7 best coat stands and racks 2025, tested by an interiors editor

A great coat stand is more than just a place to hang your jacket – it’s a subtle yet essential piece that helps keep your home tidy and stylish. After all, your hallway is the first area you and your guests see, setting the tone for the rest of your space.

Whether you're aiming for sleek and modern or classic and functional, the right coat stand can transform your entrance from cluttered to curated. But with so many styles and materials to choose from, finding the perfect fit can be a challenge.

As an interiors expert, there are a few things I consider when investing in a coat stand. Do I want something slim and subtle – perfect for a tight hallway – or a more robust, statement-making piece? Perhaps you’ve got a minimalist look in mind, with clean lines and neutral tones, or maybe you’re after a bit of retro charm that leans into design nostalgia while still being practical. The best designs offer clever storage options, from integrated umbrella stands to shelving, so you’ve got a spot for everything from hats and scarves to dog leads and handbags.

While aesthetics are important, functionality is key – there’s no use in a stand that looks gorgeous but tips over when laden with winter coats. From sleek, Scandi-inspired designs to timeless wooden classics – and even a few out-there options for the bold decorator – I’ve tested a range of coat stands that prove practical furniture can also be beautiful.

How I tested

I tested each coat stand over several weeks and they were used to store everything from jackets and hats to shoes and bags. Throughout testing, I looked for three main things:

• Durability: To find the best coat stands, I assessed each piece for stability and durability, testing them with multiple coats, hats, and umbrellas. I looked for designs that would stand the test of time and hold strong under the weight of heavy items.
• Assembly: I also considered ease of assembly, as well as space efficiency, ensuring they kept entryways organised while not dominating the area.
• Style: The focal point of your hallway and the first thing guests see, I looked for coat stands that not only added functionality but also style. Considering interiors trends as well as timeless, vintage-inspired pieces, the coat stands had to look as good as they performed.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Ali Howard is an industry-leading interiors writer and editor who has written extensively about home and garden essentials for The Independent‘s product review section since 2019. Elsewhere, she has edited interiors magazines and has nearly two decades of experience in writing about homeware. Whether she’s casting her eye over sofas, sofas beds and hanging egg chairs or thoroughly testing wardrobes, bookcases and linen bedding, her passion for great design shines through. All of the selections she has featured in her review have been tried and tested within her home to assess their real-world quality, effectiveness and value for money.

The best coat stands for 2025 are:

• Best overall – John Lewis timber coat stand & woven storage basket: £125, Johnlewis.com
• Best budget buy – Dunelm metal black coat stand: £35, Dunelm.com
• Best for space-saving – Yamakazi tree coat stand, brown: £113.66, Amazon.co.uk
• Best with shelves – Trent Austin Design abingd freestanding coat rack: £26.99, Wayfair.co.uk