This entryway hat hook is one of those projects that looks charming and clever the minute it goes on the wall, but it is also genuinely useful in a busy home. By mounting oversized wooden clothespins onto a reclaimed barn wood plank, you get a sturdy wall piece that holds hats, mail, lightweight scarves, and all those little grab-and-go things that seem to collect by the door.
I love a project like this because it gives old wood a second life and adds warmth to an entryway without feeling fussy. If you like simple DIYs with a lot of character, this is a good one to make in an afternoon, and it is especially nice for families because the clothespins are easy for kids to use without wrestling with tiny hooks.
Materials
1 reclaimed barn wood plank, 1 inch thick x 7 1/4 inches wide x 30 inches long
Instructions
1. Wipe down the barn wood plank with a dry cloth and remove any loose dirt, splinters, or flaky bits while keeping the weathered gray surface and character marks intact.
2. Sand the front, sides, and corners of the plank lightly with 120-grit sandpaper, then smooth it with 220-grit so it stays rustic but won’t snag hats or sleeves.
3. Brush on a thin coat of matte clear topcoat over the front, sides, and top edge of the plank, then let it dry fully to seal in the aged look without making it shiny.
4. Measure and mark a straight centerline across the plank, then mark five clothespin positions with even spacing, leaving about 2 1/2 inches from each end and roughly 3 inches between each clothespin.
5. Set the oversized clothespins on the marks with the pinching ends facing up and the flat backs against the wood, then adjust them until the spacing looks balanced and generous.
6. Add a small bead of wood glue to the back of the first clothespin, press it in place, and repeat with the remaining clothespins so they stay put while you fasten them.
7. Drive two wood screws through each clothespin body into the plank, placing the screws where they will not interfere with the spring action, and tighten just until snug.
8. Test each clothespin by opening and closing it a few times, and if one feels stiff, back the screws off slightly so the spring can move freely.
9. Flip the board over and attach two D-ring hangers on the back, positioning them about 3 inches down from each end for stable wall mounting.
10. Hang the piece at entryway height using wall anchors if needed, then load it up with hats, a folded umbrella loop, lightweight scarves, or incoming mail to make it earn its spot by the door.
Variations & Tips
For picky clutter spots: If your family tends to drop everything by the door, use one clothespin for each person and reserve the center one for mail or permission slips that need attention.
Finish option: If you prefer a slightly richer tone, rub the plank with a light coat of furniture wax after the clear topcoat cures, but keep it subtle so the weathered barn wood still looks authentic.
More holding power: For heavier winter hats or thicker scarves, choose extra-strong oversized clothespins with a firm spring and use a slightly thicker plank, around 1 1/4 inches thick.
Kid-friendly height: In a family entryway, hang it low enough that children can clip up their own caps and mitten pairs. I have found that when kids can reach the system, they are much more likely to actually use it.
Style variation: You can add a simple ribbon bow at one end for a softer cottage look, or tuck a little seasonal greenery above the board during the holidays without covering the clothespins.
Best wood choice: Reclaimed barn wood is lovely because every nick and faded patch adds charm, but any solid rough-sawn board will work if you distress and soften it a bit before finishing.