6/5

Kids Clothes Rack DIY

D.I.Y. Project, Home Decor, Kiddo, Kids Room, One Day Project, Organization, Renter Friendly, Wood working
By Rachel Denbow

KidsClothesRack7Our little bungalow came with an itty bitty closet in the kids’ shared room. We’ve been able to teach them to put their folded clothes away in their dresser drawers, but button-up shirts and dresses are usually left for me to hang since they still can’t reach the rod in the closet. I have always loved the look of pipe clothing racks, but they can be costly, so I decided to try out a PVC pipe version. It’s a great way to add more clothing storage and put things within arms reach so my kids can put their hanging clothes away themselves!

KidsClothesRack1KidsClothesRack2IMG_7160Supplies:
-precut wood measuring 3/4″ x 15″ x 36″
-spray paint in two colors
-three 3/4″ x 5′ lengths of PVC pipe
-super glue (not shown)

Tools:
-power drill
-1 3/8″ drill bit
-hand saw
-sandpaper in 150 and 100 grit
-pencil
-ruler

HolesStep One: Mark the center of each short end of your board about 2″ in from the edge with your pencil. Attach your bit to your drill and carefully drill through. Be sure to wear your safety goggles! Sand your board with your roughest sandpaper and then your finer sandpaper for a smooth finish.

IMG_7162Step Two: Cut one length of your 5′ PVC pipe in half to get two 30″ pieces. This height is perfect for 4-6T dresses. If you’re needing a taller rack, cut two of your 5′ PVC pipes to measure between 32″-38″. For the top bar, cut another 5′ PVC pipe to measure 32″. Then cut four 5 1/2″ lengths and four 3″ lengths for the base. I used a hand saw, but you can easily use a circular saw if you have one available.

SprayStep Three: Spray your wood and your pipes with your specific spray paints. I chose the yellow for its unique color, not its specific job. Be sure you’re using plastic-friendly spray paint on the PVC pipe. I went over mine in white to help hide the bar codes and other type. You may need to spot spray a few coats over the black if you’re using a light color such as white. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

GlueitalltogetherStep Four: Place your two 30″ pipes (or whichever equal lengths you choose) parallel to each other as shown. Attach one 90-degree elbow pipe to the top of each 30″ pipe so that they face each other. Fit one 5 1/2″ length into each side of both tee fittings. Follow with one 90-degree elbow fitting on the other end of each 5 1/2″ pipe length. Follow with one 3″ length into the open end of the elbow fitting, and finish with the end caps. That will create both base legs as shown above. Do not attach side pipes to base legs yet.

Step Five: Unless you’re planning on taking this apart often, I suggest adding super glue inside the elbow fittings on top of both sides before adding your top pipe. This will help strengthen it and keep it from getting pulled apart easily. DO NOT super glue your base legs to the side pipes until AFTER you’ve added the wood. 

IMG_7316Step Six: Fit your base legs so that they are sitting cozily inside your drilled holes, and attach your side poles. I suggest super glue in between these joints unless you plan on taking it apart for storage.

KidsClothesRack3KidsClothesRack6KidsClothesRack4KidsClothesRack8This can easily be added to a play room and filled with costumes to help keep a dress-up space organized. The wood shelf is a great spot to store shoes and bags and gives kids easy access to all of their stuff.

Ruby claimed it as hers right away. I have a feeling I won’t have to remind her to hang her dresses up when she’s decided it’s time for a wardrobe change! –Rachel

Note: While this piece works as a great storage option, it’s not strong enough for kids to climb and hang on. Be sure to have a chat with your kids about using it appropriately so they can stay safe.

Credits // Author: Rachel Denbow. Photography: Rachel Denbow. Photos edited with Pearl from the Fresh Collection.

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