Pipe and Drape Rental Guide

What Is Pipe and Drape?

Pipe and drape is a portable backdrop system made from metal poles and fabric curtains. The poles connect together to create a frame. Fabric drapes hang from the frame to create walls, backgrounds, or room dividers.

This system is popular because it's easy to set up and take down. You can move it from place to place. The drapes come in many colors and fabrics. You can make the backdrop any size you need.

How Pipe and Drape Systems Work

The system starts with weighted bases placed on the ground. Upright poles fit into these bases and stand vertically. Crossbars connect between the upright poles at the top. Fabric drapes slide onto these crossbars before you connect them to the uprights.

Most crossbars adjust from 6 to 10 feet wide. Upright poles come in different heights - usually 3 feet, 8 feet, 12 feet, or taller. You connect multiple sections together to cover large areas.

Popular Uses for Pipe and Drape Rental

Businesses, event planners, and individuals rent pipe and drape for many different purposes. Here are the most common uses:

Wedding Applications

Weddings use pipe and drape more than any other type of event. Couples rent these systems to make their venue look exactly how they want.

Common wedding uses include creating a beautiful backdrop behind the ceremony altar, framing the sweetheart table or head table at the reception, covering ugly walls or architectural features at the venue, building a dramatic entrance with flowing fabric, creating separate spaces within one large room, and hiding the band's equipment or catering supplies.

White, ivory, and sheer fabrics are most popular for weddings. Many couples add string lights behind sheer drapes for a romantic glow. The draping softens the look of tent weddings and transforms plain banquet halls into elegant spaces.

Trade Show and Convention Uses

Trade shows rely heavily on pipe and drape systems. Convention centers use these systems to divide large exhibition halls into individual vendor booths.

The standard trade show booth measures 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep. Most booths have an 8-foot tall back wall and 3-foot tall side walls. The short side walls separate your booth from the neighbor's booth while still allowing visitors to enter easily.

Black pipe and drape is the standard for trade shows. It provides a neutral backdrop that makes your products and signage stand out. Some vendors choose bright colors to catch attention or match their brand colors.

Pipe and Drape Rental Pricing

Rental companies charge for pipe and drape by the linear foot. This means you pay based on how many feet of draping you need, not the number of panels or sections.

Average Cost Per Linear Foot

Prices vary by location, fabric type, and drape height. Here's what you can expect to pay:

What Affects the Price?

Several factors change how much you pay for pipe and drape rental:

• Drape Height: Taller drapes cost more per linear foot than shorter ones
• Fabric Type: Basic polyester costs less than velour, velvet, or specialty fabrics
• Total Length: Renting more linear feet often reduces the per-foot price
• Rental Duration: Daily, weekly, or monthly rates affect the total cost
• Location: Urban areas typically charge more than rural locations
• Setup Service: Professional installation adds to the cost
• Delivery Distance: Farther locations mean higher delivery fees

Sample Pricing Scenarios

Let's look at real examples to understand total costs:

Additional Costs to Consider

The per-linear-foot price is just the base cost. Factor in these extra charges:

Service	Typical Cost	Notes
Delivery	$80 - $300	Based on distance and order size
Setup & Takedown	$100 - $500	Some companies include this free
After-Hours Service	$50 - $150 extra	For deliveries outside business hours
Premium Fabrics	+30% to +100%	Velvet, sequins, specialty materials
Lighting Addition	$50 - $300	Uplighting to enhance drape appearance

Fabric Types and Options

The fabric you choose dramatically changes the look of your pipe and drape setup. Different fabrics work better for different events.

Banjo Fabric

Banjo is the most economical option. This lightweight polyester fabric works great for trade shows and conventions. It costs less than other options but still looks professional.

Banjo drapes are easy to clean and maintain. They resist wrinkles well during transport and storage. The fabric blocks light completely, making it perfect for creating privacy or hiding unwanted areas.

Most rental companies stock banjo in black and white. These neutral colors work for almost any event. Black is standard for trade shows, while white is popular for weddings.

Premier Polyester

Premier polyester, also called poly premier, offers a step up from banjo. This faux linen fabric has a more elegant texture. It looks more expensive while still being affordable.

