Transform Thrifted Door Knobs Into Chic Entryway Storage With A Simple DIY

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Whether you live by yourself or you run a big household, it can feel like the entryway never has enough storage. All that coming and going means that coats, bags, umbrellas, hats, leashes, and more quickly pile up. But you don't have to wade through the piles any longer. With an old plank from your garage and some thrifted door knobs, you can make a simple wall-mounted rack to help catch that clutter and make sure your entryway is always practical. Just attach the door knobs in a row along the plank, decorate it as you see fit, and mount it on the wall near your front door.

If you love the thrill of the hunt, search for vintage door knobs at your local thrift store, antique shop, or salvage yard. Interesting door knobs and cabinet knobs can also be easy to find on online sites like Etsy and eBay. You could even upgrade your drawer hardware for a chic new look and use the old knobs in this crafty project.

The shapes, sizes, and materials don't matter much, so long as the door knobs project far enough to reasonably hold a coat, hat, or purse. This means you can easily mix and match knobs for a more eclectic look! One benefit of using rounded door knobs over ordinary hooks is that they won't put strain on hanging clothes or hook your sleeve as you're brushing past.

To assemble this funky rack, you will need tools, which may include a sander, combination square, a drill, screws, wall-mounting hardware, paintbrush, and a paint or finish of your choice. Consider adding name plates above each knob so everyone has a dedicated hook — even the family dog. You can also turn this project into a shelf with another board and some corner braces.

Start by cutting your board down to size, then sand the front face of the board until it's smooth and splinter-free. Plan out where you'll place the thrifted door knobs, using a combination square to ensure they're evenly spaced along the plank. Mark the placement of each knob with a pencil. If you'd like, apply a coat of wood stain or paint and finish with a layer of polyurethane, which will protect the wood from scuffs and scrapes. Make sure your pencil marks stay visible, and allow any finish to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

The easiest way to attach your knobs will be to use dummy spindles, like these Renovators Supply Dummy Door Handle Spindles, which drill onto the board face. Alternatively, you can drill pilot holes into the pencil marks and secure the knobs with bolts or nuts on the backside. Adhesive can be used for a more sturdy fit, but it's not recommended for assembly by itself, since these hooks will need to support at least a few pounds.

To ensure it won't rip off your wall, attach the door knob rack to the wall studs. You can do this by drilling directly through the wood plank and into the wall stud or by adding mounting hardware if you don't want to mar the pretty paint. Repurposed door knobs are a subtle and funny nod to the entryway itself, and you can keep this "inside joke" rolling by incorporating other quirky vintage hardware like rosettes, old lock plates, door knockers, or old keys for creative home décor.