I'm looking for ideas on using plumbing parts to create a banister.

This is to create curtain rods, but there a lot of good ideas in terms of using parts for different effects! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/curtains/curtain-rods-made-from-galvanized-plumbing-parts-a-tutorial-536307

I really like that look you are going for! Either the plastic or metal parts would look great. That said, make sure that your bannister is strong enough to do its job ! I found a site with a step by step way to make a bannister from plumbing parts! I hope you have fun! http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-build-pipe-handrails

I vote for copper. you will need one long pipe cut to the length , two elbows, and two floor flanges, and a number of brackets to hold up the pipe and to give it strength . I would go to your local big box home improvement store and ask one of the older people what all you need to make a hand rail of the length you have measured.