Nordstrom Rack Clearance Sale

I remember the first time I stumbled onto a Nordstrom Rack clearance sale — it was a rainy afternoon, and I was desperate to upgrade my outdated entryway. I had been eyeing a sleek, modern coat rack for months, but the price tag on the store display made me hesitate. That day, I walked in with the intention of browsing, but I left with a cart full of wooden coat rack components, all marked down by 60%.^[1]

That clearance sale was a turning point for me. I had always been a fan of DIY, but I never imagined that I would end up building my own coat rack from discounted materials. The pieces were all in perfect condition, and the prices were so low that I felt like I was being handed a gift. I didn’t just get a discount — I got a chance to make something unique and personalized.

Since that day, I’ve returned to Nordstrom Rack clearance sales multiple times, and each time, I’ve found something new to bring home. The clearance sales are more than just a chance to save money — they’re a goldmine for DIYers looking to create something beautiful without breaking the bank. And I can’t wait to share how to turn those discounted pieces into a functional, eye-catching coat rack.

How to Spot the Best Deals at Nordstrom Rack Clearance Sales

As of September 2026, the key to a successful Nordstrom Rack clearance sale visit is timing and knowing where to look. I’ve found that the best deals appear early in the sale, and the more you shop, the more you’ll see the same items being marked down repeatedly. I always start by scanning the furniture section for any wooden coat rack components or unfinished wood pieces.

When I spot a piece that could be part of a DIY coat rack, I check the condition carefully. Even though the items are discounted, I want to ensure that they’re in good shape and not dented or scratched. I’ve learned that the most valuable pieces come from the high-end collections — they’re usually the ones marked down the most.

I also pay attention to the salespeople, who can often give you insider tips on what’s going out of stock. They might tell you that a certain collection is being sold for 70% off, which is a great opportunity to grab a few pieces for your project.^[2]

The Tools You’ll Need for This Project

For this project, you’ll need a few basic tools — a power drill, a saw, a screwdriver, and a set of measuring tools like a tape measure and a square. I’ve found that a power drill is especially useful for assembling the coat rack pieces and attaching the hardware.

I also like to have a set of clamps on hand to hold pieces in place while I’m working. And if you’re planning to stain or paint the coat rack, a brush or a small roller will come in handy. I’ve never needed anything more than these tools for a DIY coat rack project.

It’s worth noting that most of these tools can be found at your local hardware store or rented from a tool rental service. If you don’t have all of them, it’s easy to borrow or buy them for a small fee.

Keep it simple — your tools don’t need to be fancy, just effective.

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Choosing the Right Wood for Your Coat Rack

I’ve learned that the best wood for a coat rack is solid, unfinished wood — either oak, pine, or maple. These woods are affordable and easy to work with, and they take stain or paint well. I’ve used pine for a few projects, and it worked great, especially when I sealed it with a clear coat.

If you’re looking for something more rustic, I recommend using reclaimed wood. I’ve used reclaimed pieces for a few coat rack projects, and they’ve added a unique, aged look. The downside is that you might need to sand them more to get them ready for staining.^[3]

I’ve also found that the wood pieces available at Nordstrom Rack are generally of high quality. I’ve used oak pieces from their clearance sales before, and they’ve held up well over time. Just be sure to inspect them for any cracks or splits before you start working.

“I remember the first time I stumbled onto a Nordstrom Rack clearance sale — it was a rainy afternoon, and I was desperate to upgrade…”— Creating DIY Wooden Coat Racks editors

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How to Assemble Your DIY Coat Rack

Once you’ve gathered all the pieces and tools, start by laying out the parts on a flat surface. I like to mark each piece with a number or letter so I know which ones go together. This helps prevent confusion when I’m putting everything together.

I begin by assembling the base of the coat rack, which is usually made up of two horizontal pieces and a vertical support. I use a power drill to attach the supports to the base, making sure everything is level and aligned. It’s important to double-check the measurements as you go — even a small error can throw off the entire project.

After the base is assembled, I move on to attaching the coat hooks. I’ve found that using a jigsaw or a hole saw makes it easy to create the slots or holes for the hooks. Once everything is in place, I use a clamp to hold everything steady while I finish tightening all the screws.

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Painting or Staining Your Coat Rack

After the coat rack is assembled, I like to give it a fresh coat of paint or stain. I’ve found that using a wood stain adds a warm, natural look, while paint allows for more creativity. I’ve used both in my projects — stain for a rustic feel and paint for a modern, sleek look.

When I paint the coat rack, I make sure to sand it lightly first to create a smooth surface. I then apply a primer to help the paint stick better. Once that’s dry, I apply two coats of paint, letting each one dry completely before applying the next.

I’ve also used a clear polyurethane finish to protect the paint or stain. This adds an extra layer of durability and helps prevent scratches or water damage. It’s a small investment, but it makes a big difference in how long the coat rack will last.

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Adding Personal Touches to Your Coat Rack

Once the paint or stain is dry, I like to add some personal touches to the coat rack. I’ve used different types of hardware — some with a rustic look and others with a more modern feel. The right hardware can make a big difference in the overall look of the coat rack.

I’ve also experimented with adding small decorative elements, like carved details or engraved initials. These little touches make the coat rack feel more personal and unique. I’ve even seen some people add small lights to their coat racks for a dramatic effect.

Another idea is to use different colors for the base and the hooks. I once made a coat rack with a dark base and light-colored hooks — it looked really striking. It’s a great way to add some visual interest to your entryway.

Make it yours — no two coat racks should look the same.

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Where to Display Your New Coat Rack

I’ve found that the best place for a coat rack is near the front door, where people can easily hang their coats and bags. I’ve even installed a few in my hallway, which has been useful for keeping things organized and out of the way.

If you’re working with a small space, I recommend using a wall-mounted coat rack. I’ve made a few of these, and they’ve been great for saving space. You can even install them on a slanted wall for a unique look.^[4]

With the style, I like to match the coat rack with the overall decor of the room. If your entryway has a modern look, a sleek, minimalist coat rack would be a good fit. If it’s more rustic, a wooden coat rack with a distressed look would work well.

Nordstrom Rack Clearance Sale