Turn a hook rail into a display feature

How to create a practical and stylish hanging vignette

Hallways and utility rooms are usually where rows of hooks are to be found, to hang coats, scarves and bags to tidy them out of the way. But have you ever thought of using hooks as part of your decor, to add a little style? Perhaps installing a line of hooks in the kitchen for a collection of old copper pans or in the bedroom to show off a couple of vintage dresses. Not only can you create a gorgeous display, but also save space and declutter surfaces in busy areas of your home at the same time. And of course it’s easy to switch up your hanging display when you feel the need for a refresh.

Try some of our ideas to turn a hook rail into an attractive wall feature.

Desert boho

Make a set of hooks in your hallway somewhere welcoming, setting the tone for the rest of your home. Here a dark accent wall creates a backdrop for southwestern boho style, where a rustic plank turned into a coat rack holds a classic denim jean jacket alongside a macramé wall hanging and an Aztec tapestry bag. To add more to your look, choose a peg rail with an integrated shelf above, to hold decorative items like a collection of potted succulents or vintage crockery.

Rustic simplicity

Expanding hooks add pretty detail to this country-cottage bedroom, with a woven bag and basket, a simple eucalyptus wreath and a glass picture frame showing a botanical watercolour. Beautiful items from your own wardrobe can make gorgeous wall displays too, such as elegant scarves, a silk kimono, a collection of vintage handbags or hats that would otherwise be stored away in boxes. Or opt for something practical by hanging a drawstring laundry bag for small handwash items and lavender bags to keep moths at bay.

Chopping chic

Practical and appealing, rustic wooden chopping boards create a feature in the kitchen of this Norwegian home, contrasting against neutral-toned panelled walls. Choose an assortment of varying styles and sizes, as here, or go for the same wood type to create a more harmonious look. Check out the large antique boards at The Interiors Yard, or buy beautiful mango-wood boards from Design Vintage which come with a matching peg rail. With use, the aged patina of wood will only get better.

Victorian scullery

Create a hanging area above a butler’s sink in a traditional-style utility room, keeping your surfaces clutter-free. An old-fashioned fabric peg bag, a wicker basket for laundry pods, a vintage feather duster, or a dust pan and brush will all look the part. This is also the perfect spot to dry garden herbs, such as rosemary, or flowers like achillea and lavender, tying a bunch together and hanging it from a hook.

Hanging garden

Suspend plants from a rustic wooden peg rail for a boho vibe. Use woven pots, as here, where you can loop and knot twine through the weave, or hang your houseplants in handmade macramé plant hangers. For a lush look, layer the plants at different heights, opting for trailing greenery to create a living wall. This idea is great if you don’t have many free surfaces to position your plants.

Cook’s corner

Butcher’s hooks are classically used in the kitchen for hanging pans or utensils, freeing up workspace for the busy chef. We love this idea that uses a variety of mini handwoven baskets (see the range at Bohemia) to keep ingredients to hand, from garlic bulbs to eggs or even a bottle of wine to add a dash to the cooking. Away from the kitchen counter, ditch the fruit bowl and make a colourful display by filling an old-fashioned net bag with oranges and lemons (we love the great-value IKEA Kungsfor) and hanging it from a row of hooks, alongside a traditional butcher’s apron.