DIY storage baskets are my go-to trick for making a tiny home feel calm, curated, and actually livable.
No-Sew Rope Basket With Glue
On weeks I didn’t want to touch a needle, I used a no-sew method and glued rope coils into a storage basket shape. Mine lives by the door and hides hats and scarves in seconds.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Cotton Rope (1/4 – 1/2 Inch Thick): Choose a thick, twisted cotton rope to build the sturdy, coiled structure of your new basket.
- Hot Glue Gun and Sticks: Secure each coil firmly without sewing using a high-temp glue gun for a durable, quick hold.
- Large Round Bucket or Planter (as a mold): Use a sturdy bucket or pot as a guide to ensure your basket has perfectly straight sides.
Classic Coiled Rope Basket
When I needed pretty catch-alls in my 450 sq ft place, I made a rope basket by coiling thick cord and stitching around the spiral. It’s sturdy enough for blankets but still cute on an open shelf.
Might be a good match:
- Cotton Rope: Choose a thick, natural cotton rope to build the sturdy, coiled structure of your basket easily.
- Heavy Duty Sewing Needles: Use strong needles designed for thick fabrics to stitch your rope coils together securely and neatly.
- Strong Upholstery Thread: Select durable thread meant for heavier projects to ensure your basket holds its shape over time.
Rope-Wrapped Cardboard Box Basket
I’ve turned plain cardboard boxes into crisp-looking storage baskets by wrapping them in rope for a clean, structured bin. They fit my closet shelves perfectly and look way more expensive than they are.
Check these products out:
- Twisted Jute or Cotton Rope: Choose a thick, high-quality rope to wrap around your box for that sturdy, textured basket look.
- Hot Glue Gun and Sticks: Secure the rope firmly to the cardboard box base with a reliable, quick-setting adhesive tool.
- Fabric Liner or Canvas Cloth: Line the interior of your new basket with neutral fabric to protect your stored items and add polish.
Reversible Fabric Storage Bin
I love sewing a simple fabric bin that you can flip for a fresh look whenever your decor mood changes. I keep one version neutral for the living room and flip to a fun print for my craft corner.
Give these a look:
- Cotton Canvas Fabric: Choose sturdy cotton canvas in fun prints and neutral solids to create your reversible bin’s durable outer shell.
- Fusible Interfacing: Add necessary structure and stiffness to your fabric basket so it stands up perfectly on its own.
- Cotton Rope Cord: Create charming, rustic handles by looping and sewing thick cotton cord onto the sides of your finished bin.
Fold-Over Liner Basket Upgrade
When a basket looks good but feels scratchy, I add a soft basket liner with a fold-over cuff. I did this for my bathroom storage basket, and it instantly felt more polished (and towel-friendly).
Explore these options:
- Natural Linen Fabric: Choose a soft, durable linen or canvas fabric to sew a custom liner that protects delicate items.
- Grommet Tool Kit: Add polished metal eyelets to your fabric liner for a professional finish and easy handle attachment.
- Cotton Rope: Thread thick, twisted cotton rope through your new grommets to create sturdy and decorative basket handles.
Felt Cube Basket for Cubbies
In tight shelving, I make a simple felt basket because it holds its shape but doesn’t scrape walls or fingers. I’ve used these in cube storage to corral chargers, mail, and all the little clutter gremlins.
Possibly handy products:
- Thick Wool Felt Fabric by the Yard: Choose sturdy, thick felt material to ensure your DIY basket holds its square shape perfectly in cubbies.
- Leather Straps for Handles: Add these pre-cut leather strips to create stylish, durable handles that make pulling bins out incredibly easy.
- Metal Rivet and Setter Kit: Secure your leather handles firmly with these metal rivets for a professional, no-sew finish on your basket.
Rope-Handle Fabric Basket
Adding chunky rope handles is the fastest way I’ve found to make a DIY storage basket feel “finished.” I put mine in a high closet shelf so I can grab it down with one confident tug.
These products might help:
- Twisted Cotton Rope: Create chunky, sturdy handles by braiding or knotting thick cotton rope to upgrade your woven or fabric baskets.
- Cotton Rope Coiled Basket: Short on sewing time? Buy a ready-made coiled cotton basket that perfectly matches the clean, minimalist aesthetic shown.
- Heavy Duty Fabric Glue: Secure your rope coils or attach handles permanently without a sewing machine using strong, washable fabric adhesive.
Painted Woven Basket Refresh
When my old woven baskets started looking dated, I gave them a quick painted basket makeover in a soft, modern tone. I’ve kept the texture visible, and it made my entryway storage look intentional again.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Seagrass Belly Basket: Start your project with a versatile foundation; choose a flexible, woven basket that holds paint beautifully.
- Matte Chalk Finish Paint: Update the lower half of your basket using this paint for a smooth, modern, and durable finish.
- Wide Flat Paint Brushes: Apply color evenly over uneven woven textures with these sturdy brushes designed for smooth, broad strokes.
