Simple Coat Rack Shelf

My house doesn't have a coat closet. This unfortunate lack of space has caused coats to be left all around the house. As a way to remedy this, my wife commissioned me to build this inexpensive coat rack and shelf combination.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools:

• Drill
• Screw Driver
• Saw

Materials:

• Boards (I used a 1 x 6 pine board from my local home center)
• Wood Filler
• Spray Paint
• Coat Hooks

Step 2: Cut Boards

Cut out two boards to make the back and top of the shelf (I used 1 x 6 pine boards). Cut the top to allow one inch of overhang on each side. Using a band saw, scroll saw, jig saw, or coping saw cut out the profile of your end supports. I drew a profile that I felt looked good and then cut out a duplicate.

Step 3: Sand Boards

Using a sanding block or palm sander, sand all the boards smooth.

Step 4: Rout Edges

Rout edges that don't touch other boards. On the top board, I routed the front and sides. I didn't rout any edges of the back board. On the supports, I routed the front of the outside profile and the inside profile until the profile reaches the back board.

Step 5: Test Fit

Test fit the boards to be sure the edges were routed correctly.

Step 6: Countersink and Clearance Hole

Countersink and drill clearance holes along the support pieces and across the top board.

Step 7: Drill Pilot Holes

Insert screws in the clearance holes and tap the screws to mark the pilot hole locations. Drill pilot holes and test fit.

Step 8: Glue and Assemble

Glue everything up and make sure that everything is square.

Step 9: Wood Filler

Mix wood filler and cover screws.

Step 10: Sand and Paint

Sand the wood filler and apply paint with light sanding between coats.

Step 11: Layout and Attach Hooks

Layout the coat hooks evenly spaced along the back of the shelf. Attach them with the screws that come with the hooks.

Step 12: Find Wall Studs

Using a stud finder, locate the wall studs and mark their location.

Step 13: Drill Pilot Holes

Holding the shelf where you want it to be located, drill pilot holes through the shelf where your studs are.

Step 14: Attach to Wall

Attach the shelf to the wall and make sure that it's level. I used black drywall screws so they would blend in with the paint.

Step 15: Decorate

Once all the screws are in place, decorate and hang up all your coats.

If you make a shelf like this, be sure to share your pictures in the comments!