Close-up of a white wall coat rack with a sleek, minimalist design, showcasing a beige coat and a decorative holiday wreath with greenery and a red ribbon.

Easy DIY Wall Coat Rack for Entryway

DIY

Are you drowning in a sea of coats and bags every time you walk through the door? I’ve been there—it’s a struggle! My small entryway used to be a cluttered mess, but I found the perfect solution: a wall coat rack. By using the space behind my front door, I created a functional and stylish spot for all those coats and bags. This beginner-friendly DIY project takes just an afternoon and delivers a big impact. A wall coat rack not only saves space but transforms a chaotic entryway into a clean, inviting area.

A cozy entryway featuring a white wall coat rack with a beige coat hanging from a peg, complemented by a festive green wreath with a red velvet ribbon, and a plaid rug on the wooden floor.

Table of Contents

Tools & Materials

Why I Needed This Wall Coat Rack

Anyone else have kids who treat the entryway like a dumping ground? Coats, bags, shoes—it was chaos. I needed a designated spot for their stuff and wanted a tidy, welcoming space for guests to hang their coats and purses. The coat closet just wasn’t cutting it. Enter: the wall coat rack.

A hallway wall featuring family photo frames hung in a neat row above a cluttered floor with a pink jacket, mismatched shoes, and a rug. The plain white wall shows wear and tear, setting the stage for a home makeover.

I cleared out a family gallery wall in our entryway to create a blank slate for this functional and stylish project.

An entryway with a plain white wall and a black front door, accompanied by a simple patterned rug on hardwood flooring. The bare and slightly scuffed wall hints at a 'before' look in preparation for a DIY transformation.

Hanging Beadboard

First things first: find those studs! The beadboard backing for my wall coat rack needed to be securely attached to the studs—not just the drywall. Using a stud finder, I marked the stud locations and set up my laser level for precise alignment.

A woman using a stud finder on a plain white wall during a DIY home improvement project. The stud finder lights up red as she marks the wall with a pencil, preparing for precise beadboard paneling installation.

The beadboard comes in 4×8 sheets. I positioned it to sit neatly on top of the baseboard, but you can remove the baseboard and run the beadboard all the way to the floor for a seamless look (I did this in my bathroom). Since houses are rarely level, I trimmed the beadboard as needed using a circular saw.

Once trimmed, I nailed the beadboard to the wall with a brad nailer, ensuring the nails hit the studs I marked earlier.

Close-up of a DIY beadboard installation project showing hands carefully aligning a vertical panel against a wall. A bright green laser level projects horizontal and vertical guide lines to ensure precision in the placement.
The bottom edge of a beadboard panel being marked with a pencil to measure and trim for a snug fit against the baseboard. A woman steadies the panel with one hand while making careful adjustments during the DIY process.

Install the Top Rail

Next, I added a pre-primed 1×6 top rail for the wall coat rack. To ensure it could handle the weight of coats and bags, I attached it to the studs with screws, rather than just nails.

close-up of a woman securing a wooden peg rail onto beadboard paneling with a red cordless drill. Her hand holds the rail in place, highlighting precision and care during the installation process.

To cover the screw holes, I used spackle (though wood filler or Bondo would be best). After the spackle dried, I smoothed out any excess with a damp rag. No sanding required! I also caulked all the gaps and seams—where the beadboard met the baseboard, walls, and top rail—for a polished, professional look.

A close-up of a woman’s hand applying spackle to screw holes on a wooden peg rail mounted on beadboard paneling. The smooth wall surface and filled gaps reflect progress in the DIY project.
A hand smoothing out spackle on beadboard paneling, ensuring the surface is even and seamless. The soft, white tones of the paneling contrast with the subtle shadows on the wall.

Adding Pegs for My Wall Coat Rack

Now it’s time for the fun part: adding pegs! Using my laser level as a guide, I measured and marked holes 8 inches apart along the rail. I drilled pilot holes, applied wood glue to the screw ends of each peg, and screwed them in place. A quick wipe with a damp cloth cleaned up any glue drips.

A woman using a measuring tape and level, guided by bright green laser lines, to install a wooden peg rail onto a freshly installed beadboard panel. A toddler holding a toy watches nearby, adding a family touch to the DIY process.
A woman drilling holes into a wooden peg rail mounted on beadboard paneling. The scene showcases attention to detail and focus during the installation process, with the fresh, white paneling acting as a backdrop.
A woman adding finishing touches to beadboard paneling by applying spackle to fill in screw holes on the wooden peg rail. The smooth, white surface contrasts with the surrounding light and shadows from the wall.
A young girl standing on a step stool, wiping down a freshly installed wooden peg rail above beadboard paneling. Her long hair and careful attention to detail emphasize the collaborative and family-oriented aspect of this DIY project.

Time to Paint

The last step of our wall coat rack: paint! I went with Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige, a warm, neutral shade I’ve used for other projects like my kitchen cabinets, our family command center, and the girls’ bunk beds I built. It’s the perfect choice for a highly visible area like my entryway.

When painting beadboard, be sure to use a brush to get into all the grooves before rolling on the final coat. A foam roller will give you a smooth finish with no paint streaks.

Two young children helping with a DIY painting project, one carefully using a paintbrush to coat beadboard paneling while the other observes. A can of paint and a roller rest on a plastic-covered floor in a freshly updated room with painter’s tape lining the wall.
A young girl using a paint roller to cover beadboard paneling with paint, reaching up to paint a decorative wooden peg rail. Painter’s tape neatly lines the top of the wall, highlighting the effort to create clean edges in this DIY project.

In just an afternoon, I turned my messy entryway into a functional, organized space with this beautiful wall coat rack. The kids love using it, and I love not tripping over their coats and bags. And I absolutely LOVE this plaid rug in here. It’s washable and brings the best Christmas vibes along with my realistic looking pine wreath.

A bright hallway featuring a white wall coat rack with a beige coat and a green holiday wreath, set against beadboard paneling and a plaid area rug.

Whether you’re dealing with kid clutter or hosting guests, this DIY project is an easy, impactful way to elevate your entryway. Ready to make your own? Let me know how it turns out!

Entryway view highlighting a white wall coat rack with a festive wreath and a beige coat, framed by a white paneled door and a plaid runner rug.
How do you install a wall coat rack in a small entryway?

To install a wall coat rack in a small entryway, start by identifying wall studs for secure mounting. Use beadboard as a stylish backdrop, attach a top rail for added stability, and evenly space pegs for hanging coats and bags. Finish the project with paint for a polished look.

What tools are needed to make a DIY wall coat rack?

The essential tools for creating a DIY wall coat rack include a stud finder, circular saw, brad nailer, drill, laser level, caulk gun, and a paintbrush. These tools ensure a sturdy, professional-quality result.

What type of wood is best for a wall coat rack?

Hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch are ideal for a sturdy wall coat rack. For a budget-friendly option, pine works well but may require extra care to avoid dents and scratches.

How much does it cost to build a DIY wall coat rack?

The cost to build a DIY wall coat rack depends on the materials you choose. On average, you can complete the project for $50–$100 using beadboard, pegs, and a top rail, making it an affordable home improvement.

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