Wrapped Yarn Stripe Basket
I’ve dressed up a basic storage basket by wrapping sections with yarn accents for clean stripes. It’s a super low-effort way to tie the basket colors into pillows or a rug in a small room.
A few things you might like:
- Cotton or Wool Yarn: Choose soft, colorful yarn to easily wrap around your basket for custom stripes that match your room’s decor.
- Large Tapestry Needle: Use a blunt, large-eye needle to weave yarn effortlessly through the basket’s texture without snagging materials.
- Plain Woven Storage Basket: Start with a simple jute or seagrass basket as the perfect neutral canvas for your DIY yarn project.
Wire Basket With Custom Liner
Wire baskets are amazing for airflow, but I always DIY a fabric liner so small items don’t poke out. I use mine for pantry packets and it instantly looks less chaotic on open shelving.
Items that may come in handy:
- Black Wire Storage Basket: Start your project with a sturdy metal basket that provides the perfect structure for your custom fabric liner.
- Natural Canvas Fabric: Choose a durable, neutral canvas material to sew a custom liner that keeps small items securely inside.
- Fabric Sewing Kit: Grab a basic sewing kit with needles and thread to easily attach and hem your new basket liner.
Wood Frame and Wire Storage Basket
For a more rustic look, I’ve built a DIY storage basket using a simple wood frame and wire sides. It’s been perfect for bulky stuff like cleaning rags that I still want easy to grab.
Some ideas to consider:
- Hardware Cloth / Rabbit Wire Mesh: Create the sturdy, see-through cage structure of your basket easily using durable galvanized wire mesh rolls.
- Unfinished Hardwood Lumber Boards: Build a robust and stylish top and bottom frame for your basket with high-quality, paint-ready wood planks.
- Matte Black Card Holder Pulls: Add a functional vintage touch to your finished basket by installing these classic label holder handles.
Denim-Weave Basket Insert
One of my favorite upcycles was weaving denim strips through a wire basket to create a softer, stronger storage basket. It’s now my go-to bin for cords because it’s flexible but doesn’t collapse.
These products might be useful:
- Round Metal Wire Storage Basket: Start your project with a sturdy wire base that allows for easy weaving of fabric strips.
- Denim Fabric Bundles or Scraps: Get pre-cut denim fabric assortments if you don’t have old jeans handy for creating your weaves.
- Heavy-Duty Fabric Scissors: Ensure clean, straight cuts through tough denim material with shears designed specifically for thick fabrics.
Upcycled Paper Bag Basket
When I needed a super lightweight option, I folded and reinforced a paper bag basket and sealed it so it held its shape. I use these on my desk to stash notebooks and they look surprisingly chic.
A few choices to try:
- Heavy Duty Kraft Paper Bags: Start your project with thick, durable kraft paper that can withstand folding and shaping without tearing easily.
- Matte Mod Podge Sealer: Seal your paper basket to add stiffness and durability while keeping a natural, non-glossy finish.
- Washable Kraft Paper Fabric: Skip the DIY coating and use this leather-like paper fabric that is durable, washable, and sewable.
Plastic-Bag “Plarn” Basket
I’ve crocheted a DIY storage basket from plastic bag plarn, and it’s honestly tougher than some store-bought bins. Mine lives under the sink because it can handle damp bottles and wipes without fuss.
You might give these a try:
- Large Crochet Hooks: Use a large hook to easily maneuver thick plastic yarn and create sturdy stitches for your durable basket.
- Rotary Cutter: Slice plastic bags efficiently into consistent strips with a sharp rotary cutter, speeding up your plarn preparation drastically.
- Self-Healing Cutting Mat: Protect your surfaces while cutting plastic strips and use grid lines to keep your plarn width perfectly uniform.
Lidded Canister Storage Basket
For small kitchens, I’ve upcycled a large canister into a lidded storage basket for snacks or pet supplies by wrapping and labeling it. It keeps things tidy on open shelves while still being easy to access.
A few helpful options:
- Jute Rope or Seagrass Twine: Wrap this natural rope around any simple canister to instantly create that textured, rustic basket look.
- Leather Strips for Handles: Add a small leather strip to the lid of your DIY basket for an elegant, functional handle finish.
- Hot Glue Gun Kit: Secure your rope and handles firmly in place with a reliable hot glue gun for durable crafting.
Basket Side Table With Hidden Storage
For a real wow moment, I turned a large storage basket into a side table by topping it with a fitted tray-style surface. It hides the mess (hello, cables and controllers) while still acting like furniture in a tight living room.
A few relevant products:
- Large Round Woven Storage Basket: Choose a sturdy, deep woven basket as the base for your new stylish hidden storage side table.
- Round Wooden Serving Tray: Find a tray that fits snugly over your basket’s rim to create a stable, flat table surface.
- Cable Management Box & Organizers: Keep the inside of your new table tidy by organizing power strips and loose cords effectively.
