Hall Mirror & Coat Rack Combo

Both decorative and functional, this hall mirror is more than a place to check your appearance before stepping out into the world. It also holds your keys and gloves on a shelf, and has hooks for hats, scarves, and coats.

An interlocking flush-mount (Hangman) hanger keeps the frame on the level, no matter how heavily you load it, and the sturdy cope-and-stile router joinery makes for a solid skill-builder.

If you like choices, you’ll love customizing the hall mirror to suit your taste. You can build it from quartersawn red oak as we did, or use a different species. Go with a less-expensive wood, such as poplar, and paint the wood as shown opposite page, bottom left. Flank the central mirror with raised or flat wood panels, stained glass, or mirrors. (See the Convenience-Plus Buying Guide on page 59.) Any way you “look” at it, you’ll have a project that serves as a great functional accent for your home.