Burlington Coat Factory

I still remember the first time I walked into a Burlington Coat Factory store. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and fabric, and the sheer variety of coats, accessories, and home goods overwhelmed me. It was there that I discovered how much potential lay in repurposing what I thought were just old clothes. That moment sparked a journey into DIY furniture, and the Burlington Coat Factory became a treasure trove of materials for my projects.

The idea of turning coats into furniture is not as far-fetched as it might seem. I've used frames from coats, handles from jackets, even pockets from blazers to create functional, stylish pieces. The Burlington Coat Factory, with its affordable and often overlooked items, has been a game-changer for my creative process. It's a place where I've found inspiration, materials, and a new perspective on what can be made from what most people consider disposable.

One of the first projects that came to mind was a coat rack made from repurposed coat hangers and wooden dowels. It was simple, yet effective, and it made me realize the power of combining materials from different sources. The Burlington Coat Factory became my go-to spot for sourcing not just the fabric, but also the hardware and small details that give a project its personality. It's not just about the product, but the story behind it — and that's what makes DIY furniture so special.

Sourcing Materials from the Burlington Coat Factory

As of September 2026, when I first started my DIY journey, I realized that the materials I needed were often hidden in plain sight. The Burlington Coat Factory was a revelation — I found wooden frames from coats, metal clasps from jackets, and even fabric remnants that became part of my coat rack design.^[1]

I walked through the store multiple times, taking notes on which items could be used. For example, the wooden frames from a long coat became the base for a coat rack, while the metal clasps from a trench coat were repurposed into hooks.

By the end of my first visit, I had gathered enough materials to build a coat rack. The cost was under $30, and I was excited to see how these items could come together into a unique piece of furniture.^[2]

Part of our Coat hanger guide.

Designing with Purpose and Aesthetics

I took a step back from the materials I had and thought about how they would look together. The wooden frames from the coats were a bit plain, but the metal clasps had a vintage feel that I loved.

I sketched out a few designs, considering the height, width, and overall shape of the coat rack. I wanted it to fit in my entryway, but I also wanted it to stand out as a statement piece.

After some trial and error, I settled on a design that used the wooden frames for the base and the metal clasps for the hooks. The result was a coat rack that was both practical and visually appealing.

Functionality meets artistry in every well-designed DIY project.

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Building the Base with Wooden Frames

I laid out the wooden frames on a workbench and measured them to ensure they were all the same size. This made the assembly process much smoother.

I used wood glue to join the frames together, making sure the edges were aligned. It took about an hour to complete this step, but it was worth the effort.

Once the glue had dried, I sanded the edges to make them smooth. This step was crucial because it helped prevent splinters and made the coat rack more comfortable to use.

“I still remember the first time I walked into a Burlington Coat Factory store.”— Creating DIY Wooden Coat Racks editors

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Adding the Metal Hooks

I took the metal clasps and attached them to the wooden base using screws. I made sure they were spaced evenly to accommodate different types of coats.

I used a power drill to make the holes in the wooden base, which made the installation process faster and more precise.

Once the hooks were in place, I tested them by hanging a few coats and making sure they stayed securely in place. This was a satisfying moment that confirmed the coat rack was functional.

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Finishing Touches and Customization

After the basic structure was complete, I thought about how to add some personality to the coat rack. I found some fabric remnants from the store and used them to create a decorative border.

I sewed the fabric around the edge of the wooden base, securing it with fabric glue. This gave the coat rack a soft, textured look that complemented the metal hooks.

Finally, I added a few small wooden beads to the top of the coat rack, which gave it a finishing touch that made it look more polished and refined.

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Testing and Refining the Design

I hung several coats on the rack and checked to see if they were secure. I noticed that a few of the hooks needed a bit more reinforcement, so I added a few more screws to strengthen them.

I also tested the stability of the wooden base by placing it on a carpeted floor and making sure it didn't wobble. This was an important step because the coat rack needed to be sturdy.

After a few adjustments, I was confident that the coat rack was ready to use. It had survived my tests and was now a part of my home.

The best DIY projects are the ones that survive the test of time and use.

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Inspiring Your Own DIY Journey

By using the materials from the Burlington Coat Factory, I was able to create a coat rack that was both functional and unique. This experience has inspired me to look for other ways to repurpose items around the house.

I've since made a few more coat racks, each with a slightly different design. Some have been simpler, while others have had more intricate details. Each one tells a different story.

This project has taught me that creativity is not limited to new materials. With a little imagination, even the most ordinary items can become something special.

Sustainable Upcycling Techniques for a Greener Coat Rack

Instead of buying new wood, I sourced reclaimed pallets from a local construction site. After stripping the pallets of their nails and sanding them down, I used the 1x4 boards to build the frame. This method saved about $40 in material costs and reduced the environmental impact of the project. I used a belt sander to smooth the wood, which took roughly 30 minutes per board, but the result was a rustic, weathered look that added character to the piece.^[3]

To join the boards, I used wood glue and 1.5-inch screws, driving them in from the back to keep the front clean. I also filled any gaps with wood putty and painted the entire structure with a low-VOC paint for a fresh, modern finish. This technique not only gave the coat rack a unique personality but also extended the life of the wood that would have otherwise been discarded.

For the hooks, I repurposed old metal coat hooks I had collected over the years. I cleaned them thoroughly and attached them to the frame using 2-inch screws. This upcycling approach gave the coat rack a personal touch and reduced waste. By using reclaimed materials, I was able to create a durable, stylish coat rack that aligned with my sustainability goals and saved both time and money in the process.

Optimizing Space with Multi-Functional Coat Rack Designs

When working with limited space, consider adding shallow drawers or shelves beneath the coat rack to store keys, mail, or small items. I installed two 8-inch deep drawers below the main coat rack frame, which added 12 square inches of usable storage per drawer without compromising the rack's functionality. This design change took an extra 30 minutes and required a 1x2 pine board cut to 18 inches in length for each drawer. The result was a more organized entryway with no added footprint.^[4]

To ensure the added storage doesn’t make the coat rack feel cluttered, I used a minimalist approach. I painted the drawers and shelves in the same color as the main frame and added subtle trim details to match the overall design. I also used 1/4-inch thick felt pads on the drawer bottoms to prevent squeaking and added soft-close hinges for a smoother operation. The total cost for the added storage was under $15, mostly for hinges and felt pads.

Another key consideration is the height of the storage area. I placed the drawers 24 inches from the floor, which made them easily accessible for both adults and children. This height also allowed the coat rack hooks to be positioned at 36 inches from the floor, which is the standard for adult coat hanging. I measured these heights using a laser level and marked the wall with a pencil before attaching any hardware. This attention to detail ensured a balanced, functional design that worked well in a compact space.

Burlington Coat Factory