Thrift Store Basket Makeover: Easy Storage That Looks Expensive
Every thrift store has a shelf filled with handled baskets that most shoppers walk right past. I used to do the same until I realized those inexpensive baskets can become some of the prettiest storage pieces in a home. With one simple change, removing the handle. When you do this, they suddenly look like the woven baskets sold in decorating stores for ten times the price.
If you are in need of inexpensive organizers to stylishly stash your stuff, don’t settle for style-less plastic bins and boxes when you can readily transform thrift store baskets found for a fifty-cents at thrift shops.
Organizing our homes is never once and done. It is a continual process to keep the contents of closets, cabinets, cupboards, shelfs, and drawers more organized.
I organize all the time and always seek better arrangements to improve upon past organizing efforts, especially if they are not working.
This is the case with the white sideboard in my living room.
I purged the contents of what I wanted in the cabinet and set things up in stacks. It looks organized in the photo, but in real life it is hard to find a CD title and when I would pull out one, the whole stack slides out of the cabinet and onto the floor.
Recently I was out and about and came upon a new to me thrift store. You know I love thrifting and thought to myself, “Should I stop? YEA or NAY?” It was getting late and I didn’t want to get stuck in rush-hour traffic, but my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to go in to check it out. I was glad I did!
The little shop was filled from top to bottom and was the most organized little thrift store I had ever entered. The prices were just right and the owner of the shop could not have been cuter. You could tell she was proud of her shop and went to great lengths to make it very pleasant.
I came out with a few white pitchers, a large ribbed glass Pyrex bowl and baskets – 6 of them for a whopping $3. That’s an amount of cha-ching at the register that I don’t mind. :-)
Why Woven Baskets Make Storage Look Like Decor
Rectangular storage baskets can be easily found new at stores like Target, HomeGoods and more, but their price tags can run anywhere from $9 – $19 depending on their size. Handled thrift store baskets cost 50 cents to a dollar a piece.
You may be thinking 80’s country decor when you see handled baskets like these, but after removing the handle from baskets they will provide less visual clutter, add, warmth and texture to a room and look much nicer than plastic bins.
When you remove the handles on the baskets….voila! Stylish storage.
Now when I go to grab something from my cabinet, I can simply slide a basket in and out to easily find the item I want without anything small falling out of the cabinet.
But I didn’t stop there…
I added decorative labels to each basket using my Label Making and Attaching Method that I have written about a few times before here on the blog.
Labels are the best way to make sure things can be easily found and then are placed back where they belong when done. That is half the battle of keeping things organized. More on how to make and attach the labels can be found further down in this post.
What Type of Baskets Should You Look For at a Thrift Store?
Thrift shops and yard sales always have plenty of baskets in all sizes and shapes. Before heading out to find some to transform, first measure your cabinet shelves and drawers sizes – height, width and length before shopping to make sure baskets you find will fit. I have bought a few that were too high to fit into a drawer I wanted a few for.
When searching for baskets, here are a few things I look for:
- square and rectangular in shape that I will be able to fit a few together in a drawer or a shelf without any losing any shelf of space.
- tightly woven wicker, seagrass or rattan
- baskets that nest as you get 3 of the same style
- baskets with solid bottoms
- baskets that don’t have any broken reeds
- that the handle isn’t structural or a seamless part with the body of the basket.
Where I Use My Transformed Thrift Store Baskets Around My Home
I use the transformed baskets on pantry shelves, in linen closets, under console tables, in my craft room as well as the mudroom. I use smaller ones in kitchen and bathroom drawers
I have even made Lids for the Baskets so they become stackable storage or to create a unique side table.
And once made a Stylish Open Basket Cooler for cold beverages with a large basket that originally had a handle.
How to Clean Thrift Store Baskets Before Using Them
If you find a basket at the thrift store that is exactly the size you need, but it looks dirty, you should still buy it as long as it has no stains as baskets are easy to clean.
