DIY Project: Double Row of Hooks

While redoing my office, I realized that the tufted leather storage bench I used to keep under my window no longer had a home. So I decided to move it to this awkward little corner of our house that is between the front door, the kitchen, and the hallway to the back of the house, and finally make this area into an entry.

The tufted bench, a pretty rug, and an umbrella stand later, I was well on my way to completing the entry (I'll post the completed entry makeover in a few days when it's done). But the coat rack I already had didn't work for this space, so while hunting for other hanging options, I came across this Row of 6 Hooks at Pottery Barn. It was perfect. However, I wanted 2, and the cost of the over priced store version really started to add up. $200 for a few hooks?!? That is ridiculous. Then I remembered the wood I still had left after building my own trundle. Surely I could make something similar myself.

Looking through my supplies I realized I also had the paint needed, and after a quick trip to Home Depot for the double hooks I was ready to begin.

DIY Project: Double Row of Hooks

What you'll need:

• 2 pieces of wood, or composite board, cut into two long rectangles - adjust length to fit your space. My pieces were 32" long, and 5 1/2" wide
• 8-12 hooks - I used 5 double hooks per piece, but it depends on the length on your boards and the size of your hooks
• hardware - both to attach the hooks (mine came with screws), and to secure boards to your wall
• fine sandpaper
• paint of choice - I used 2 colors
• painter's tape
• paintbrush - I used foam brushes, for a thin, even application, which also cut down on drying time
• electric drill
• tape measure
• pencil
• Level

What to do:

1. Start by sanding your wood pieces, to remove any splinters and rough edges. Wipe off dust with moist cloth, and let dry.

2. Prime (if applicable - I didn't since I used a paint with primer included) and then coat wood with a thin coat of your base color, in my case, white. Let dry completely, and add another thin coat (image 1).

3. When the paint is completely dry, sand lightly to remove brush marks and touch spots. Wipe off any sanding dust, and let dry.

4. Determine your pattern, and start taping. I lightly traced a grid on each board, and used the grid as guidelines for taping my chevron pattern.

5. Cover tape with one more thin coat of your base color. This will prevent your sharp edges from being ruined if paint should bleed under the tape (image 2).

6. When the last coat is completely dry, add thin coat of your top color, and let dry. Add a second coat, if needed.

7. When paint is completely dry, remove the tape (image 3), and lightly sand the paint to remove any marks or rough edges. Scuff edges for a slightly worn look.

8. Mark where your hooks will go - Since my boards were slightly shorter than the Pottery Barn version, I decided to only use 5 hooks on each board, instead of 6. Measure to make sure your hooks are evenly spaced (image 4).

9. Predrill holes for both the hooks and the wall installation. Attach hooks.

10. Install completed Row of Hooks - I put one above the other, using a lever to ensure they are straight. Make sure to use appropriate screws for your walls, and for the weight of the hooks.

11. Done! Step back & admire your work. P.s. You might want to cover the screw heads with a small dab of paint.

Here are my finished hooks:

This picture is a bit deceiving. Both rows really are the same size, and they are both hanging straight.

This project took a couple of hours, including paint drying time, and I really like the splash of color my hooks add to this otherwise pretty dark corner. I'm happy with this project, it is the perfect addition to my new entry. What made me even happier with it? This.

Price Comparison:

Pottery Barn Version: $237.07 ($99 ea x 2 + $39.07 shipping/tax)

DIY Version: $42.50 ($4.25 ea hook x 10 including tax, & all other supplies used were leftovers from another project).

I shaved almost $200 off the price by doing it myself! So much more reasonable a price for a few hooks.

I can't wait to show you my completed entry!