You know how I turned our third bedroom into a closet, appropriately named “The Queen Room”? You can read more about it here.
The Queen Room features a big clothing rack for all of my hanging clothes. I bought it at Target for about $30 last summer.
But the rack is a P.O.S. It wobbles and tilts and I actually had a whole bar of clothes fall on my head once!
Can you see how it is a leaning tower? And how the cheap plastic is ripping?
See the tilt here!? It’s about to collapse!
So I had Matt build me a new one!
Here it is naked:
It’s made from plumbing pipes! We saw one like it in a store and thought it would be fun to replicate. I have no idea how he built it, but here are Matt’s notes:
Matt Notes
The pipe comes from the plumbing section. I used 3/4" pipe though I would have liked 1" thick pipes but it would have been another $20.
I recommend a base that’s composed of two 8" pieces linked with a T-joint. This will be wide enough to give you enough lateral support. Use rubber feet to prevent damaging the floor and slippage.
It’s easy to think your design through so long as you consider all the points where there’s an angle – note the number of T-joints and elbow-joints you need before you go to the hardware store.
If you make a two-tier rack like I made for Kath, the unfortunate thing is that you’ll come to a point when you can’t screw one bar in without unscrewing the other side. I just had to pick a midpoint, which means that the two middle bars are only partly screwed in on each side. This slightly reduces solidity of the unit but not so much that it’s unstable.
Finally, I highly recommend thoroughly washing and drying each piece before using it. These pieces are covered in metal dust and some of them have a petroleum smell. You don’t want that on your clothes!
Project cost: About $80
Here’s me putting the clothes back on!
And the extra long width means they are open and airy! My closet grew! Need more clothes!
Closet, Neat, Closet.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
That is like the best thing ever to have an entire bedroom for clothes. I envy you.
[email protected] helper! says
Matt is so inventive! It looks awesome…..I think you just inspired me to organizie my closet! Thanks….it needs it! LOL!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
This is what I need. An entire ROOM for my closet!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
WOW! Awesome job Matt!! I think that looks great Kath, and much more stable (and safe!) than the previous rack.
Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty says
LOVE an organized closet. However, that’s when I can see that I have no clothes. How do I learn to like shopping for clothes???? Good job, Matt.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
This is such an excellent idea for the extra room Kath! A lot of older homes don’t have large closets, if ANY closets in the bedrooms. The great thing about turning an extra room into a closet is that when it comes time to sell, it’s so simple to haul out the clothes and stage it as a bedroom or den. I think people tend to take away from square footage in room and spend a load of cash building new closets, when in reality they’re just not thinking outside the box! Awesome post Kath!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What a great idea!! We have a big walk-in master closet and it’s still busting at the seams with clothes and shoes!
Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East says
I wish my closet was half as organized! Awesome post! Awesome job Matt! Definitely helpful! Thanks for these posts! Love them!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Wow, Matt is super handy! My husband is not quite so handy…haha!
I love the closet organization. A clean and organized closet is just a must have for me. It’s the only way I can “see” my items, too. If it’s messy, all I see is mess and can’t even focus on the clothes. I even have my clothes grouped by colors, i.e. blacks, whites, pinks, and everything in between.
I love the shelf w/ white baskets, you have, too. Super functional!
Silvia @ skinny jeans food says
I had that P.O.S. closet rack from Target, too, and it did the same thing on me… bending to one side and then the plastic ripped and the whole thing collapsed. Good you have Matt to build you a stylish new one, but for everyone else there is one on Amazon for $49 which is wonderful and STABLE. No problems with it.
Collapsible Clothing Rack-Commercial Grade
Lucy @ The Sweet Touch says
Checking this out right now!
I’ve been looking for something like that rack forever and it’s always too flimsy looking or too expensive!
Tracey says
My rack from Target toppled over, too. Thank you so much for the Amazon recommendation! I am going to check it out as well. 🙂
Pearl (Crunch and Chew) says
Wow, Matt’s super talented!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Great job, Matt! I love that idea. Having an organized, clean closet is the best…especially for someone like me who always waits until the morning of to pick out her clothes. You should see me taking my sweet old time, and then freaking out when I finally get around to look at the clock. 🙂
Jo says
With all due respect, you get what you pay for. $30 for a clothing rack=P.O.S., no question.
Nice job on the DIY one–very creative!
Molly says
Ha! Your opinion of your Target rack is great!
Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says
One day I dream of having a room devoted to clothes…right now, I just have a clothes ‘wall’ and it’s horrible!
Matt is super clever though – could he build a flat pack clothes rack that can be posted across oceans!? :p
Molly says
I love your honest opinion about the target rack. An organized closet = pease of mind.
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
Our guest bedroom is also my “queen room.” It’s usually a mess but I clean it pretty regularly. The closet definitely isn’t big enough though! I am constantly reorganizing.
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
oh that looks great
I think something like that would help me because I don’t do dresser storage well! 😛
lynn @ the actor's diet says
plumbing pipes! i love it – reminds me of super mario bros!
Grace says
that’s the dream! Turning an entire room to a dressing room 🙂 LUCKY YOU!
Looks fabulous and it looks like it’s time for some RETAIL THERAPY!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Wow, Matt did a really great job!! I love how organized your Queen Room is 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I envy your closet! I don’t have one in my bedroom… nor do I have a dresser… I had to buy a bed with drawers to store my clothes!