Fill a sink with hot sudsy water and let the basket soak for about 5-10 minutes. Next use a scrubbing pad to go over the surface of the basket. Rinse and then place the basket outside in the sun until it dries.
How to Make a Decorative Storage Basket From a Thrift Store Basket
Time needed: 10 minutes
How to remove the handle from a wicker basket to transform it into a stylish storage basket.
- Place Basket on Work Table
Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Once basket is on a work surface, use sharp shears or a box knife to cut the handle off on each side of the basket.
- Remove Handle Base
Once the handle is cut off, there will still be vertical reeds sticking out the top. These can easily be removed with a pair of point-nose pliers and a tug.
- Check That All Shim Reeds Are Removed
Look at the basket to see if there are any shim reeds running vertically in the weave. These usually are short pieces that will come out easily. Depending on the basket, some may even run vertically. You will be able to spot them if you look closely at the pattern of the basket’s weave.
- Fill With Your Stuff
If using a few baskets inside one cabinet, play around to see the best fit. I tend to move mine all around and even try facing the sides of the baskets out if they fit in better. - Use All Sizes of Baskets
With most baskets, you will not see any damage after removing the handle. I have removed quite a few handles over the years. If your basket weave is more open where you removed the handle, add a label over it to hide it.
How to Make Pretty Labels For Your Thrift Store Storage Baskets
I also make DIY custom labels for every basket I use to organize my home. Here is where you can get the step-by-step directions: Complete Laminated DIY Label Tutorial.
To learn how to add your own words to your labels using pretty fonts this Free Printable Labels for Organizing Your Stuff post will show you.
For even more free labels to download, check out my: Free Printable Label Library and Member’s Free Printable Library for many more decorative labels to help you organize your stuff.
How to Use Low Sided Thrift Store Baskets to Organize Small Items
In my recent thrift store finds, I also brought home 3 low sided baskets. I use these in my china closet…
and in Kitchen Drawers to Organize everything from teabags.
For more ideas on how I use these baskets around my house head over to this post:
18 Ways to Organize Your Home Using Baskets
FAQ’s: Transforming Thrift Store Baskets
Can you remove handles from every basket?
I have never come across a handle on a basket that couldn’t be removed easily. Most handles are attached with long reeds that can be pulled out with pliers or the handles are woven on. If this is the case, you can snip into the weave with scissors or a knife and unwind the woven section to remove the handle.
Can wicker baskets be painted?
Yes, wicker can be painted successfully with spray paint. Don’t use brush-on paint as the paint wouldn’t get into the weave. Here you will find my How to Spray Paint Anything Tips
What is the best glue for loose wicker?
Any clear brand name glue should work well to tighten loose reeds of wicker. I like to use the clear formula of Gorilla Glue.
How do you remove musty smells from old baskets?
The best way to remove the thrift store smell from baskets is to clean them with hot sudsy water and a scrub brush. Rinse well and let dry outside in the sun.
How to I add Labels to baskets?
To read all about the labels I make and how to attach them to baskets, see this post: The DIY Decorative Labels I Use to Organize My Entire Home
Enjoy Finding Thrift Store Baskets to Makeover
Looking for ordinary thrift store finds and imagining what they could become is one of my favorite items to search for when on the thrill of the hunt. These handled baskets may have started out looking dated, but with one simple tweak they became storage that looks right at home in today’s decorating styles.
It’s proof that creating a beautiful, organized home doesn’t always mean buying something new, it often starts by seeing old things in a new way.
More Decorative Storage Ideas Using Baskets
- All Posts About Home Decorating Using Baskets
- Basket Side Table
- Adding Wheels to a Large Basket
- How to Change the Color of a Wicker Basket
- DIY Driftwood Finish Basket
- Organize the Contents of My Party Closet
- Ready-Made Printable Label Gallery
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I forgot about your previous post on the subject of removing basket handles. I would like to replace all the white plastic Target baskets that I’ve had for years. This sounds like an economical solution, and I’m always up for thrifting to hunt them down.