The fabric cleans easily, which is why rental companies love it. It's perfect for weddings and upscale events. Premier polyester comes in many colors beyond just black and white.

Velour and Velvet

Velour and velvet fabrics create the most luxurious look. These premium materials have a soft, plush texture that photographs beautifully. Light reflects off the fabric in interesting ways.

These fabrics cost significantly more to rent - often 50% to 100% more than basic options. They're heavier, which means they drape more beautifully but require sturdier hardware.

Choose velour or velvet for high-end weddings, galas, and events where appearance matters most. The rich texture adds elegance that basic fabrics cannot match.

Sheer and Voile

Sheer fabrics create a soft, romantic atmosphere. These semi-transparent materials allow light to filter through. They're perfect for creating dreamy wedding backdrops.

Many event designers layer sheer drapes in front of solid drapes. This creates depth and visual interest. Add lighting behind the sheer fabric for a glowing effect.

Sheer drapes need more fabric to look full. Plan for 2 to 3 times the width of the space you're covering. This extra gathering creates the flowing, romantic look that makes sheer fabrics special.

Specialty Fabrics

Some rental companies offer special fabric options:

• Sequin and Glitz: Sparkly fabrics that catch light, perfect for photo backdrops
• Satin: Shiny, smooth fabric that photographs well
• Chiffon: Ultra-light, flowing fabric for elegant events
• Blackout: Extra-thick fabric that blocks all light
• Fire-Retardant: IFR-rated fabrics required by some venues

How to Measure for Pipe and Drape

Accurate measurements ensure you rent the right amount of draping. Ordering too little means gaps in coverage. Ordering too much wastes money.

Measuring Linear Feet

Linear feet means the length of a straight line. If you want to cover a wall that's 40 feet long, you need 40 linear feet of drape.

Use a tape measure to find the length of each wall or area you want to cover. Write down each measurement. Add them all together to get your total linear feet needed.

Calculating for Trade Show Booths

Trade show booths use a standard formula. Most booths are 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep. A typical setup needs:

• 10 linear feet for the back wall (8 feet tall)
• 10 linear feet for each side divider (3 feet tall)

For a 10×10 booth, order 10 feet of 8-foot tall drape and 20 feet of 3-foot tall drape (if you need both side walls). If booths share walls, you can reduce the side wall requirement.

Choosing the Right Height

Drape height depends on your ceiling height and the look you want:

Ceiling Height	Recommended Drape Height	Best Use
7-9 feet	6-7 feet tall drape	Low-ceiling venues, intimate spaces
10-12 feet	8-10 feet tall drape	Standard venue, most common choice
13-16 feet	12 feet tall drape	High-ceiling ballrooms, dramatic look
17+ feet	14-20 feet tall drape	Convention centers, large venues

Leave at least 1-2 feet of space between the top of your drape and the ceiling. This looks better than drapes that touch or bunch against the ceiling.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Unpack and Organize - Lay out all bases, uprights, crossbars, and drapes. Count everything to make sure nothing is missing.
2. Position the Bases - Place weighted bases where each upright pole will stand. Space them according to your crossbar lengths (usually 6-10 feet apart).
3. Insert Upright Poles - Slide upright poles into the base sockets. Make sure they're secure and standing straight.
4. Thread Drapes onto Crossbars - Before connecting crossbars, slide the fabric panels onto them. The drapes have pockets at the top that the bar slides through.
5. Attach Crossbars - Connect crossbars between the upright poles. Most systems use pins or clamps to lock them in place.
6. Adjust and Level - Make sure all uprights are straight. Adjust drape spacing for even coverage and proper fullness.
7. Steam or Iron Drapes - Remove any wrinkles with a steamer. This final touch makes everything look professional.

Common Setup Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors that make pipe and drape look unprofessional:

Tools You Might Need

Most pipe and drape systems require no tools for basic assembly. However, these items make the job easier:

• Fabric steamer or iron to remove wrinkles
• Step ladder for reaching crossbars on tall setups
• Tape measure to verify spacing and heights
• Level to ensure uprights stand perfectly straight
• Gloves to protect hands when handling metal poles

Buying vs Renting Pipe and Drape

Should you rent or buy pipe and drape equipment? The answer depends on how often you need it.

