Building a wooden coat stand with a minimalist design can be a rewarding project, perfect for adding a stylish yet functional element to your space. A minimalist coat stand should be simple, clean, and devoid of unnecessary adornments, focusing on the essential shapes and functionality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to build one:
Materials You Will Need:
- Wood: Opt for hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut for a durable and elegant finish. You’ll need a couple of 2x4s or 2x2s for the legs and crossbars.
- Screws: Wood screws for assembly.
- Wood glue: To reinforce joints.
- Wood finish: A clear varnish or oil to preserve the wood’s natural look.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing the surface.
- Coat hooks: Simple metal hooks that match the minimalist theme (optional).
- Tools: Saw, drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, clamps, square, and a sander.
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before you start cutting wood, it’s essential to sketch a basic design. For a minimalist coat stand, you can keep the shape simple—two vertical posts supporting a horizontal crossbar. You can add hooks, but make sure they are sleek and simple in design.
Dimensions for a basic design:
- Height of the coat stand: around 5 feet (152 cm)
- Width of the base: 18-24 inches (46-61 cm)
- Horizontal bar length: 36-48 inches (91-122 cm)
The minimalist look relies on straight lines, so keep everything symmetrical.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Once you have your design, start cutting the wood:
- Cut two vertical posts to your desired height (5 feet).
- Cut a horizontal crossbar that will be attached between the two posts. The length of this bar should be enough to hold your coats without being too long, typically around 36 inches.
- If you want to add a small base at the bottom for added stability, cut two smaller pieces, around 12-18 inches each, to create a “foot” for each vertical post.
Step 3: Sand the Wood
Before assembling, take the time to sand all the edges and surfaces. Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) to smooth out any rough spots, and then follow up with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to give the wood a nice finish.
If you want the coat stand to have a natural, sleek feel, consider rounding the edges slightly to prevent sharp corners.
Step 4: Assemble the Vertical Posts
Using wood glue and screws, attach the two vertical posts to your base pieces. The base pieces should be positioned at the bottom of each post for stability. Use a square to ensure the posts are perpendicular to the base, which will help avoid leaning or instability.
- Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent splitting the wood.
- Clamp the pieces in place as the glue dries, and let it sit for at least an hour.
Step 5: Attach the Horizontal Crossbar
Now that the posts are secure, it’s time to add the horizontal crossbar. This will hold your coats, so it needs to be strong. Position the bar about 4-6 inches from the top of the vertical posts.
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the crossbar, and attach it to the posts using screws. Drill pilot holes before driving the screws to ensure the wood doesn’t split.
- For added stability, you can reinforce the crossbar with wood dowels or additional screws at each joint.
Step 6: Install Hooks (Optional)
If you want to add hooks for hanging coats, measure and mark where you’d like them to go on the crossbar or on the posts. Keep the placement minimal—usually two to four hooks will suffice.
- Use simple metal hooks that blend into the minimalist aesthetic, or opt for wooden pegs for a more uniform look.
- Screw them into place, ensuring they’re spaced evenly and securely attached.
Step 7: Apply the Finish
Once your coat stand is assembled, you can apply a finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. If you want to maintain a natural wood look, use a clear varnish, oil, or wax. Apply the finish in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
For a more modern aesthetic, you can also stain the wood to add depth or contrast to the design.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the finish is dry and the coat stand is assembled, you can add any final touches. Make sure everything is secure, and check that the coat stand stands evenly on the ground.
If desired, you can add rubber feet or small pads on the bottom of the posts to prevent scratches on your floor.
Conclusion
Building a minimalist wooden coat stand is a straightforward project that doesn’t require too many materials or intricate steps. The key is simplicity, focusing on clean lines, and using quality materials to ensure the finished product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This project is a great way to add a touch of custom-made elegance to your home while keeping things minimal and stylish.
For more woodworking projects like this one, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.