How to Make a Wooden Coat Rack with a Hidden Storage Drawer
A wooden coat rack with a hidden storage drawer is a great way to add functionality and style to your home. This project combines practical storage with an elegant coat rack, making it perfect for entryways, mudrooms, or hallways. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create your own wooden coat rack with a hidden drawer.
Materials and Tools Required
Materials:
- Hardwood board (such as oak, maple, or pine)
- Plywood (for the drawer base)
- Wooden dowels or screws
- Wood glue
- Drawer slides (optional)
- Coat hooks
- Wood stain or paint
- Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
- Wood filler (if needed)
- Soft-close hinges (optional)
Tools:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Drill and bits
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Chisel
- Router (for hidden drawer groove)
- Sander
- Paintbrush or rag for finishing
Step 1: Design and Measure Your Coat Rack
Before starting, determine the size of your coat rack based on your space. A standard wall-mounted coat rack is about 36-48 inches wide and 10-12 inches tall, but you can customize it to fit your needs.
- Decide how many hooks you want and the size of your hidden storage drawer.
- Sketch your design, considering the placement of the drawer and hooks.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using a table saw or circular saw, cut the following pieces:
- Back Panel: This is the main piece where the coat hooks will be attached.
- Top and Bottom Panels: These pieces will form the frame of the hidden storage.
- Side Panels: These will support the storage compartment.
- Drawer Front and Sides: The front piece will be disguised as part of the rack.
- Drawer Base: Cut a thin plywood sheet for the bottom of the drawer.
Ensure all cuts are straight and smooth. Use sandpaper (120-grit) to remove rough edges.
Step 3: Assemble the Hidden Drawer Compartment
- Attach the side panels to the back panel using wood glue and screws or wooden dowels.
- Fix the top and bottom panels to form an enclosed box, leaving the front open.
- Cut a groove with a router or chisel to allow the drawer to slide in smoothly.
- Construct the drawer box by attaching the sides, base, and front panel with wood glue and screws.
- Test the fit of the drawer within the frame and sand any areas for smooth movement.
If using drawer slides, install them inside the compartment to enhance the drawer’s movement.
Step 4: Attach the Coat Hooks
- Mark the locations for the coat hooks evenly across the front panel.
- Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
- Secure the coat hooks using screws.
Pro Tip: If you want a truly hidden drawer, space the hooks so they don’t interfere with the drawer’s movement.
Step 5: Conceal the Hidden Drawer
To make the drawer blend in:
- Use wood grain-matching techniques if staining.
- Align the drawer front with the back panel seamlessly.
- Add a magnetic push latch to open the drawer with a slight push, avoiding visible handles.
Step 6: Sand and Finish the Coat Rack
- Sand the entire piece with 120-grit, followed by 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
- Apply wood stain or paint with a brush or rag.
- Let it dry completely before applying a protective polyurethane coat.
- Reattach all hardware, including hooks and drawer components.
Step 7: Mount the Coat Rack on the Wall
- Use wall anchors or wood screws to secure the rack to studs in the wall.
- If mounting into drywall, use heavy-duty anchors for support.
- Ensure the coat rack is level before securing it.
Conclusion
Now you have a stylish and functional wooden coat rack with a hidden storage drawer! This DIY project is not only a practical solution for organizing your entryway but also a clever way to store small items discreetly.
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