DIY Coat Rack

I crossed another simple diy project for the entry foyer off the list last week.  This one was much simpler  and a lot less chaotic than wallpapergate.  I often get emails asking what I consider to be good “first time diy” projects and while I’m still working to put that post together, I have to say this one is definitely on the list of good beginner projects. You don’t need much in the way of time, money or skill to do this one well.  And the real beauty is that it marries form with function; my favorite kind of marriage.  This diy coat rack is a great little project for an entry foyer, mudroom or bathroom (perfect for towels).

All you need is:

•  a level
•  measuring tape
• hammer & nails  – or power nail gun
• drill
• phillips screwdriver (power, ratchet or regular)  *not pictured*
• pencil
• caulk
• sandpaper *not pictured*
• hooks
• flat piece of moulding (I used primed pine wood chair rail backer.)
• paint
• and a saw, though this is *optional* *not pictured*

Any flat piece of moulding will work for this project, but I chose to use chair rail backer.  This is something that goes on the back of a chair rail to bring in a chunkier/ heftier/ more substantial look.  But I liked the width and the simple, yet slightly decorative edge, so I grabbed a piece for my coat rack project.  Using something that was already primed meant skipping a step, and I’m all about skipping steps.  Since I didn’t need much wood for my project the little extra I paid for a piece of primed moulding was worthwhile.  Now I could have had the moulding cut to size at Lowe’s, but since I have a wood saw at home I opted to cut the wood myself.  If you don’t have a saw measure really well before you head to the store and have them cut your wood for you.  Although I would recommend investing in a simple and easy to use hand saw and miter box which would easily get the job done at home……it’ll be the best $10 you’ve ever spent in your diy life.  #trustme   You can do a lot with a hand saw and miter box.  That’s what I used for years until I finally graduated to a big girl saw.

If you didn’t have your molding cut at the store, start by measuring and cutting your pieces to size.

And don’t sweat cutting the wood.  You’re only making straight cuts.  There is no mitering or coping cuts being done here. Like I said, this is an easy beginner project.  Since the molding I used is mostly flat there was really no need to do anything but make flat cuts and butt the pieces up – one to the wall and one to the other piece.  I’ll show you how I dealt with the little decorative edge in just a minute.

Once your pieces are cut to size, grab your level and mark with a pencil where you want them on your wall.

Then with either a hammer and nails or a nailer (I’m in love with my nailer/compressor combo; I’ve had it for over a year now and can’t believe I ever lived without it!) attach your boards to the wall.

Now use some caulk to fill your nail holes and to fill your corners and the areas where the moulding butts up to any window or door frames.

For those little decorative edges I used a tiny piece of cardboard to smooth away any caulk that wanted to settle in those little grooves where the pieces meet in the corner.  This worked perfectly.

Once the caulk is dry, lightly sand and paint.

When the paint is dry grab your hooks; measure and mark with a pencil where you want them.  Pre-drill the holes for your screws.

I didn’t use anchors here for two reasons.  1. These hooks won’t be used for anything too heavy.  And 2. The molding itself acts a pseudo anchor giving the screws a little something more than drywall to hold on to.  So they’re certainly strong enough for coats, scarves and handbags.

That’s it!  Now you’re done!  Easy.  Right?

Honestly, it took longer to edit the photos and write this post than it did to do this little built-in coat rack project.  I love the clean look and functionality it brought to our entry foyer.

I flanked the doors creating a little drop spot for coats and things.  I can’t wait to show you more of this space!

Now all I have to do is paint the doors, and I’ll have this entry foyer done……I mean, done for now…..you know nothing is ever really “finished” around here.  Any guesses what color I decided on for the doors?

*Thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvement for sponsoring this post.