How to Build your own Wall Hook System... for under $20
So I bought this pottery barn entryway system a while back and needed a "wall hook bar" in the space between the two lockers.
The space in between measured 4 feet 3 inches, and I wanted a wall-hook-bar big enough to compliment a large amount of the space. The problem was- I could only find hook bars at Homegoods that were 2.5 feet at most in length and I didn't want to spend over $100 on the ones from Pottery Barn (and then some after shipping and "processing"--> what the H is that charge on pottery barn receipts???). I bought several from Homegoods and then put them up... and then took them down. Each one felt too small and "dinky" for the space. Finally one day I discovered the "hook and knob" aisle of Hobby Lobby (A-mazing!) and it dawned on me I could probably just create my own for a lot less money.
Sidenote: If you aren't familiar with Hobby Lobby... its an awesome "arts & crafts" and home decor store. Each week they run 50% off sales on different departments. If it isn't on sale one week- just wait until the next week and it will be 50% off. Or if you are only purchasing one item you can get a 40% coupon online and show it on your smart phone. Sometimes I worry that the items I want won't be available the following week when the sales go on, so you can do one of two things: 1) buy the item and then bring it back for a price adjustment (I have issues), or 2) if it's out of stock, they will order it for you and honor the 50% off price.
So anyways, I'm a firm believer in the idea that if you can't find a piece to compliment your space for a reasonable price, you should try to make it yourself. This wall-hook-bar fit that bill.
The formula for a super easy wall bar is:
Common board + hobby lobby hooks (on sale) + D-ring hangers = a rustic looking wall hook bar, customized to your space.
Step 1: Measure the space (and write it down) I measured the space in between our entryway lockers- which was about 4 feet 3 inches. I then put a piece of painter's tape on the wall to see what the maximum size "wall hook bar" would look best. I decided on 3.5 feet.
Step 2: Go to home depot and buy a 1inch x 5inch x 8ft piece of common board (or a 1x6x8ft depending on the look your going for) For some reason the 8ft pieces are less expensive than the 6ft pieces. I got mine for $4 and some change. *Note if you do not have a saw to cut it, or just for convenience, have them cut the piece of wood to the size you need right there before you leave the store.
Step 3: Go to hobby lobby and pick up these hooks- they're called "retro-wire hooks". Btw, they have many other hooks that would look equally as awesome for around the same price with the 50% sale. Since my board was going to be 3.5 feet, I brought my tape measure to the store, put 3.5 feet on the floor, and then placed the hooks in what I thought was equal distance, to see how many I needed. (I ended up buying 6).
Step 4: Cut and Stain your piece of wood. This step cost me nothing because I have tons of left over stain from other projects. Check out my "How to Build a Barn Door" tutorial for my favorite stain colors. I stained this project in dark walnut to match my floors.
Step 5: Measure out evenly where to put the hooks on your board. I spaced mine starting in about 2.5 inches on each side and then roughly 2.75 inches between each one. Mark with a pencil.
Step 6: Put screws in place to hang the hooks on the board.
Step 7: Before attaching the hooks on the front side, turn the board over and connect the "D-Ring 2 Hole Hanger" (a 2 pack is just $1.93) the same height down from the top of the board on each side.
Step 8: Attach hobby lobby hooks on the front.
Hang and you're good to go!
****When hanging: Be sure to use dry wall anchor screws. You will be hanging coats and such on these and if your screws aren't going in to studs- they need an anchor so the wall-hook-bar doesn't rip out of the wall.***
And Viola! A pretty looking- but inexpensive wall hook bar.
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