Turning a Salvaged Porch Post into a Shabby Chic Coat Rack

Recycled Home Decorating

The porches of days gone by were a way for neighbors to connect and visit. Many new homes that are under construction today do not include this basic welcoming element. As old homes are being torn down or remodeled the old fixtures of these homes are filling our landfills. The old porch posts on porches are a much sought after vintage treasure, though. Craft an inviting coat rack using one of these salvaged porch posts to create a cozy shabby chic feeling in your home that will make your friends feel comfortable and welcome.

Cut the rescued porch post to the height you desire. Cut four identical 12 inch pieces of a 1 x 4 or other recyclable boards that you may have. These pieces will be the stand for your coat rack. You can leave the ends with a straight cut or round the ends if you choose. With the old post standing up, place the cut 1 x 4 boards around the bottom. The boards will form a square frame around the bottom of the coat rack. As you turn the frame the excess of each board will overlap to the left and jut out creating a foot. Connect the 1 x 4 frame boards to the porch post by drilling pilot holes and using wood screws.

Stand the rough edges, peeling paint and splinters from the porch post and the stand. Wipe the dust from the rack when finished. Dry brush the entire post coat rack using recycled house paint. Light colored or white paints will help keep its vintage character. You could add another layer of an additional color to stimulate the years of age. The shabby chic vintage look of salvaged pieces is much sought after, if you like the weathered and aged look of your porch post, then only paint the stand to match. You may want to add a couple of coats of sealer to prevent it from peeling further and to protect against the possiblities of lead paint exposure.

Attach three metal coat hooks, evenly spaced, to the top of the coat rack approximately 6 inches from the top. This will, of course, depend on how tall of a porch post you started with. Drill pilot holes before attaching the hooks with screws to avoid splitting the old wood.

This coat rack could also be easily made using new 4 x 4 fence posts if old porch posts are not available.