Love this post. Gonna remember it for future plans. You are WAY more organized than me, but I’m learning.
Thanks Becky – I like to be organized, but there are many areas of my house that are not. :)
I like the lids for the baskets tip! Thank you for sharing that. I have another super cute idea for you. I have a very large laundry-sized but tall and squarish beautiful basket. I keep it near my kitchen with all my cookie sheets in it. It gets closer to the kitchen during holiday baking, and I lay a cookie sheet across the top to hold cookies as they cool during the batch baking process. Thank you for your great ideas and tempting photography.
Hi Kathy – Placing the large basket near your kitchen with cookie sheets is a great idea. I love how you place the cookie sheet across the top of the basket – very smart.
Reminds me of all those Longaberger baskets that cost a fortune in the 80’s that you see in thrift stores now. Great ideas. Glad you are recovered from your trip!
Hi Alison – Most of us who lived through the 80’s will always remember the Longaberger baskets. I recently read that the company is selling their headquarters that is a big basket. Google it and you will see it.
I love your blog. I got googly love eyes from all the great ways you used those baskets from the thrift shop.
Happy Holidays and a great 2022!
This is my first time at your blog. What a great post! So creative and fun! Thanks so much!
Hi Rebecca – Thank you for taking the time to say hi and leave me a comment. I love hearing from new readers. If you ever have any questions, Just let me know.
Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing very creative and thrifty ideas. I am a noobie to your blog and I absolutely love it. May God bless you for your sweet generous spirit!!
Diane, Love your basket organizers. I too love baskets especially square or rectangle & some with lids. Will you please share the name & location of the thrift store? I am always looking for new to me stores in our area.
Thanks!!!!
Hi Patricia – The thrift shop is called: The Thrifty Gift Shop, 1937 Augusta Road, West Columbia 29169 I got the name from my receipt, but I thought the sign outside the store had a different name. It is a stand alone store – not very big, but loaded with stuff. Happy hunting! :-)
Hey I just found your site searching for organizing tips. I love all of your projects and style. I’m a thrift shopper as well. Can’t beat the prices. I grew up in the area you mentioned as well. Go to visit family there. So will look for the thrift store too. Another place to check out is Thrift Ave. PETSinc. on 1217 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169, USA for animal no kill shelter. I will be looking over your post for sure…thanks again.
Hi Linda – Thank you so much for the thrift store recommendations. :-) I haven’t been to either of these. I will plan to stop on my next trip into Columbia.
Hi Diane,
I just love the basket labels & I did download the. My only questions is “how” did you “print the words on the labels?? Also please share the font style. Thank you.
Hi Anna –
The font I used on the baskets in the post is called Vidaloka. It is a Google approved font.
There are a few ways to add the wording using pretty fonts to the labels. You can find how at the end of this page: Free Printable Labels
LOVE these ideas! Your storage looks so stylish & organized! Thanks for the great ideas! I have some baskets in my attic that I was ready to donate, but I’ll be using them now!
Thanks Wendy :-) Happy New Year!
I love the idea of using baskets for organization and buying them at thrift stores! I hate to think about the baskets I’ve gotten rid of in the past because of their handles. Thank you for sharing all your creativity!
Brilliant!
Oh, oh! Where is the store? And the name?
The thrift shop is called: The Thrifty Gift Shop, 1937 Augusta Road, West Columbia 29169 I got the name from my receipt, but I thought the sign outside the store had a different name. It is a stand alone store – not very big, but loaded with stuff. Happy hunting! :-)
I love using baskets, thank you for all the great ideas in this post! I am like you in that I enjoy finding them cheap!
Love this idea, Diane! I love baskets, but think they’re so much more useful (for what I need them for) when they don’t have handles. I’ll definitely be trying this tip out!
I live in the midlands of South Carolina, and I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. Love your creativity and thriftiness! I would love to visit the shop where you got your baskets if you could give me the name and address of it. Thanks so much!
