11a3540a-3220-11e4-8318-8b67a7cc34ad says

    Brynne, this is absolutely fantastic. I love it so much that it is the first thing I'm making for my new home. I've bought the pendant and pipe, but wasn't sure what diameter of copper wire you'd recommend. Do you remember the width you used – and has it proved strong enough?

    I had a thought whilst sourcing the piping – have you ever consider making one out of chrome plated copper pipe? I might try that at some point.

    Thanks for these brilliant instructions!

    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      Thank you so much!
      The copper wire I used was 18 gauge and has definitely proved sturdy enough – I wouldn't go any thinner though. And no – I hadn't even heard of chrome plated copper pipe before, but that sounds like a wonderful idea!

  44. Judi says

    Hi there

    I have just found your FABULOUS light fixture tutorial and REALLY want to make one for myself, but before I get started, please can you tell me how big the finished fixture is, i.e., height, width and depth, then I can figure out if I need to cut my pipe bigger or not?

    Thanks SO much for sharing this AMAZING tutorial.

    Judi in the UK

    • Brynne says

      Hi Judi!

      The finished fixture is 17" tall and around 14" wide in the center at it's widest. I'm so glad you're going to make one! I would absolutely love to see pictures of the finished project if you'd like to send them my way 🙂

  45. Ruthie says

    I love this light! So creative and unique! I love you you’ve made so many “upgrades” to IKEA lights! I love redoing IKEA furniture etc! Thanks for the inspiration!

  47. Joshua Sasmor says

    When I was in grade school, many decades ago, there was a book, called “Straw Polyhedra” that made most of these shapes out of drinking straws. I found it online at http://www.enasco.com/product/TB15950T, and now thAt I tech math, I use it in class. The book includes assembly instructions for most of these shapes, so you can make a whole collection! This was a neat project!

  48. Bruce Rawles says

    Neat article; thanks! I’ll feature this in my next monthly bulletin. I built (with help from a machinist friend) a dodecahedron hanging lamp a few decades ago which I still have and need to restore and resurrect (with new translucent panels for the 12 faces. The icosa design has the advantage of looking ‘nicer’ with one vertex at the top, so the frame doesn’t really require much interaction with the chosen lamp itself unlike the dodeca design which seems to look nicer with 2 faces parallel to the ground.

  49. Miguel Altés says

    Excellent job, thanks for sharing it.
    Sometimes i work with cooper (I´m a modeller) and i’m always impressed by the beauty of such a material. However i have discover that, if you want to keep it shiny, the best way is to apply a coat of any clear lacquer, it could be gloss or semi-gloss or matte finish.

  50. Coralie says

    I love the look of this light, especially as a Dungeons & Dragons geek – the main dice used in the game are d20s, which are icosahedrons! Definitely tucking this away in my bookmarks for when I have a home where I’m allowed to screw brackets to the ceiling to support something like this, I can see it being awesome over a games table (which, OK, will probably actually be the dinner table – this light is more than classy enough to work for that too)

    • Brynne says

      Oh, how perfect! It took me forever to figure out what a 20-sided shape made up of triangles was called! It turns out I just needed to brush up on my game knowledge 🙂 So glad you like the tutorial!

  51. bekah says

    This is beautiful! I was wondering two things:
    1. Can you make the wire of the pendent shorter? I have SUPER low ceilings!
    2. Does this produce a good amount of light?

    • Brynne says

      Thank you so much! The IKEA pendant light I used had a very long cord with a plug at the end – so you can hang it as high or low as you’d like from a hook in the ceiling or wall. The pendant light uses a maximum 40watt bulb and directs the light downwards, so it would be good for a task light or over a table, but not so great for lighting an entire room, although you could use a simple light bulb kit (like this: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00263708/) to hang a bare light bulb inside the copper shape, which would shed a lot more light.

      All the best,
      ~ Brynne

  53. Jade says

    So cool! I’m curious– what is the total width/height of the entire icosahedron? I’m wanting to do something thinner to copy this: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/162481499035328484/

    And I’m hoping to make it about 18″ wide/tall. I’m not sure how to figure out how long each side of the triangle needs to be to give that total scale. Since yours are 7.5″ each, knowing the total scale could help me figure the ratio!

    Thanks 🙂

  54. Ariel says

    Can we talk about that paint colour?! Holy amazing!
    I do have to say, the best projects come from inspiration on the internet and not wanting to pay full price. Love the project!

  55. Mary T says

    OMG! YOU are a genius!! This is so so cool! I am going to try to make one! Thank you Thank you for sharing it!!

    Mary T

  56. Mitchel says

    Awesome idea, took it and tweaked it a bit into 2 lamps. Looks great now!
    Would love to send the finished result but i cant post pics here i think.

    • Brynne says

      That sounds awesome! I’m so glad you were able to use this as a springboard for your project! My site doesn’t have a way to share photos in the comments, but you are welcome to email me (thegatheredhomeATgmailDOTcom) or you can share a link to somewhere you’ve posted a photo (like Facebook, Instagram, imgur, flickr, etc.).