Why I Built this Project
My oldest daughter is moving into her first tiny studio apartment! She can’t hang anything on the walls, but needed a coat rack in the entryway. I built this for her, designed to be lightweight and easy to move, inexpensive so its not a forever commitment, but still cute and super functional!
Why We Love this Lightweight Coat Rack or Instant Closet!
- Lightweight – easy to move upstairs or between rooms
- Coat rack without holes in the wall
- Can work as a closet too
- Inexpensive and fast to build
- Wood look is cute and stylish
- Fun and easy project
- Can work in a bathroom too!
How I Built this Project
This was a fun and fast project that I built in about an hour to surprise my daughter. I used a compound miter saw to cut my boards, but you can use a circular saw or even a handsaw to make cuts.
I predrilled all the screw holes first (this is outlined in the plans exactly where to predrill)
Then I assembled the ladder part first. I used a scrap piece of 3/8″ plywood to hold the shorter 1x2s up to attach so the shorter 1x2s are centered on the legs. I used glue at all joints.
Then I added the 1×12 shelves. You have to make sure these are attached square.
Then finally attached the third leg to the ends of the 1×12 and top 1×2.
I used Varathane Rustic Brown Aged Wood Accerator product – it is very beginner friendly and creates a neutral wood tone.
Heres completed in the shop, letting the wood stain dry.
I did contemplate adding hooks but this would increase the cost quite a bit. So we left without. Some S hooks on the ladder end could add some functionality to the ends, or even so hanging baskets.
All in all – a great project for an apartment or small room. It is on the smaller side, and is lightweight so it’s easy to move around – but the lightweight does make it easy to knock over.
We love how it turned out and my daughter was very thankful and has already packed it off to her first apartment.
Watch! Build Video for This Project
Free Plans to Build Your Own Instant Coat Tree or Closet Organizer!
Ready to build this yourself? Here’s the free plans, enjoy!
Also • Such a gentle approach — I really like it. Will try it.
Quick thought — great thought — I’ll remember that. Saving it.
Quick thought — great thought — I’ll remember that. Saving it.
Quick thought — great thought — I’ll remember that. Saving it.
Quick thought — great thought — I’ll remember that. Saving it.
Heads up · Lovely composition; the colors work so well together. So cozy 🌿
So helpful — clear and practical, much appreciated. Will try it.
Quick thought: Good observation — well put. Will try it.
Quick thought: Good observation — well put. Will try it.
Quick thought: Good observation — well put. Will try it.
Quick thought: Good observation — well put. Will try it.
FYI · Nice and clear — thanks for the step-by-step. Love this!
Quick thought • Exactly — I was thinking the same thing. Love this! 😊
Heads up · Looks inviting — I want to try it out. Will try it.