How To DIY A Coat Closet To Better Use Your Space

An entryway closet can make a noticeable difference in how you get ready for the day and unwind when you get home — if it's designed well. One of the worst errors you can make with your coat closet is not including the right storage features. Without these, a closet can easily become little more than a catch-all for a pile of clutter. It's a shame for such a usable space to go to waste, so why let it? Fixing up your coat closet is too cheap and easy a task to not consider for your next DIY update. Although you may have to buy a new closet rod, you might be able to save money and complete this project with old wood pieces from past projects.

A coat closet offers a great way to repurpose leftover decking materials or fence pickets since these are typically around the 1-inch by 6-inch size ideal to make a frame for a closet rod and shelf. With a few quick measurements and simple cuts, you'll have an all-new space to hang your coats and store any items you might need on hand by the door. If you don't have old lumber, grab inexpensive 1x6 boards like this RELIABILT 8-foot Pine Board from Lowes to make the frame and shelf. A piece of thick plywood or repurposed boards can work for the shelf. Otherwise, you'll need coarse-thread screws, a metal or wood closet pole, and a holder like this Rise Age Stainless Steel Closet Rod Bracket.

Wood pieces create side supports for a closet rod, while a board across the back wall supports the shelf. Measure the width of the side walls and back wall to find out how much wood you need. Then, measure the right height for the closet rod and shelf. Cut the boards to form the sides and back supports, and screw them together into a U-shaped frame. Generally, a closet rod should sit about 66 inches high and have at least a 2-inch gap between it and the shelf above. In other words, the shelf should be about 68 inches high. You can also install two rods for more hanging space, placing the top rod a bit higher so they can be at least 36 inches apart.

Use a level to mark the frame's height. Locate the studs and mark them. Put your frame in place, align the top edge with the level line, and drill the back support into the back wall's studs. Drill the side supports in place. Since the side studs are typically in the corner, you may have to angle the screws. Measure the installation point for the rod holder from the wall on both sides and screw it into place. Cut your closet rod to length before securing it. You can then cut your shelf to fit and attach it atop the frame, and your new coat closet is ready to use!