When Renting Makes Sense

Renting is the smart choice for most people and businesses:

• You use draping only once or a few times per year
• You don't want to store large equipment
• You need different sizes or colors for different events
• Setup and delivery services are valuable to you
• You want access to premium fabrics without buying them
• Your events happen in different locations

When Buying Makes Sense

Consider purchasing if you meet these criteria:

• You use pipe and drape at least 10-15 times per year
• You have storage space for the equipment
• You use the same configuration repeatedly
• You're comfortable with setup and maintenance
• You want to eliminate ongoing rental costs

Purchase Cost Comparison

Buying pipe and drape requires significant upfront investment:

For someone who rents 40 linear feet twice per year at $6 per foot, it takes about 5-7 years to justify buying. But if you rent monthly, buying pays for itself in less than a year.

Color Selection Guide

Color choice impacts the entire mood and look of your event. Different colors serve different purposes.

Black Drapes

Black is the most popular choice for trade shows and corporate events. It provides a professional, neutral backdrop that makes displays and signage pop. Black hides imperfections and creates clean lines.

Black works well when you want attendees to focus on your products or booth content rather than the drapes themselves. It's also forgiving - dirt and wear don't show as easily on black fabric.

White and Ivory Drapes

White and ivory dominate wedding and upscale event rentals. These colors create bright, clean, elegant spaces. They reflect light well, making rooms feel larger and more open.

White requires more careful handling than black. It shows dirt and stains easily. However, professional rental companies clean white drapes regularly to maintain their pristine appearance.

Ivory looks warmer and more romantic than pure white. Many wedding couples prefer ivory because it photographs better and complements vintage or rustic themes.

Color Drapes

Colored drapes let you match event themes or brand colors. Popular choices include:

Mixing Colors

Many events use multiple colors together. Common combinations include white sheer overlaying solid colors, black side walls with colorful back walls, and alternating colored panels for visual interest.

When mixing colors, stick to 2-3 colors maximum. Too many colors look chaotic and unprofessional. Make sure colors work together and match your overall event design.

Lighting Your Pipe and Drape

Proper lighting transforms pipe and drape from simple fabric into stunning visual elements. Lighting adds depth, color, and drama.

Uplighting Basics

Uplighting places lights at the base of your drapes, shining upward. This creates a wash of color and highlights the texture of the fabric. Uplighting works especially well with white or light-colored drapes.

LED uplights are the modern standard. They produce little heat, use minimal power, and offer millions of color options. Most rental companies include uplighting for $25-75 per fixture.

Backlighting for Sheer Drapes

Place lights behind sheer or semi-transparent drapes to create a glowing effect. This technique creates depth and romance. It's perfect for wedding ceremonies and photo backdrops.

Use cool white lights for a soft, ethereal glow. Colored lights behind sheer drapes create dramatic effects for themed events.

Pin Spots and Gobo Lighting

Pin spots are focused lights that highlight specific areas. Use them to illuminate centerpieces or featured items against your drape backdrop.

Gobo lights project patterns or logos onto drapes. Companies use gobo lighting to display logos on backdrop walls at corporate events.

Questions to Ask Rental Companies

Before booking your pipe and drape rental, get clear answers to these important questions:

1. What's included in the base price? Clarify if delivery, setup, and pickup are included or cost extra.
2. How is fabric fullness calculated? Understand if the quoted linear feet includes gathering or if that costs extra.
3. What condition is the fabric in? Ask to see photos or inspect the actual drapes you'll receive.
4. Do you provide backup equipment? Ensure they bring extra parts in case something doesn't work.
5. What happens if we damage something? Understand your financial responsibility for damage or loss.
6. When will delivery and setup occur? Confirm exact timing to coordinate with venue access.
7. How long does setup take? Plan your event timeline accordingly.
8. Can we modify the layout? Ask about flexibility if you need to adjust the setup.
9. Are the drapes fire-rated? Some venues require IFR-certified fabrics for safety.
10. What's your cancellation policy? Know the terms if you need to change or cancel.