Hi Deb – The thrift shop is called: The Thrifty Gift Shop, 1937 Augusta Road, West Columbia 29169 I got the name from my receipt, but I thought the sign outside the store had a different name. It is a stand alone store – not very big, but loaded with stuff. Happy hunting! :-)
Oh My Goodness! I cannot tell you how many baskets I have thrown out or passed up in the thrift store because they had handles! Not ONCE have I ever considered removing the handle!!!! But you can bet I will be on the lookout now! Thank you SO much!!
Totally enjoyable one!! Thanks a lot!
Have you ever done this with a Longaberger basket? I just snagged a huge lot of these type for next to nothing. I am trying to decide how to “spiff” them up to sell in my shop!
Hi Christy –
I have not done this on a Longaberger basket, but I am sure it can be done. I think the handles are attached with a screw. You may be able to remove the handle and even put it back on of you want to use it again. To add the labels, you may have to attach them in a different way since the reeds used to make these baskets are wider.
Hi Christy,
My mother-in-law was a Longaberger collector and sales rep for years (up until they changed the stain colors and discontinued what is now considered the “classic” stain). She says to clean the baskets with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Be sure and research the baskets you bought — they can be worth a pretty penny!
Thanks for the cleaning tip, Donna!
I use baskets all the time. Sometimes I find a particular use is no longer needed but the basket will work perfectly for something else! You are so creative, I’ll bet you could find a use for those handles you cut off the baskets.
Hi Kat – I agree with you – baskets are so versatile. When I was throwing the handles out, I hesitated for a minute thinking if I could find another use for them, but decided to toss them. Just wait in a week, I will think of a way to use them. :-)
You never fail to amaze me! I appreciate you & your never-ending desire to share that makes so many people happy, even if they never tell you.
Thanks Connie – I appreciate you taking the time to leave me such a nice comment. Thanks for reading.
I love this post about the baskets. I do have one other question about your sideboard. I do shop online but have never purchased furniture online, how is the quality of your sideboard? After your original post about the sideboard I did go to the Hygee Home website and found things I really liked but was hesitant to buy. They have a piece that would really fit nicely in my home just worrying about buying online and if the piece comes damaged or any other problems that might come up. I love your blog and find all of your ideas inspiring.
Hi Sherry – I love the sideboard. It is sturdy and well made. Everything opens and closes just as it should. I would not hesitate to get another piece. Hygge Home has so many great pieces. I would love them all.
Brilliant! Why have I never thought to simply cut the handles off? When you said 80s it was an immediate, oh yeah, that’s what they feel like to me and why I don’t use them…cutesy country. I know Columbia well as my aunt lived there 70 years, now I know your area of the state.
Oh so glad you posted this! I just found a Longaberger basket at Goodwill for $1!!! Don’t like the handle, but couldn’t pass that up! Thanks, gonna try this!
Can you tell me where the shop is and it’s name? I live in the area and it sounds great!
Hi Brenda – I took the shop owner’s card and now I can’t find it. :-( It is a small store not affiliated with a church or big organization. I remember passing the Habitat ReStore and Lowes heading back to get on 26 Westbound. I am going to keep searching for the card and will get the name to you soon.
Thanks, Diane
Hi again Brenda – I found my receipt. On the receipt it says The Thrifty Gift Shop, 1937 Augusta Road, West Columbia 29169 I thought the name was different, but maybe not. At least you know how to find it now. :-)
thank you so much for this post . I am so unorganized and I need to really put your suggestions to use
Every time I go I “thrift store shop” I grab baskets. I even used your advise and lined the bottoms for ease in grabbing items out of them. Thank you
This idea is simple and brilliant at the same time. I will have to get to my local thrift store before everyone else reads your post! I also have a few baskets with handles that I’ve never parted with because of their beauty. My husband will be thrilled when I find a use for them. Thanks for the idea!