How to Make a Family Command Center

Learn how to make a DIY Family Command Center from a large picture frame. This DIY command center has room for notes, photos, backpacks, jackets, and more!

It’s hard to believe it’s nearly August, and back to school is just around the corner! You might be thinking about buying school supplies and clothing, but don’t skip getting organized, too. Make a family command center and hang it in the entryway, so school mornings will run smoothly.

**Note: This post was originally written as a guest post for Beauty in the Mess.

How to Make a Family Command Center

Are mornings in your home feeling chaotic since the kids went back to school? Transitioning from relaxed summers into schedules and structure can be tough. So many changes… schedules, routines, even how we use our home… all in the matter of a few weeks. In our home, we’ve found that designating a space for backpacks, purses, and coats make mornings much easier. Are you looking for an easier morning routine?

If you’d like download and print these instructions, click here to jump to the instruction card.

Supplies Needed

• Large Wood Collage Frame
• Coat Hooks
• Labels
• Decorative Paper (map, floral)
• Family Photos
• Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Tape
• Dry-Erase Markers
• Pencil
• Paint (optional)

Instructions

1. First, determine where you’d like to add coat hooks and mark the spot with pencil.
2. Next, use a screwdriver to attach the hooks to the wood frame.
3. Once the hooks are attached, determine the location of each label and mark it with pencil.
4. Then, use a screwdriver to attach the labels to the wood frame.
5. Next, remove the back of the frame and cut decorative paper to cover any openings which won’t include family photos.
6. Finally, place family photos in the remaining openings.

Note: You may also choose to paint the wood frame for a custom look. If so, paint before step #1.

DIY Command Center

We use our DIY command center daily. Purses, coats, and jackets; an entryway command center is a workhorse. (Note: Make sure to hang the frame with wall anchors, so that it can support the weight.)

Store a dry-erase marker nearby so that you can leave notes, reminders, and more. For my preschooler, I love to include the weather, date, and a memory verse on the family command center. 

Of course, make sure to include a few family pictures! It will bring a smile to your face, on the way out the door. 

Family Command Center Ideas

Looking for more DIY command center ideas? I’ve got a collection of over 14 entryway command centers to inspire you. Oh – and if you’re a fan of that earthy green – check out my vintage laundry room makeover and a roundup of green-painted furniture makeovers.

How to Make a Family Command Center

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $30

Learn how to make a DIY Family Command Center from a large picture frame. This DIY Command Center has room for notes, photos, backpacks, jackets, and more.

Print

Materials

• Large Wood Collage Frame
• Coat Hooks
• Decorative Labels
• Decorative Paper
• Family Photos
• Dry Erase Markers
• Tape

Tools

• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Pencil

Instructions

Attach Coat Hooks

1. Align coat hooks on the frame to determine the desired locations.
2. Mark the screw holes in each coat hook with a pencil.
3. Use a screwdriver to attach the first coat hook.
4. Repeat step 3 for each coat hook.

Attach Decorative Labels

1. Align decorative labels on the frame to determine the desired locations.
2. Mark the screw holes in each label with a pencil.
3. Use a screwdriver to attach each label.
4. Repeat step 4 for each decorative label.

Insert Family Photos and Decorative Paper

1. Open the back of the collage frame.
2. Place family photos in the collage frame, as desired.
3. Cut enough decorative paper to cover all remaining photo openings which don't have a family photo.

Notes

Use dry-erase markers to leave notes and reminders on the glass, over the decorative paper.