What should you do with pipes that stick out from your suspended ceiling?
If you have pipes that stick down through your drop ceiling that are an eyesore, then you will want to do something about the situation. In most cases you can create a look that uses the pipes as decoration rather than having that look of an incomplete ceiling. Think of the pipes as a decorating opportunity.
Repair the Ceiling
There may be reasons why the drop ceiling left pipes exposed. It could be that to cover the pipes would block out some of the windows in the room, or it just may have been a choice made by the previous occupant. Lower the ceiling and cover the pipes using the same ceiling grid work and panels as you have now, replacing only the panels with the holes cut in them. As long as the lowered ceiling does not make the room too short or block some other feature of the room you enjoy, then this is a practical solution. A lower ceiling will also help lower your energy costs, as it will reduce the amount of space that would need to be heated by a furnace and cooled by an air conditioner.
Paint
Check that the pipes are not constantly hot. If the pipe is usually room temperature, then consider painting it. Use metal paint, and put a coat of primer on the pipe before you put on the color. This will take the pipe from being an eyesore to being a decoration in the room. You can paint it the same color as the wood trim in the room, or you can paint it the color of the walls. You could also use metallic silver or gold paint to make the pipe stand out.
Wrap It
If the pipe is bare, consider wrapping it in paper-coated pipe insulation. When it is wrapped in insulation, you can cover it in decorative wallpaper, paint designs on it or paint it to match the room. (Paint on paper-coated insulation will look different than one painted with metal paint.) You could also decorate the insulation with pictures and famous quotes as well.
Tags: block some, could also, cover pipes, drop ceiling, metal paint, pipes that, pipes that stick