to continue the entryway fix-up theme, i decided i needed something to hold coats and shoes. i have always liked the stylish, pared down nature of rolling racks. they always look clean and minimal in small boutiques, so why not bring the idea home? this is also a smooth hostess move if you have a party…actually having a place for guests to put their coats! my entry is teeny tiny so this rack is very compact, but you can size it up however you wish. i added some fabric covered hangers for a special touch. have fun!! – kate
CLICK HERE for the full project instructions after the jump! and click here to learn how to make the umbrella caddy in the picture above!
Materials:
1. steel plumbers pipe (this come in two finishes – galvanized and black, and usually two sizes – 1/2″ and 3/4″. i used 1/2″ galvanized because it is the cheapest. this also comes in different lengths to customize your rack.) i used the following pieces: two 48″ pieces for the height, one 18″ piece for the width.
2. plumbers pipe fittings: two flanges (circular floor fittings), two 90 degree elbows
3. paint (i used ordinary house paint in satin finish)
4. paintbrush
5. wood (you can use a pre-made shelf, like one from ikea, or have a piece cut to the size you want at the lumber store. i used a piece that is 12″ wide by 22″ long and 2″ thick)
6. hangers
7. fabric (cut into 2″ thick strips)
8. hot glue gun
9. sandpaper
10. four rolling wheels (available at hardware stores)
11. 16 1″ screws
12. drill
Instructions:
1. if you purchased cut wood, sand your wood down to remove any rough spots.
2. flip your piece of wood over so the bottom is facing up and measure 1/2″ in from each corner. this is where your wheels will go. use the drill to screw down your wheels and flip your wood over. you now have a skateboard.
3. remove all the stickers from your plumber’s pipe and clean the pipe with soap and water. screw your pieces together to form the “u” shape of your rolling rack. screw each piece as tightly as you can. screw on the floor flanges last.
4. on the top of your wood piece, measure and mark the middle of the left and right edges. this is where you will place the flanges.
5. screw in one flange to the wood. position the other flange and eye it to see if the pipe goes straight. screw the second flange down.
6. the rack is now complete! if you like the rough unfinished look, leave it how it is! if you want to paint it, lay the rack over a scrap of newspaper and use your brush to paint the entire piece. let the first coat dry and give it a second coat to really cover the pipe.
7. to wrap the hangers, take the end of a strip of fabric and glue it to the end of the hanger with hot glue. twist the fabric and wrap it around the arm up to the metal hanger in the center. glue the piece of fabric on the backside of the hanger to secure. do the same with another piece of fabric on the other arm of the hanger and meet the first piece of fabric in the middle. glue in the back to secure. snip any loos threads. repeat with all desired hangers.
YOU’RE DONE!!
