The temperature’s dropping and it’s just the beginning. Winter is a-comin’, everyone – there’s no denying that. Rather than wish away the onslaught of the cold weather – and the unruly piles of coats that come with it – embrace it and outfit your foyer or mudroom with a great new coat rack.

Coat racks have gotten a bad rap as eyesores, an unnecessary piece of furniture to stub your toe on and look messy. After all, why invest in a separate entity draped with coats that don’t stay on it when you can use a couch or chair instead?

These coat racks are going to destroy that sentiment. Not only are they functional and practical (because, let’s face it, nobody really wants coats flung over their couches), they’re design elements in their own right. Many even serve dual purposes!

First up: an updated twist on the literal coat tree.

This one makes hanging your coat fun and actually encourages you to color on the walls:

The pegs on this clever and colorful rack fold in when not in use. No more snags and head-bumps in the summer months!

Need your coat rack to do double duty? These are for you.

This one includes a magnetic message board – you’re sure to see those reminders when you pick up your coat, purse, or keys:

Use a shelf/rack to stash more than just coats.

The interesting shape of this wall-mounted model features built-in phone and key storage compartments:

And to introduce some fun – and some fitness – into your daily routine, hang your coats and other paraphernalia from this rock wall coat hanger. You have to climb to reach your stuff!

(But be honest with yourself – wouldn’t you just hang your coats on the lower “rocks” anyway?)