When it comes to making a great first impression, your entryway sets the tone. That’s why we took on this weekend DIY project in our new model home in Calhoun Acres— a custom hall tree designed to organize clutter while looking effortlessly elegant.
From backpacks and jackets to shoes and bags, this hall tree now handles it all — with style. Want to make one just like it? Here’s how we brought it to life.
🧰 Materials We Used:
- ¾-inch plywood for the bench and back panel
- 1×4 and 1×6 pine boards for framing and trim
- Decorative base and crown molding
- Five matte black metal hooks
- Wood screws, nails, and wood glue
- Caulk and wood filler
- Primer and paint (we went with a clean, crisp white)
- Optional: Shiplap or beadboard for texture on the backing (we used flat panels for a modern look)
🛠 How We Built It
1. Mapped Out the Design
We measured our entryway wall and settled on a 4-foot-wide, 6-foot-tall hall tree to anchor the space without overwhelming it. We sketched out the design based on a classic built-in style with clean lines and practical storage.
2. Built the Bench Base
Using plywood and pine boards, we constructed a sturdy bench with an open base — perfect for sliding in storage baskets or corralling everyday shoes. We reinforced it with interior supports to make it sturdy enough to sit on.
3. Installed the Back Panel
We secured a large sheet of plywood as the backing and trimmed it with 1×4 boards to create a framed, paneled look. This gave it visual structure and made the whole piece feel like a custom built-in.
4. Added Hooks & Top Shelf
We mounted a horizontal board across the top third of the panel and installed five evenly spaced hooks — ideal for coats, bags, and hats. Above that, we built a shelf to style with small bins, décor, or seasonal accents.
5. Trimmed It Out
To give it that polished Dunhill finish, we added crown molding at the top and base molding at the bottom. A little wood filler and caulk went a long way to make everything look seamless.
6. Painted to Perfection
We primed and painted the entire piece in a olive green, which ties in beautifully with the rest of the space. It’s clean, timeless, and lets the hooks and accessories shine.
📌 Dunhill Designer Tip:
Customize your hall tree to fit your lifestyle. Need more storage? Add cubbies or drawers. Want to go bold? Paint it a moody navy or deep plum for a rich, dramatic vibe.
🖼 The Finished Look
The result? A chic and functional hall tree that looks like it was always meant to be there. It blends perfectly with transitional and farmhouse styles, and most importantly, it makes coming and going a whole lot more organized.
We love how it turned out — and we hope it inspires your next DIY project!
Thinking about tackling your own? Save this post, grab your tools, and tag @DunhillHomes when you show off your finished masterpiece!
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