A couple of years ago while organizing the closet and rehanging clothes, I realized our closet needed a more grown-up touch. I kept picking up a sweater that had slipped off the hanger for the hundredth time and thought, “You’re in your late 20s — you can afford better hangers, and they can match if that’s what you want.”
At the time, our hangers were a mix of broken plastic, bent wire, and other mismatched pieces. We went to IKEA and bought a full set of wooden hangers, and I felt like I’d made an adult-life upgrade. It’s amazing how little things can make a big difference.
After some time, I wanted to refresh those wooden hangers with a small pop of color—just for fun. I decided to dye them indigo and turned the process into a simple organization tutorial in case you want to try a mini makeover for your closet.
Materials
- Wood hangers (mine are from IKEA; hangers with shoulder indentions work well for preventing slipping)
- Coarse sandpaper (40–60 grit)
- Fabric or wood dye (Rit is a popular brand with many colors)
- Paintbrush
- Sealant (clear coat to protect the finish)
- Wooden beads with a hole large enough to fit over the hanger hook
How to
1. Remove the existing finish from the hangers with sandpaper so the dye will penetrate the wood. If your hangers are already unfinished, you can skip this step.
2. Wipe away all sanding dust with a clean cloth. Make sure the surface is free of particles before dyeing.
3. Pour some dye into a small bowl and add a little water to slightly dilute it. Use the dye like paint—dip your brush and apply it evenly to the wood. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying another. I used at least two coats per hanger to reach the deep indigo color shown in the photos.
4. After the dye has completely dried, apply one or two coats of a clear sealant to lock in the color and prevent it from rubbing off on clothes.
5. Thread a wooden bead onto the metal hook of the hanger. If you want the bead to stay permanently in place, add a bit of glue inside the bead; I left mine removable so I can switch colors or shapes later.
You can also use acrylic paint instead of dye for a different finish and texture. Alternatively, skip painting entirely and simply add decorative beads to the hanger hooks for a quick and stylish upgrade.
If you choose beads, consider painting small designs on them for extra detail, or make your own beads from air-dry clay if you have leftover clay from other DIY projects.
Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Will you give your hangers a small organizational makeover like this? And does it bother you to have mismatched hangers in your closet?