Introduction: Simple Blanket Stand

By tomatoskins
About: My name is Troy. I'm a Mechatronics and Aerospace Engineer. I make things out of wood and electronics and spend time outdoors (especially SCUBA diving).

I don't think that there is anyone on the planet that can refuse a warm blanket on a chili winter night. But what to do when everyone isn't relaxing and keeping warm? Do you just pile them up on the floor? No!

Make your own blanket stand that will not only keep your blankets off the floor, but your room tidy as well.

This simple blanket stand was made from easy to find materials and can be made in just a few short hours.

Step 1: Design

As with a lot of my instructables, I like to start with a design. It often gives me a starting point and there is no rule that says I need to stick to my design.

I've included my design as well as my Solidworks part.

Attachments

Step 2: Parts Needed

Material:

  • 4 - 2x4x52"
  • 4 - 2x2x21"
  • 3 - 2x2x24"
  • 12 - 1 1/2" to 2" Grabber Screws
  • 2 - 1/4-20 x 3" to 4"
  • 2 - 1/4-20 Threaded Inserts
  • 2 - 1/4" Washers
  • 2 - Fender Washers

Specialty Tools:

Step 3: Cut Legs

To make the exterior frame of the stand, cut 4 - 2x4's 52 inches long. There is a total of 7 crossmembers made from 2x2's, 4 need to be 21" in length, and 3 need to be 24" in length.

Cut 15 degrees off the bottom of the 2x4's.

Step 4: Router All Edges

I wanted the stand to look modern and square while having rounded edges. Using a 1/2" round-over bit with your routing table, soften all edges except where the frame will come in contact with the floor and the ends of all the 2x2's.

Sand all pieces smooth.

Step 5: Drill Cross Member Pilot Holes

Using a counter bore, drill clearance holes at the designated marks from the top of each of the 4 frame boards (15", 27", 39") (The top hole in each board will be drilled in a future step). Take note and decide where you want each board to be located on your stand. Depending on which way the 15 degree cut was preformed will determine where that board can be located. You will only be drilling into the outside of each board.

Step 6: Drill Pilot Holes

Drill small pilot holes in the centers of the cross members. This will help with future assembly.

Step 7: Threaded Inserts

Install the threaded inserts in each end of the top cross member. This is what will allow the stand to be adjustable and hold it all together. Follow installation instructions on the documentation that the inserts came with.

Step 8: Drill Top Holes

Drill a counter bore deep enough and wide enough so that the hex head bolt will be deeper than the surface of the wood. Mine was 11/16" cut 3/8" deep.

Drill the through hole slightly larger than 1/4" to accommodate the 1/4-20 x 3" bolt. The counter bore is only necessary for the very outside boards. You can do it for all 4 boards, but no one will see the counter bore inside your stand.

Step 9: Assemble

Insert your screws into the pre-drilled counter bored holes. Apply glue to the 6 crossmembers. Screw together and let dry.

Step 10: Test Fit

Test fit everything and make sure that all is on the up and up.

Step 11: Cut Plugs

Using the plug cutter or dowels create plugs that will be used to cover the screws.

Step 12: Glue Plugs

Apply glue to each counter bore, insert plug and let dry. Once dry, use a flush cut saw and sand smooth.

Step 13: Paint

Apply desired color of paint or lacquer. Since the bolts and washers needed to be painted I used a short piece of paracord I had laying around and hung those and the top crossmember to be painted.

Step 14: Assemble

Once the paint is dry, assemble and tighten bolts at the desired angle, load with blankets to be used during those cold winter months.

If you've ever made a blanket rack or are planning on making one with this design or a different one, please leave a comment and a picture. I always love to see what others come up with!