Coat hanging ideas – 10 clever solutions whether on display or tidied away

It's easy for coats and rainwear to become an inaccessible heap during the cooler months, so good coat hanging ideas can restore order to your hallway ideas. This means less faffing and hunting for the right jacket, and more time doing whatever it is you're off to do.

Of course the size of your home, the number of people in it and the type of activities you enjoy will determine what you need and what you're able to achieve in the space you have available. A boot room is the ultimate luxury for outdoor types, but there are many creative coat hanging ideas for those in towns, cities and smaller homes, too. 

10 coat hanging ideas

1. Install hidden hallway cupboards

Check the depth of your hall to see if it's possible to squeeze in a row of hidden cupboards, or even just a single unit. The cupboard will only need to be a little deeper than the width of a coat hanger, so this is an option that can even work as a small hallway idea.  

The cupboard will give you ample space for coats and jackets, as well as shoes and boots. If you can include a shelf for storage baskets, then you'll have somewhere to stash hats, gloves, dog leads and any other pooch paraphernalia required for walks.

2. Choose a rack with shelves

There are numerous off-the-shelf coat rack options. So if you want coats to look tidy, choose a rack with a shelf that you can accessorise. This way it will become an attractive feature that you'll be less likely to let get messy.

Even better if you can team it with a coordinating shoe storage unit for the ultimate hallway shoe storage idea. Trainers and boots can be stored and easily found by all the family - or swapped for slippers on the way in. 

3. Create the ultimate boot room

If you're planning a kitchen renovation, and you're a family that enjoys outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling or horse riding, consider whether you have the space for a dedicated boot room or bootility area in your utility room idea.

'To maximise space, consider full-height cabinets and shelved wall space to utilise every inch of the room,' says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. 'Aside from creating a place to hang coats and shoes, cabinetry provides ample amounts of storage to house those everyday items like umbrellas, hats and other accessories.'

4. Organise a kids' coat area

Perhaps your own coats are under control but it's the little ones who can never find there's? If that's the case, create a designated area under the stairs where kids can hang their jackets and store shoes and bags. 

Paint it in a fun colour or use clever hallway wallpaper ideas like this peg rail effect design. Include a bench below so they can easily get dressed to go outside. If you attach the coat hook to a peg board, it'll be easier to increase the height of it as they grow.

5. Zone with timber cladding

Zoning a coat hanging area with tongue and groove timber cladding and simple wooden hooks will make it look smart and tidy. Add a storage bench, lighting and finish it with a lick of fresh grey paint for extra charm. Grey hallway ideas are classic and will stand the test of time.

A storage bench like this not only gives you space to pack away boots, cycle helmets and the like, it makes life that bit easier to have somewhere to sit when putting them on or taking them off.

6. Fit an open storage unit

Open storage isn't just for the bedroom. A neat solution like this one is perfect for a hallway and is an inexpensive option if you don't have the budget for built-in storage. Use and IKEA drawer unit and create hanging spaces above. You could also put up a run of kitchen wall units to create space to hide away clutter, with an area left open for coat hanging ideas above. 

In addition, if you didn't want to have coats and jackets hung there on permanent view, it would be easy to fit a curtain across to hide everything.

7. Utilise wooden planks

Wooden planks are a great way to create a decent-sized coat hanging area in your hallway, particularly if you have some scrap wood left over from a renovation or DIY job. It's also fairly straightforward to do yourself if you have the tools.

Simply paint the planks and screw in the hooks. Just make sure they are secured to the wall properly. Winter coats are heavy, so you need to be sure they can take the weight.  

Add a hallway lighting idea above so it's easy to find your coats when you're on the way out the door. 

8. Add rustic style

When it comes to practical elements, there's a tendency to choose unobtrusive designs but a coat rack doesn't have to be shy and retiring. 

Choose a stand out style like this rustic, vintage-style model. Against the pale timber cladding and warm wooden surfaces, it enhances this country style hallway.

9. Keep it simple with a classic coat stand

Sometimes all you need is a simple solution and it doesn't get much simpler than a classic coat stand. 

If you have the space and just want somewhere for light coats, jackets and shoppers, rather than storage for heavy parkas, anoraks and puffas, choose an elegant coat stand. It will look stylish situated by the door and you'll be able to grab what you need as you leave with ease. 

Steer clear of hallway decorating mistakes and be mindful it doesn't become a dumping ground. If it's likely to, understairs storage or a built-in option may be more suitable.

10. Introduce old school charm

Give your hallway some character with a vintage school-style coat hook and shoe bench. 

Measure the space then scour junk shops, antique markets and online auctions sites for a piece that will fit. There are some great treasures to be found when buying secondhand furniture. Look for something you can buy secondhand to upcycle. It's easy to change the colour of timber with wood stain or paint and attach some hooks.

Where should a coat rack be placed?

In the hallway by the front door or near the back door is the most obvious place. The coat rack needs to be situated so that it's convenient to use but won't be in the way. 

If it's attached to the wall, ensure it's placed high enough, so it's not possible for someone to walk into or hit their head.