Coat Racks
A coat rack, also known as a hat stand, is a furniture piece meant to hold coats, hats, or other clothing. Usually located in the entry or foyer of a home, the coat rack gained popularity in mid 18th century Victorian era homes, and was often constructed out of wood. The purpose of a coat rack differs from a closet, as it is used to allow clothing to air out for a short-term period before being worn again or stored elsewhere. Various types of coat racks include stand-alone, wall mounted, and door mounted coat racks.
A coat rack should be low enough to reach but high enough so no coat touches the ground. ADA standards indicate that 4 feet (122cm) is the maximum height for a coat rack’s position, but this requirement only pertains to public buildings. Many people consider around 5 feet (152cm) to be the best height to hang a coat rack.
The most ideal way to hang a coat rock is to mountain it directly to the studs, no matter the kind of wall. It is important to find wall framing to support the coat rack but studs can be harder to locate inside the walls of older homes. One can either use a stud finder or drill tiny holes to locate the studs knowing that these marks will be covered up by the rack itself. If unable to attach directly to the studs, anchors can adhere through and past the plaster for extra security. However, the strength of connection depends on what kind of anchor as plastic anchors are not well suited for plaster walls.
To make a standing coat rack, one will need a wood post around six feet (1.83m) and either wood feet, legs, and angle supports attached together at the base or two feet connected at a half-lap joint at the base of the post. After securing all wood pieces together with screws and wood glue, sand and finish the rack. Attach hooks to the upper part of the post.
