17 Hat and Coat Storage Ideas for Small Spaces That Are Just So Clever
When you don’t have a dedicated place to store coats, hats, and other winter essentials you need before heading out the door, your entryway can quickly devolve into a jumbled mess of things piled high on a table or scattered on the floor, which can cause a tripping hazard. It can be especially difficult to squeeze in some storage when you’re working with limited square footage, whether you live in a small apartment or have a tiny entryway.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best coat storage ideas and hat storage ideas to help you corral any clutter in your entryway and even create a chic display of your winter essentials, no matter the square footage you’re working with.
1. Add a garment rack.
Perhaps it’s more than just coats and hats you’d like to store. We’ve all got those little “extras” that end up hanging around our entryway, especially when there’s no closet to be found. This garment rack from Umbra — which was a winner in our Organization Awards — is a great solution to store everything from your coats and next-day outfits to hats, beanies, and bags.
2. Mount a hook rack.
Sometimes you want something simple and modern to add to your entryway, rather than worrying about tons of storage. This wall-mounted rack in this Chicago home features eight hooks to store things right by the door, so you can hang a number of hats, coats, jackets, scarves, and more.
3. Channel a rustic look.
This top-rated tree coat from Wayfair is a fan favorite for its rustic aesthetic. It looks like a tree full of bare branches, and offers ample storage for just about any item you can think of hanging. The sturdy base prevents it from falling over — even when you sling bags over it. It’s especially useful for tall coats and takes up minimal space.
4. DIY a mini “mudroom.”
Who says you can’t have it all — even in a small apartment or cozy cottage? Take a cue from this Boulder home and transform a hallway niche into a bona fide mudroom, complete with an inviting bench and plenty of storage on the floor and walls for all your hats, coats, scarves, and more.
5. Use a hat organizer.
Want to keep beanies close to the door, but they keep falling off hooks or the table? Use a hat organizer with clips to neatly organize your beanies, then hang the organizer right on the hook. You can also hang this up on a coat rack, garment rack, or in a closet instead.
6. Add wainscoting and hooks.
Add interest and function in your entryway or wall space by installing some wainscoting, trim, and some eye-catching hooks like in this lovely cottagecore before and after.
7. Take a cue from the runways and opt for a rolling rack.
A rolling garment rack may be just the thing your household needs, as you can store it just about anywhere in the house depending on the situation and time of year — then roll it away when you don’t need it! This highly rated Amazon find features two rows for optimal hanging storage, plus a bottom shelf for storing bags and other accessories. Plus, it comes in four different colors to fit your style preferences.
8. Optimize behind-the-door storage space.
Prevent clutter in your entryway and make your coats that much more accessible with a simple over-the-door hanging rack. This New York City studio features a sleek black over-the-door rack that allows the renter to store coats without taking up too much room in her small space.
9. Install a simple shelf.
A shelf is a workable storage solution in even the smallest of spaces. The unfinished shelf from @woodyoubuy out of Sydney, Australia, makes a great option if you’re looking for purse, hat, and coat storage ideas and love a natural, minimalist vibe.
10. Mount some adhesive hooks.
If you want an easy (and inexpensive) way to hang up hats and beanies on your front door, try a few heavy-duty adhesive hooks. You can put up as many as you need without hurting your bank account — plus they come in different color options, like bronze or brushed nickel, and are renter-friendly.
11. Stick on a dedicated hat organizer.
Speaking of adding adhesive, consider putting up a dedicated adhesive organizer for your hats, beanies, and scarves. This Amazon one features 15 rings and comes in two options (all black or black, blue, and yellow). You can stick it right on your door or wall — or use the hook that comes with it and hang it from your door or a cabinet if you prefer not to adhere it.
12. Hang a wall-mounted rack.
When it comes to hat and coat storage ideas, you really can’t go wrong with a good, old-fashioned wall-mounted rack, like this one in a small San Francisco apartment. Small but sturdy, most offer multiple hooks and cubbies for storing all your favorite hats and jackets.
13. DIY a copper hanging hat rack.
Believe it or not, one of the chicest ways to display your coats and caps is by making your own hanging rack, like this one from Collective Gen. You can craft a cool, budget-friendly alternative to a traditional coat rack with little more than copper pipe and rope.
14. DIY a freestanding coat tree.
This beautifully stained coat tree by @emilysprojectlist is amazingly sturdy. She uses a center 4×4 to ensure this coat storage idea has enough space and capacity for several coats and handbags.
15. Fix up a rail-based organizer.
An equally stylish option for stashing your hats (spotted above in Sari Lehrer’s home featured on Cup of Jo) comes in the form of a rail-based organizer. Similar to standard hanging racks, rail-based rods come with sliding hooks that clip onto just about any accessory you can dream of.
16. Add a slim storage organizer.
There are tons of storage organizers you can shop for, but we love this low-profile one used by @thehylandhomestead. Ample hooks on the top provide plenty of space for jackets, umbrellas, hats, and scarves, while the bottom shelves stay neat with the use of baskets to corral clutter.
17. Craft a DIY dowel coat rack.
As sophisticated as they seem, dowel coat racks are surprisingly simple to make. And even though purchasing one won’t set you back, crafting your own is just as easy and more resourceful. Check out the one above from Weekday Carnival, crafted from dowels and neon twine.