Western Shoe Cabinet and Coat Rack

This commission offered the opportunity to create custom pieces with a western “feel.” Heather and Bryan Lawrence wanted a base cabinet to house shoes and a coat and hat rack to be located in the entrance to their home. They wanted something that showed their affection for the look of the American west and that paired well with the iron work in the entryway of the home.

The two pieces were built of knotty alder and included black iron accent features. The base cabinet is intended to serve as both storage for footwear and an actual seat on which to sit when removing them. After building the carcase, I added metal strapping and attached them with rustic square-headed screws.  The challenging part of this project was to take the beautifully finish-sanded piece and then antique it by hitting it was chains and such to show the look of wear and tear. The sanding of the piece needed to show worn corners and edges, also.

A western-style shoe cabinet.

(click on image to enlarge)

The owners also asked for a coat and hat rack to be positioned directly above the shoe cabinet. Again, knotty alder was used and black iron straps and coat hooks were added. As with the shoe cabinet, the finish-sanded piece needed to be antiqued using the same method as the based endured!

A western style coat and hat rack.

(click on image to enlarge)

This shot shows the two pieces in place in the home’s entryway.

Western style Shoe Cabinet and Coat Rack

(click on image to enlarge)

All-in-all, it was a fun and satisfying pair of pieces to design and create! And the owners offered a testimonial confirming that they, too, love it!