Greetings from me, your author with a new roommate! (ICYMI: After 2.5 years of long-distance dating, my boyfriend Dennis took the leap and relocated from our hometown in Delaware to Los Angeles.) I spent months prepping for his arrival – emptying out closets, sourcing new furniture, becoming a part-time resident at the Goodwill donation center, etc. – but I foolishly overlooked one key component: HOOKS.
While the lone hook on the back of my bathroom door was adequate for me, it’s far less practical when two folks are sharing the space! (“Duh,” said anyone who has ever lived with a partner previously.) I didn’t clock that a new roommate would mean double towels, double robes, double coats, double hoodies, double tote bags – DOUBLE EVERYTHING.
So for the last few weeks, I’ve frantically been searching for design-forward storage solutions for our entryway, hallway, bathroom, kitchen, and more. I figured this research may come in handy for those of you getting your homes together before the back-to-school craziness begins, so can I show you some of the pieces I’ve been eyeing and buying?
Single Hooks
Simple Wood Hook: The price is right! This work-anywhere hook comes in three neutral shades, but I’m partial to this cheery khaki tone.
Handmade Ceramic Hooks: Dry your bath towel! Tie back your curtains! Hang your hat! (If these colors are a little too bright, check out the artist’s subtler versions here.)
Woven Leather Hook: Eschew the traditional wood and metal in favor of this textured, unexpected leather hook.
Wooden Wall Hooks: Spoiler alert: Now that I have a roommate, I bought two sets of these to serve as our towel and robe storage in the hallway niche that leads into my bathroom. I love Areware’s elevated take on color!
Tack Wall Hook: The BluDot copywriter who wrote the following description deserves a promotion: “Your parka has never looked so polished. This cast metal hook is everything it’s shaped up to be: sophisticated, multipurpose and classy as hell. Tweed suit not required but recommended.”
Metal Wall Hook: Graphic, fresh, and unexpected. If you want to signal to your guests that you’re serious about design, this is a hell of a way to do it!
Work-Anywhere Racks
16-Hook Coat Rack: Your eyes don’t deceive you – there are SIXTEEN hooks here, and the large scale means that it can double as wall art when not in use.
Wall Multi-Hook: The neutral colorway of this rack has hung proudly in my hallway for 3 years. It currently holds 2 baseball hats, 1 windbreaker, 1 umbrella, 4 bandanas, and 1 lanyard for keys – I love it.
Tall Walnut Hook Rack: In a world of horizontal racks, this vertical solution is dynamic and eye-catching. What a great way to make use of a cramped space! (The high-quality construction doesn’t hurt, either.)
Classic Peg Rail: There’s nothing like a timeless, keep-forever peg rail crafted from solid oak and maple. (The natural color is great, but how awesome is that punchy persimmon?!)
Customizable Hook Set: Is she a squiggle? Is she a circle? The choice is yours!
Accordion Rack: We’ve been calling it internally for the last few months: in 2025, our homes are going to be COLORFUL. Those bold, saturated hues you loved as a kid? They’re coming back in full force! Jump ahead of the curve with this happy kelly green rack (or grab it in natural or black wood, if you prefer an understated look).
Entryway Hooks & Racks
Mid-Century Entryway Wall Mirror: Throw on your coat and sunglasses. Grab your keys and purse. Give yourself a once-over in the mirror. (All this can be yours with only 3′ of wall space!)
Hook Mirror: How sweet are these streamlined maple pegs against this crisp white mirror?
Matte Metal Entryway Organizer: This sleek, petite profile is perfect to bring some organization to any small nook or cranny.
Shelf with Hooks: When it comes to affordable, thoughtfully-designed storage and organization pieces, Umbra can do no wrong.
Modular Wall Grid Rack: I’ve been sourcing my wire pieces from Urban for the better part of a decade – the pricing is great and the quality is surprisingly high. If your door also opens into your living room, this is a nice entryway substitute!
Arched Entryway Wall Mirror: Get a load of those perfect proportions! This one is offered in brass, black, silver, oak, or walnut, too.
Kitchen Hooks & Racks
Under-Shelf Swiveling Hooks: Pop these under your cabinets to keep your mugs, utensils, and everyday kitchen necessities within reach.
Modern Wall Rack with S Hooks: If you’ve found the iconic Rejuvenation original a bit too cost-prohibitive, never fear! Target’s here to save the day with their budget-friendly option. (Reviewers unanimously agree that this is “a game changer.”)
Swivel Hanging Rack: While this style of rack is great for entry storage, I love using them in a kitchen for storing mugs, hand towels, or dishcloths.
Mudroom Hooks & Racks
Maple Wall-Mounted Clothes Drying Rack: On a scale of 9 to 10, how brilliant is this clothes drying solution? The collapsible design provides 15″ (!!!) of drying space that can be stowed away when not in use.
Utility Hook Rack: Use this solid-brass rack to elevate your gardening tools, your cleaning essentials, or your bag of dryer balls.
Bathroom Hooks & Racks
Shelf with Hook: Store your lotions and potions up top; stash your washcloth beneath. (A great storage option for any incoming dorm- or first-time apartment-dwellers, too!)
Brass Ladder Towel Rack: Can you believe that this timeless bathroom rack is under $50? (Your secret is safe with me.)
Wall-Mounted Moveable Rack: Um, GENIUS. The hooks here can slide, which means that you can keep your wet towels away from your dry ones. It’s the little things, you know?
Kids’ Hooks & Racks
Wall Mounted Dog Rack: Your little one will be excited to hang up their coat when it involves this sweet, pup-shaped rack.
Cowboy Boot Hook: I mean…sometimes, a little quirk and personality is all it takes to make a room feel finished, you know? (Don’t even get me started on this one!)
Cast Brass Animal Hook: Look familiar? Our very own Sara Tramp sourced these hooks for her whimsical-but-not-juvenile kids’ bathroom.
Any standouts? Any testimonials? Any other recommendations? (I’m also eyeing a few racks from the 1970s and 1980s on Etsy – the “vintage wall hooks” search is highly recommended – but I’ve gotta protect my sources until I make my purchases!)
Hope this helps at least one other person – it can be hard to find pieces that are aesthetically appealing and functional! If you need me, I’ll be here (draping 5 damp towels upon their new hook homes). Wanna chat? xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Jess’ Studio Apartment Living Room Reveal
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
