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Remodeling 101: How Shaker Peg Rails Saved My Summer Sanity

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Remodeling 101: How Shaker Peg Rails Saved My Summer Sanity

May 20, 2016

With summer on the horizon, and the imminent arrival of my teenage sons’ out-of-town friends to our place in Connecticut, the thought of all those wet towels, clothes, and bathing suits on the floors prompted me into action. “Provide them with as many hooks as possible,” I told myself, “like the Shakers, who hang everything from pegs including chairs.” My designer brain started to whir away and before I knew it, I had envisioned Shaker peg rails running around all four walls in every bedroom—bespoke, long lead time (summer would be over!), and without a doubt, too expensive. It was time for compromise.

In my search for lengths of Shaker peg rails that would allow me to maximize the available space on my walls, I discovered I could order them in increments of 6 inches (the recommended peg spacing) from Peg and Rail in Highland, Michigan. I proceeded to order 54 feet of Shaker peg rails in varying lengths for every bedroom as well as the back hall. The 10 rails arrived within a week of my order. And the results? Clutter-free floors for the summer. They may not have been custom made by a carpenter, but they’re utterly serviceable (and sanity saving).

The Inspiration

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Above: A while back, we became obsessed with Ilse Crawford’s designs for High Road House, a 14-room hotel and members’ club near Heathrow Airport in London. See Steal This Look: Ilse Crawford Shaker-Inspired Bedroom.
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Above: Another of our favorite inspirational spaces: London stylist Twig Hutchinson’s studio and summerhouse wrapped with a bespoke rail of Shaker pegs. Go to Rough, Rustic, and Refined with Twig Hutchinson for more. Photograph by Rahel Weiss, courtesy of Twig Hutchinson.
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Above: Shaker pegs in the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky. Photograph courtesy of  Design Tripper.

The Implementation

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Above: Thanks to the 8-foot length of rail that I installed in the master bedroom, my husband and I became neater as well. While sweaty tennis clothes and damp bathing suits hang from the teens’ pegs, I display my favorite pieces of clothing, such as this artist’s smock from Margaret Howell. See Artist Style: 7 Studio-Inspired Smocks for some of our other favorites. Photograph by Christine Chang Hanway.
Shaker Hooks Storage 03
Above: I purchased my Shaker peg rails from Peg and Rail, which offers a shelf and various finish options. We went for the shelf because it allows us to display art without having to commit to hanging it. Photograph by Christine Chang Hanway.

For more, see:

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on September 13, 2013 as part of our Get Organized issue.

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Frequently asked questions

What are Shaker peg rails?

Shaker peg rails are a traditional form of wall-mounted storage that uses wooden pegs to hang objects such as clothing, hats, and bags.

What types of materials are used for Shaker pegs?

Shaker pegs are typically made from hardwoods such as oak, cherry, and maple, though other woods can be used as well.

How do you install Shaker peg rails?

To install Shaker peg rails, you'll need a few basic tools such as a level, drill, and screws. Measure and mark out the placement of your pegs, then drill holes and attach the pegs using screws. Make sure the rails are level and secure before using them to hang items.

What are the benefits of using Shaker peg rails?

Shaker peg rails are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They provide a simple and stylish storage solution and can help keep clutter at bay. They're also easy to install and can be adapted to fit any space.

Can Shaker peg rails be used in any room of the house?

Yes, Shaker peg rails can be used in any room of the house. They're commonly used in entryways for coat and hat storage, but can also be used in kitchens for hanging pots and pans, in bedrooms for hanging clothes and accessories, and in bathrooms for hanging towels and robes.

Where can I purchase Shaker peg rails?

Many home decor and hardware stores carry Shaker peg rails, and they can also be purchased online through various retailers. You can also make your own peg rails with some basic woodworking skills and materials.

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