by Sherif Shalaby | Photos Kate Lacey

Dear Al,
This time of year, my tiny closet is crammed with coats. It's gotten to the point where I'm doubling (and sometimes tripling) up on a single hanger. I've got to do something before my bent closet bar snaps in two. A concerned friend showed me the Leitmotiv Rack, designed by Tonko Van Dijk, and it looks like the answer to my prayers. I'd love to re-create it, and I'm hoping you can lend a helping hand.

Gayle Fend

Dear Gayle,
It sounds like time is of the essence here, so I'll spare you my recommendations for paring down your wardrobe (except to say, have you considered Miami?). As it happens, the Leitmotiv Rack is simple enough to construct. Just do it before spring's thaw!

Your pal,
Al

Make It:

1. If you don't like the look of the unfinished sheet of plywood, paint or stain it. Let dry.
2. From the center point of one hanger, measure and mark a line 2" out to the side (make sure it's the side adjacent to the closed half of the hook).
3. Make a straight, clean cut with the saw along your line. If the cut is not even, clean it up with sandpaper.
4. Repeat with the other three hangers.
5. Using a pencil and ruler, draw a horizontal line across the long side of wood, 2" down from what will be the top of the rack. Draw vertical lines at 2 ½" 7 ½", 12 ½", and 17 ½" to ensure even placement of the hangers.
6. Position each cut hanger right below the cross point of the horizontal and vertical lines on your plywood, and trace around the perimeter of the hanger. Mark a spot in the center of each drawn perimeter, then pre-drill holes using the 11/64" bit. Match up and mark the corresponding location on the cut ends of the hangers and pre_drill holes in them as well.
7. One by one, hold the hangers in place and attach them by drilling a wood screw through the back of the plywood and into the hanger.
8. Pick a good location, find studs in the wall, and secure the rack with two drywall screws.
9. Clean out your closet!