Venue Restrictions and Requirements

Always check venue rules before renting pipe and drape. Many venues have specific requirements that affect your rental.

Fire Safety Codes

Most public venues require flame-retardant fabrics. These are called IFR (Inherent Flame Retardant) fabrics. They meet fire safety codes and won't catch fire easily.

Rental companies should provide IFR certificates upon request. Some venues inspect these certificates. Make sure your rental includes code-compliant fabrics.

Floor Protection

Weighted bases can damage floors if they're too heavy or have rough bottoms. Ask venues about weight restrictions and floor protection requirements.

Most rental companies provide base covers or pads. These protect floors from scratches and marks. Some venues charge damage fees if you don't use floor protection.

Ceiling Height and Rigging

Measure exact ceiling heights before ordering tall drapes. Account for any light fixtures, sprinklers, or other obstacles that might interfere with drape installation.

For very tall drapes (over 20 feet), you might need rigging points instead of standing pipes. This requires coordination with venue staff and professional riggers.

Maximizing Your Pipe and Drape Investment

Get the most value from your rental with these professional tips:

Create Focal Points

Don't use draping everywhere. Focus on key areas that make the biggest impact. A stunning ceremony backdrop matters more than covering every wall.

Concentrate your budget on high-visibility areas. The area behind speakers, the head table, photo booth locations, and entrance areas deserve premium treatment.

Add Texture and Layers

Layer different fabrics for visual interest. Sheer drapes over solid colors create depth. Mix textures like smooth satin with textured polyester.

Add decorative elements to plain drapes. Swags, rosettes, and fabric ties break up large expanses of solid color. These additions cost little but add significant visual appeal.

Consider Alternatives

Pipe and drape isn't always the best solution. Consider these alternatives:

• Fabric Walls: Spandex walls create seamless, modern looks
• LED Walls: Digital screens show dynamic content and video
• Greenery Walls: Living plant walls or artificial hedge walls
• Balloon Walls: Fun, colorful option for parties
• Projection Mapping: Turn existing walls into changing displays

Maintenance and Care

If you rent with setup service, the rental company handles all maintenance. But if you set up yourself or buy your own equipment, follow these care guidelines:

Fabric Care

Most rental drapes are machine washable, but always verify with your rental company first. Use gentle cycles with cold water. Hang to dry rather than using a dryer - heat can damage some fabrics.

Steam wrinkles out rather than ironing directly on fabric. Steaming is gentler and faster. It works on all fabric types without risk of scorching.

Store drapes folded, not hanging. Hanging stretches fabric over time. Use plastic bins to keep drapes clean and dry during storage.

Hardware Maintenance

Check all connections before each use. Tighten any loose bolts or pins. Replace damaged parts immediately - one weak link can cause entire sections to collapse.

Clean metal poles with damp cloths. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust. Store in a dry location. Moisture causes rust that weakens poles and stains fabrics.

Final Tips for Perfect Pipe and Drape

Here's everything you need to know for successful pipe and drape rental:

• Measure twice, order once - accurate measurements prevent shortages or overage fees
• Book early - reserve your drapes at least 4-6 weeks ahead for busy seasons
• Request setup service - it's worth the cost for complex or large installations
• Choose appropriate fabrics - match fabric type to your event formality and budget
• Don't skimp on fullness - proper fabric gathering creates professional appearance
• Add lighting - uplighting or backlighting enhances any drape setup
• Verify venue requirements - check rules about flame retardancy and floor protection
• Test everything early - inspect equipment upon delivery, report issues immediately
• Take photos - document the setup for future reference and comparison
• Compare multiple quotes - prices vary significantly between rental companies

Pipe and drape rental provides affordable, flexible solutions for transforming any space. Whether you're planning a wedding, setting up a trade show booth, or creating event spaces, pipe and drape delivers professional results.

The key is proper planning. Measure carefully, choose appropriate fabrics and colors, and work with reputable rental companies. With the right setup, pipe and drape creates the perfect backdrop for memorable events.

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