Hilary says
Where did you get all your lovely baskets? I need about 500 of them ; )
KathEats says
Target! They are not POS’s 🙂
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
I love being organized, and this is something I would totally do!
I especially like the baskets on the shelves!
JenATX says
of course you need more clothes! that is the most reasonable thing one can do when she gets a bigger closet haha
Hope says
Wow! What a nice closet! I wish my closet looked like that! 🙂
Michelle | Gold-hearted Girl says
I love using clothing racks! Especially if your clothes are colorful. I’ve been eyeing this one at Ikea for a looong time.
Rebecca says
Nice meeting you today at the race expo, the bread was very yummy! I live in town and am always game for a run in town.
Trail running group link below. If anything, you can get some good ideas for area hikes.
http://charlottesvilleareatrailrunners.blogspot.com/
KathEats says
Thanks for the link!! Will check it out 🙂
Kristi @ KristiAteIt says
Oh what I would do to have a room just for my clothes. Amazing! Nice handy work, I’m impressed!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Looks like Matt saved the day; love that he made this, and with such a unique element! Neat indeed 😉
stace says
So cool! Every girl should have a Queen’s room! Good job KERF and MERF!
KathEats says
MERF <3
Joy says
Hey Kath! I wanted to tell you about an event that you and Matt might be interested in. There is going to be a Food and Wine Festival at the National Harbor in DC in May. Here’s the website: http://www.wineandfoodnh.com/ I’m not affiliated with it at all [otherwise I would give you free tickets 😉 ] ; I just thought it might be something you would be interested in. My husband and I are going to the Saturday event. Hope you can make it!
KathEats says
Man I wanted a free ticket!! J/K.
It looks totally awesome, however I think that’s the weekend before our opening (or 2 weeks prior) and we probably shouldn’t schedule any events!
Tracey says
Kath, I wanted to let you know that I received my Shaklee yesterday, and spent last night cleaning everything in our kitchen. 🙂 Our microwave is original to the house (it’s built in), and about 20 years old. I could not believe the gunk that came off – that I didn’t even realise was there! A bit gross, I know, but also quite incredible. I am excited about tackling the rest of the house! Also, a few days ago my husband and I signed up for Mint. When I looked at our spending chart I gasped out loud! Our shopping is a bit out of control, and we had no idea how much were spending. So basically, in a matter of days, you have truly inspired me to make amazing changes in my life, and I am so grateful! Thank you for your inspiration – and your passion for life. 🙂
KathEats says
I absolutely love comments like this !!! Please send me some before + afters of your cleaning projects!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Love the action pics. haha
Camille says
I love that you have a closet room! Fabulous dahling!
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
Very good DIY project.
Are you able to disassemble it when you guys move? I’m thinking of having one built but will need to be able to transfer from room to room, or house to house if needed.
KathEats says
Yup!!
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
I love men that can make stuff. It’s hot! My husband is the same way!!
And can you come organize my closet, please? 🙂
Brooke says
I want a Queen Room!!!!
Natalia - a side of simple says
I really like the idea of having an “open” closet. It’s a great way to showcase your clothes and outfits and it’s harder to “forget” about certain pieces you have!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Innovative closet solution. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Abby says
Wow–how awesome! 🙂 I love it!
Kristina says
I bought a couple of closet organization items from Target last year, too and they were totally POS’s! They fall apart constantly! Normally I love Target but in this case, totally not impressed. Good call on building your own!
Tina says
I am so jealous that you have a whole room to dedicate to clothes and all that. I’m far exceeding my current space for clothes/makeup/etc.
I LOVE the shelf with all the baskets! Great way to organize!!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
awesome. so awesome! love it
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
We use our spare bedroom as a closest, too!
I like the plumbing pipes. Very creative. 🙂
Angel7 says
Great idea for the new closet rack! It is great to have a Mr. Fix-It around the house 🙂 It is all about being neat and tidy!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
erica says
that is brilliant! go matt!
Amy says
Thanks for this post. I have a closet that has the worst shelving unit in the world: 1) I can’t reach 2 of the three shelves, 2) it has no storage use at all. I have been looking for different ideas… and this helped. Thanks! Now, can Matt build me a closet rack?!?!?! lol
Alaina says
My aunt has that same thing where the closet is another bedroom. I may have to convince my husband to do that when we get a house. 😉
Ashley @ Feeding Ashley says
I’m so jealous of your queen room. I think it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. 🙂
I’ve seen ballet bars built out of plumbing pipe once, but never a mini closet.
Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous says
Matt is a pretty handy guy! The new clothing rack looks great!
Jayson says
I want to do this for my girlfriend. How high it the top pipe? And how long are the sections of pipes on the sides? Wondering if someone that’s 5*2 could reach the top one?
Jessica says
Thank you so much for this post, and more importantly the comments from the hubbie. I just tried to build one without plans and got stuck at the middle part and how to get it stabilized. Good to know that half-screwing will work!! You just saved me (another) trip to Lowe’s!! Thanks!!!
Christina says
Could you give the dimensions of this?? I’m wanting to put one together this next weekend and would love some help on how long the bottom/support pieces need to be, etc. Thank you!
KathEats says
Unfortunately it’s been so long and I no longer have it, that I don’t know them