Buying guide for Best coat racks
The last thing you want to be doing when you're late for work is running around the house looking for your coat, your umbrella, your purse, or your keys. With a conveniently positioned coat rack, you can store all your necessities in one place so you never have to experience that anxiety again.
Coat racks are available in a mind-boggling variety of options. To find the one that works best for your home, you need to consider how many people will be using it, what you'll be hanging on it, and where you'll be placing it. You want something durable and stable, too.
Key considerations
When choosing the coat rack that is best for your needs, your first considerations should be focused on the physical aspects. Here are three questions to answer as you shop:
What do you need a coat rack for?
If you’ll only be using the coat rack to hang outerwear, you want one with just a few strategically placed hooks. If, however, you want something that allows you to also hang your keys and an umbrella, with a place for your shoes, you’ll need a coat rack with more than just hooks.
How many people will be using the coat rack?
It's always better to overestimate your needs. If two people are using one coat rack, you will definitely want to have more than two hooks. When looking for the right coat rack, take into account not only all the coats and hats that you already have but also the coats and hats you may acquire next fall and winter. Also, remember that your coat rack has to be sturdy enough to handle the weight of the items it will be holding.
Where will you put the coat rack?
Walk through your house or apartment to find the best possible locations for your new coat rack. Take some measurements of those areas so you know exactly how much room you have to work with. Don't forget that coats add a considerable amount of size to the rack. When shopping, make sure the coat rack you’re considering will fit in the space you have available in your home or apartment.
Did you know?
A coat rack doesn't have to be an elaborate structure that takes up a great deal of space. A hook or two securely mounted to the wall can be a great solution for individuals with minimal needs.
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Types of coat racks
After you've answered the previous three questions and determined exactly what you need, you can move on to stylistic options to find the coat rack that best fits your taste and décor. Consider the following before making your final decision.
Wall-mounted
A coat rack that is attached to the available wall space can feature one or several hooks. Some wall-mounted units have hooks that fold away when not in use. This type of coat rack is ideal if you have limited floor space. It can be installed anywhere, such as in a living room near a door or in a bedroom near a closet.
Stand-alone
This type of coat rack comes in many designs, but it is usually a tall pole supported by at least three feet. You will need adequate floor space to use a stand-alone coat rack. You must also be careful not to put too many objects on one side or the coat rack may tip over.
Corner
These convenient coat racks take advantage of often-overlooked spots: the corners of your rooms. If you have a bare corner and are looking for an easy way to add storage space, a corner coat rack is the way to go. These models resemble a closet without a door, and many have shelves and cabinets where you can store a wide variety of items, such as boots or purses.
Portable
Some coat racks have wheels or casters and can be moved from room to room if needed. This type of design is usually better suited to offices.
"The best place for a coat rack is near a door, but only if you have the room and it makes stylistic sense."
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Design
Depending on the décor of your house or apartment, you might be more interested in a plain wooden coat rack than an ornate metal one. Or perhaps you prefer a black stand-alone coat rack that looks like a tree. Look for a coat rack with the materials, design, and color that best suit the room where you will use it.
Coat rack prices
Inexpensive
Entry-level coat racks cost $15 to $25. These can be wall-mounted units or racks made of inexpensive materials that may not be as stable or durable as more expensive coat racks.
Mid-range
From $25 to $50 is where you’ll find the largest selection. These are more durable, stable coat racks that come in a variety of styles and colors, but most will be of a more traditional design.
Expensive
Spend $50 to $125 and more and you’ll find coat racks that are almost works of art or accent pieces that can have a dramatic effect on a room. These may be in the shape of a tree or have shelves and racks where you can place other items.
Tips
Your home isn't the only location that can benefit from the addition of a coat rack. Your small business could be a prime candidate as well. Whether it's a small coat rack to keep by the door for convenience in colder months or a large coat rack that can accommodate many items, you can make your clients more comfortable by providing a place for their outerwear. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right coat rack for your small business.
Consider your customers’ needs. What do people regularly bring into your establishment? Do you need space for coats? Jackets? Umbrellas?
Consider your office style. Does the coat rack you like match your establishment's décor?
Consider the number of people. Is your business a small clinic that only sees a few patients at a time or a restaurant that needs space for dozens of coats?
Consider the location. Is there a safe area near the flow of traffic that doesn't impede that flow?
Consider the climate. Will customers bring in heavy coats or rain gear year-round or in just a couple of months?
- Consider flexibility. Do you need an expandable coat rack? Do you experience busier periods during which you need to accommodate more people?
FAQ
Q. Why is eliminating clutter so important?
A. It has been determined that for some people, clutter can be as counterproductive as multitasking. It can overload your senses, create a stressful environment, and inhibit your ability to think creatively. Organizing your essential items on a coat rack can reduce stress and help you to live a healthier life.
Q. I live in a warmer climate, so I don't have that many coats. Do I still need a coat rack?
A. Coat racks are not just convenient holding places for winter wear, they are also an excellent way to organize a great many items. Some coat racks have shelves or drawers for increased flexibility. These additional features can make a coat rack a great place to store shoes, briefcase, glasses, keys, or even just serve as a decorative piece to hold plants or other items that enhance the aesthetics of the room.
Q. What rooms are best for a coat rack?
A. Although many people place a coat rack in a highly trafficked area, such as a kitchen, foyer, or mudroom, it’s important to remember that a coat rack is highly adaptable. You can place one in an office or studio and use it to store a wide variety of items. Additionally, many people place a coat rack in a bedroom to store bathrobes, slippers, pajamas, and towels. Be creative. Think of the rooms that accumulate stray items and could benefit from some additional storage space.
