If you love your hats as much as we do, you probably have a lot of them, and you’re probably wondering how to keep them in the best shape as long as possible. And since you can only wear one hat at a time, chances are pretty good that eventually, you are going to need to stash away a hat or twelve. Read on to find our best tips for stockpiling headwear.
Designate a Space for Your Hats
To avoid finding your hats all over the house, designate a space where you will store your hats. Is it in the entryway when you first walk into the house? Is it in the closet? Is it in bins under your bed? Figure out a location where you have space to store your hats, and that will help you determine how to store them.
Hang Hats on Pegs
Many hats can be hung on pegs, so if you have a wall in your entryway that may be a good option for you. Baseball caps, cowboy hats and sturdier hats are all good hats to use on pegs. More fragile hats like fascinators might not do as well on pegs. Decide what kind of pegs you want to get. There are so many kinds of pegs you can use, ranging from wood to plastic to just plain old nails if you’re desperate. A nicer wood peg would add flair to a room and you could paint it whatever color matches best. Plastic pegs might be better for a kid’s room. They even make self-adhesive stick-on ones that you can usually purchase for cheap at a dollar store. When hanging your pegs, it’s important to consider where you’re hanging them. You don’t want to put them behind a door or the door might smash them when it’s opened. You also want to pick a place that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, which could damage the hats. Space the pegs based on hat size. Don’t put them too close together or the hats may not have enough room. Plan it out before you hang the pegs. Take inventory of how many hats you have, and play around with the layout to determine your favorite one. On average, you need about one foot between hats like baseball caps and fedoras, but if you enjoy cowboy hats… and since you are here you more than likely do... you may need more room. If you’re hanging the hats in a straight line, make sure the pegs are level by using a leveler. You don’t want one misplaced hat to throw off the room’s aesthetics. Hang each hat on its own peg to prevent damage.
Store Hats in Hatboxes
Hatboxes are a more stylish option for storing hats, but they often take up more space. Generally they are reserved for fancier hats, or hats that are easily damaged. When choosing a hatbox you want to make sure you purchase a hatbox that fits your biggest hat. If you can fit your biggest hat in it, you can fit all of the smaller ones too. They are traditionally round, but don’t have to be. The main thing is that they have a lid so other objects don’t fall into the box and crush it. Hat boxes can be found at department stores, craft stores or antique shops. If fancy hatboxes aren’t your thing you could purchase clear plastic boxes that you find in the storage aisles. A trick to fit more than one hat into a box is to nest them together, like a Russian nesting doll. Put the largest on top, and work down to the smallest. When doing this, only do it for hats that are the same shape or fit together well. You don’t want to force it and damage any of the smaller hats. It doesn’t work well with hats that have flair, like feathers or other three-dimensional accessories attached. Store fragile hats or decorated hats in their own box. The best hats to nest together are baseball hats and cowboy hats. Secure the lids, and consider adding tape to keep them shut in case they get knocked over. Then label the box so you know what’s inside and can easily locate a hat without having to open every hatbox.
Storing Hatboxes
You might be wondering, “Where am I going to put all of these hatboxes?” As mentioned previously, hatboxes tend to take up more space. The top shelf in your closet is a preferred location because nothing can fall on it and there generally isn’t much sunlight in closets to worry about. Another option might be under your bed. Beds are usually up on frames and the likelihood of a frame-breaking and falling on your hatbox is very small. Utilize that space that’s just collecting dust bunnies and store your hatboxes. If they don’t fit under the bed don’t force them. If you have really pretty hatboxes with flower patterns, or maybe ones that are all one color, you might consider using it as room decor. Stack them up in a corner to add some flair to a room. If the boxes are made of a strong material you might even be able to place a knick-knack or a vase of your favorite dried flowers on top. Other locations for hatboxes are shelves or the attic, but make sure you don’t have moths if using the latter.
Use Drawers
If you have a large collection of baseball caps, an easy way to store them is in drawers. You can fold the back of the hat in and stack them. Save the hanging space for hats that can’t be folded.
Create a Wall of Hats
This is similar to the peg storage options, but much more intentional with the design. Make your hat into your wall art. You could strategically alternate pegs to create a geometric pattern of pretty hats on your wall. This is best for cowboy hats, bowlers, sun hats and fedoras. For a more chic display, use a wire rack and attach your hats with clothespins. Displaying your favorite hats is a great way to save space and show off your special style.
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