Looking for a practical DIY project that adds a personal touch to your home? Making your own coat rack lets you choose the size, layout and finish to suit your space. With a wooden board, suitable hooks and a little planning, you can create storage for the things you use every day.
Decide how many hooks you need and how much room to leave for coats, hats or bags. You can adapt the design to your own needs, perhaps adding a shelf for keys and small items. Choose colours, shapes and materials that work with your interior. The cost depends on the materials and fittings you select.
Materials and tools
- A wooden board in the size and thickness your design requires
- Knobs, coat hooks or hooks
- Compatible screws and fixings for the board and the wall. A wall-mounting kit may be relevant for some knobs; check the thread and product instructions before ordering
- Paint, oil or wood stain, if desired, and a suitable brush
- A handsaw, drill and suitable drill bits
- An optional drilling template
- A tape measure, pencil and sandpaper
How to make your coat rack
Plan and measure
Choose where the coat rack will hang and measure the available space. Decide on the length and width of the board and leave enough room between hooks for the items you want to hang. Explore brass coat hooks, black coat hooks and knobs for inspiration.
Prepare the board
Cut the board to size, then sand its edges and surface to remove rough areas and splinters. Use tools safely and follow their instructions.
Paint, oil or stain
This step is optional. Paint can add colour, while a suitable oil or stain can emphasise the grain. Follow the finish manufacturer's instructions, including drying times.
Mark the positions
Mark the mounting points with a tape measure and pencil. A suitable drilling template can help align the holes along the edge of the board. Check the spacing against your chosen fittings before drilling.
Fit the hooks and mount the board
Drill the holes required by your fittings and fasten the hooks or knobs securely. Check the screw length, thread and mounting method against the product instructions; not every knob uses the same wall-mounting kit. Avoid overtightening. Secure the board to the wall with fixings suitable for the wall construction and intended load. Check for concealed cables or pipes before drilling.
Check the finished rack
Make sure the board and all fittings are secure. Allow the finish to dry fully before use and follow any load limits specified for the hooks and fixings.
A homemade coat rack gives you storage designed around your own space and style. The choice of board, finish and fittings is what makes it yours.
For another project, see our guide to fitting new handles. You can also explore the København furniture knob; check the mounting requirements of the specific version before using it as a hook.
