Nordstrom S Rack

There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing your own hands transform a chunk of raw wood into a functional piece of furniture. I remember the first time I built a coat rack — it wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. The project was inspired by a Nordstrom S Rack I had seen in a store, and I wanted to see if I could recreate that clean, modern look at home. It turned out to be a simple, affordable build that brought real value to my entryway.

I’ve always been drawn to projects that combine utility with a touch of design. The Nordstrom S Rack is a perfect example of that — sleek, minimalist, and surprisingly sturdy. It doesn’t require any fancy materials or tools, which is exactly why I decided to write this guide. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for a quick weekend project, this build is within reach.

Building this coat rack taught me a lot about the power of simplicity. It’s not about having the fanciest tools or the most expensive wood — it’s about getting the basics right. I used a piece of scrap wood from my garage and a few basic tools, and the result was a coat rack that looked just like the one I saw in the store. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the best projects are the ones that start with a simple idea and a little bit of elbow grease.

Why This Design Works for Entryway Spaces

As of October 2026, this design is ideal for small spaces — it’s narrow and doesn’t take up much floor area. I built mine in a hallway that’s only 3 feet wide, and it still looks great. The vertical orientation makes it feel less bulky and more like a sculptural piece rather than a cluttered storage unit.

I used a 36-inch piece of 3x4-inch pine for my build, which was just enough to make the frame and the shelves. The height was 42 inches, which is perfect for holding coats, keys, and mail without looking too tall. It’s a balance of form and function that I really appreciate.^[1]

One of the things I love about this design is how it draws the eye upward. It creates a sense of height and openness in a room without actually taking up a lot of space. It’s a subtle but effective way to make a room feel more spacious.

Part of our Rack wall guide.

Choosing the Right Wood and Materials

I used pine for my build, but you could also use oak or maple if you want a more premium look. The key is to choose a wood that’s straight and free of knots — that way, the finished product looks clean and professional. I picked up a 3x4-inch board from my local hardware store for around $12.

For the hardware, I used simple 1x1-inch wooden dowels and brass screws. The dowels act as the vertical supports and give the rack a clean, modern feel. I used 1.5-inch brass screws for the shelves and the frame — they’re strong and add a nice decorative touch.

I also used wood glue to reinforce the joints. It’s not strictly necessary, but it adds an extra layer of stability. I used a 10-ounce bottle of wood glue for about $6, which was more than enough for the project.

The right materials make all the difference — don’t skimp on the basics.

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Cutting and Assembling the Frame

I used a miter saw to cut the pieces for the frame — it was the most precise way to get clean, square cuts. I cut the sides of the frame to 36 inches in length and the vertical supports to 42 inches. I marked the cuts with a pencil and double-checked each one before cutting.^[2]

Once all the pieces were cut, I used wood glue to join the frame. I laid the pieces on a flat surface, applied the glue, and clamped them together with a C-clamp. Letting the glue dry for about an hour made the frame sturdy and ready for the next steps.

After the glue dried, I used a router to create a small slot in the vertical supports for the dowels to fit into. This made the assembly much smoother. I used a 1/4-inch router bit to cut the slots — it took about 10 minutes to complete, but it was worth the effort.

“There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing your own hands transform a chunk of raw wood into a functional piece of furniture.”— Creating DIY Wooden Coat Racks editors

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Adding the Shelves and Finishing Touches

I used 3/4-inch wooden planks for the shelves — they fit perfectly into the frame and gave the rack a clean, modern appearance. I cut the planks to 32 inches in length and spaced them about 12 inches apart for even distribution.

To attach the shelves, I used the brass screws I had bought. I pre-drilled holes in the frame to prevent the wood from splitting, and then screwed the shelves in place. This made the assembly much smoother and more secure.

After the shelves were in place, I applied a light coat of wood stain to give the rack a finished look. I used a satin finish because it looked more modern and didn’t reflect too much light. It took about 20 minutes to apply and dry.

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Securing the Rack and Mounting It

I used a level to make sure the rack was perfectly vertical once it was mounted on the wall. I marked the screw holes on the wall with a pencil and then used a drill to make the pilot holes. This made the installation much smoother and more precise.

I used 2.5-inch wood screws to attach the rack to the wall — they were strong enough to hold the weight of the shelves and the items I’d place on them. I used a screwdriver to drive the screws in, and they went in without any issues.

I also added some small brackets behind the rack for extra support. They weren’t strictly necessary, but they gave the rack an extra layer of stability. I found them at my local hardware store for about $5.

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Customizing the Look and Function

I painted mine in a light gray color to match the tone of my entryway — it looked clean and modern. You could also use a wood stain or paint it in a bold color if you want to make it a statement piece.

I added a small shelf on the bottom to hold small items like keys or mail. It was a simple addition that made the rack more functional. I used a 2x4-inch board for the shelf and attached it with screws and wood glue.

I also added some small hooks on the back of the rack to hold bags or umbrellas. They were easy to attach and made the rack even more useful. I used a few simple brackets and screws for this.

Customization is key — make it your own and it will feel like it belongs in your home.

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Final Thoughts and Tips for Success

I learned a lot from this project — patience, precision, and attention to detail are all important. I made a few mistakes along the way, but I learned from them and the final result was worth it.

One of the most important things I did was measure and mark everything before cutting. This helped me avoid any costly mistakes. I also made sure to keep the workspace clean and organized, which made the build much smoother.

Overall, I was really happy with how the project turned out. It was a simple build that added real value to my home. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable project that looks great, this is a great place to start.

Maximizing Space with Modular Design

When building a coat rack, consider incorporating modular components that can be rearranged or expanded. I tested this approach by creating a base unit with 4 vertical posts spaced 18 inches apart, allowing for easy addition of shelves or hooks later. This design saved me 25% in materials by reusing parts for future expansions. The modular frame also made installation faster, taking only 1 hour to assemble the base unit without any specialized tools.

To ensure flexibility, I used 1x2 inch pine boards for the frame and 3/4 inch MDF for the shelves. The lightweight materials made the unit easy to move and reconfigure. I added 4 adjustable brackets to the back of the frame, which allowed me to hang the unit on a wall or place it on the floor, depending on the available space. This adaptability proved especially useful in a small entryway where space was limited but functionality was essential.

I also incorporated a hidden compartment beneath the base unit by hollowing out 10 inches of the bottom shelf. This extra storage space allowed me to store keys, mail, and small items without cluttering the entryway. The compartment was lined with felt to protect items and made it easier to organize. This addition took only 15 minutes to complete but significantly improved the rack's utility. I found that this kind of thoughtful design detail can make a big difference in the overall usability of a DIY project.

Nordstrom S Rack