7.13.2010

A New Room for an Old Coat Rack

Another idea born of recent panic!

As we scour Craig's List and Realtor.com for houses in the San Francisco Bay area, I am reminded again and again of how much we need to downsize. My pile of garage sale items grows bigger and bigger! But I am also on the lookout for projects that might make our storage options in California a bit easier.

A month or two ago, before we decided to move, I picked up this coat rack for $5 at a garage sale:

It was a bit too tall for what I had in mind: a cute little spot for my almost-four-year-old, Nina, to hang her all-important girlie business. My handy husband wasn't afraid to wreck this $5 coat rack, though, and he simply sawed into it, removing a piece towards the top, then reattaching it, using screws and wood glue.

Then I spray painted the whole thing using a combination of paint I had lying around. (I'm sorry, I threw the paint cans away before noting what color I used!) I am happy with this little addition to Nina's room. Her elephant backpack and PJs now have a dedicated place to hang. Very important.

And, I have a feeling that this little guy will be put to even greater use when we move. Who says coat racks only belong by your front door? I can picture them in kids' rooms, in laundry rooms, holding aprons in the kitchen...lots of adorable options!


16 comments:

Connie said...

That really is a cute idea, sweetpea! I never thought of using one in the laundry room though.

I sure hope you can find something affordable in the Bay Area. We left there 17 years ago and made a haul on our house but times have changed so you should be able to find something affordable now. Good luck!

xoxo,
COnnie

Amber said...

What a cute idea Carrie! I have seen the children's size coat racks in The Land of Nod catalog but I never even thought about repurposing a regular sized one. When it comes to power tools, I'm a little intimidated!
I was inspired by your subway art and made my own version - check it out: http://itsgreeneroverhere.blogspot.com/2010/07/living-room-art.html.

I hope everything goes well with your move! We moved from one city to another and it was a huge job! I can imagine moving to another state has it's own set of headaches!

By the way - I'm was so happy you got to visit Kara and Henry! We are going in a few weeks and I can't wait!

Amber

Pam said...

What a cute idea!! I had never thought of one for a laundry room either!

Sassy In The South said...

Cute!

Darlene said...

What a GREAT idea. We could use one in Lexi's room for all her purses and backpacks. You know I will be on the search now!!!!

Jboo said...

So cute -- great idea!! Wonder if hubby would mind if I took HIS and made it over for Maddy! :)

Janet

CeCe said...

I have a coat rack in the corner of my bathroom. It is perfect for holding my hair and body towels, bathrobe, and pjs.

julie & joe said...

So cute!!! I have one of those that could use a paint job.

Desiree said...

Very cute! I never would have thought of that but now I'll keep my eyes out for one to put in our playroom for dress up clothes.

-Desiree

Robin said...

You do promise to tell us locals where and when your garage sale will be, right? I promise I'm not creepy! :o)

Bette said...

I could use a couple of these, then maybe my kiddos would keep their stuff off their bedroom floor. I'm on hunt now.

If you have a chance check out my LINKY PARTY going on now.

jennykate77 said...

Cute use for the coat rack!

jen @ {decor junkie} said...

That is such a cute idea for a little girl's room. I love it! Good luck with downsizing! :)

thecutecouponer said...

I love your website. I found you through tidymom. Please post more you do a fabulous job.

Valerie and www.thecutecouponer.blogspot.com

P.S. Do you do any special projects for your dog?

Unknown said...

It looks beautiful! Wishing you all the best as you prepare to move away.

lanni @ dandygiveaway.blogspot.com said...

this is so cute -- you always have such great projects, love your blog!

lanni (www.dandygiveaway.com)