How to Make a Large Wicker Basket Into a Side Table
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How I instantly made a unique side table to go next to one of the chairs in my living room. This DIY side table idea could not have been easier to make. In fact, it was assembled in an instant with no power tools needed.
This is a photo of the corner of my living room taken last summer that holds one of the big recliners in the room. It may not be pretty, but it sure is the most comfy seating in my living room.
Next to it are petite gold and white side tables and a thin-based floor lamp with a nice big shade.
I had the side tables before the recliners. They look too tiny next to the recliner. I kept them in place while I searched for a side table more in scale with the size of the recliner. I bought the floor lamp in brass to go with the side tables.
In my search for a better scaled side table, I had some criteria it had to meet:
- The side table needed to be round and large enough to look in scale with the recliner.
- It had to have a solid base (not be see-through to the fireplace supplies behind it)
- Have plenty of room to place things on.
More than anything, I wanted the side table for this corner of my living room to be unique and something that would work with the recliner, perhaps even becoming the focal point over the recliner.
Two weeks ago I finally found it, or part of it when I was doing a quick walk through my local furniture store that had recently re-opened.
You know I love decorating with baskets and when I saw this rather large one sitting all by itself in the furniture store for 40% off, I knew I had finally found what I had been looking for.
It is so big it almost didn’t fit in my car and I told the salesperson that I might have to bring it back if it was too big. I didn’t have to, it was just right. :-)
How to Make a Wicker Basket Into a Side Table
One of the most inspiring things about interior design is finding one of a kind items that make a home’s decor unique. When I decorate every room in my house, I try to find items that will add character and personality. It is just part of the decorating process for me.
If you look closely, I also changed the floor lamp. I spray painted the brass in hammered bronze. It now goes better with my “white and woodsy” room.
supplies needed:
- Large sturdy basket
- Round Wood Top
- Optional – Sharp box style knife needed if there are handles on the basket.
- To remove the handles I used pruning snips or sturdy, sharp scissors to cut them off. You can see how in this Cheap, But Decorative Storage Baskets post.
2. I went to Home Depot and bought a pine 24″ round table top that they sell pre-made in the lumber section of the store. It was $10.
When placed on top – the wicker basket becomes the best side table I could imagine for the space and my style that can be used for hidden storage.
My wicker basket table is 28″ high and has a 24″ wide diameter top.
Staining the Round Wood Top
The $10 pine round top was a little too yellow for the look I sought. I used two stains to add some grey and light brown to pick up more of the darker tones in the wicker basket.
- To add the stain, I rubbed each color on using a lint free rag, following the grain. Then I used a clean paper towel to wipe up all the excess and let it dry.
I didn’t wax the top yet, as I may want to add more stain or maybe even paint it. Not sure yet, but over the summer I will decide.
For now I am loving it just the way it is.
Securing the Top to the Basket Options
If you would like to secure the top to the basket. You can attach a few blocks of wood under the table top where it meets the inner side of the basket. To attach the blocks you can use hot glue or screws. This will keep the top from moving side to side, but still easily lifted off if using the basket for storage.
Wicker Basket Side Table or Coffee Table Options
If you don’t have a round basket, a sturdy square or rectangular basket can be turned into a side table or coffee table. You can use the right side up or upside down.
- For the top, you can use a large square or rectangular wood cutting board for an instant table or get a piece of wood cut at the home improvement store.
To make a coffee table using baskets. Find two or four identical baskets to use for 4 legs. Place wood cut to size needed on top.
Taking my time to find just the right side table to go with the big chair allowed me to really think about what the space and my style needed. Finding the basket and repurposing it to make it my own, makes me one happy DIY decorator. :-)
My basket was one of those one-of-a-kind finds that show up when you least expect it. Here are a few to get your search for a large basket started.
Baskets I Found Online
Hey Diane,
I want to use this idea as a nightstand and I am scared that it will break if I put a lamp on it. Do you think that it would work?
Hi John – To use a wicker basket as a nightstand should work just fine with a lamp on it. I would just make sure the basket is a sturdy one with rigid sides.
Wow this is beautiful thanx for the inspiration i’m gonna try it for my bedside table and put on my side lamp
LOVE the basket! I think it brings out the uniqueness and sophistication into your room decor. I love how this wicker basket also brings out the color in your room. I’m going to have to try this myself. Thank You for sharing!
This is such a great idea! Going to try and make one for my spare room, will be a great place to stash the extra blankets and throw pillows when we have guests! Thanks!
WOW! What a GREAT idea and awesome basket! I would love to find one of those – love love love this table – and really looks super in that spot. Well done!
I used the same paper as you in the kitchen drawers! It was part of my spring cleaning to add some little things to my kitchen.
I am a recent follower and enjoying every post. The basket table idea is perfect!
Thank you for your wonderful ideas. You definitely make me smile during this difficult time.
Hello Diane. I can’t recall how I found your blog, but I’m so happy I did. I follow very very few blogs…. But yours is so worth it. I love the set up of your blog. Your ideas are relatable and doable. I don’t leave feeling FOMO or like my house is less than. I’ve not commented before, but this side table basket is likely the idea I’ve been searching for to go between two chairs in my family room. I’ll need to find a low basket and stain the wood to match the wood on the chairs. I’ve struggled to know what to do in that space ?.
Thanks for such an enjoyable down to earth blog. It’s my little guilty pleasure reading time I look forward to when I need a break. Thanks! ?
very good project! I can really see how this item works well with the rest of your decor! Thank you for the posting, best to you and yours!
Love it ? once again you have such amazing ideas!!
You went and did it again! love how your brain works… Hope oneway to be able to do the same without going back and forth with should I should I not Ha-ha. seriously you make it soon doable and I thank you for the inspiration. Stay safe and healthy.
I love this, such a creative idea!!
This is such a creative idea!!
I love your new table. It’s perfect for the room. The color of the top is such a close match to your floor. I bet when you wax or topcoat it you will really like it and not paint it.
Could you give a little more detail on your staining process? Did you do the whole top with one color first and then the other color or did you actually mix the two colors? Sorry if that’s a silly question but I have never used two stains.
Hi Kim – Sorry for the delay in responding to your question about how I stained the round top on the wicker basket table I made.
I added each stain separately using a paper towel to apply each. I didn’t go over the entire surface, instead I just followed the grain from top to bottom on the wood top. Kind of like making stripes of color and then using a clean paper towel to blend the colors so there would not be visible lines where one color began and the other stopped. I also wiped all the excess stain off with paper towels using circular motions as I didn’t want one color to stand out more. I stood back, took a look and then added more if needed, until I like what I saw.
I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any more questions about the process.
I love it!!
I love the way you’re making something from nothing! I will never thought to make a side table from a wicker basket. Very relaxing and warm colors well done! ?
Love it…you’re a genius.
Pure genius!
Wow! This is such a great idea, and I have a large basket with a broken handle that would work perfectly for this. I just need to get the top now. Thanks for the great idea!
Love this!
Diane,
Love your basket table, and love your light & woodsy style. Gives me lots of inspiration to lighten my beautiful lodge style home for spring and summer! I also love reading your readers’ comments. Is there a way they could post photos of what they have done along with their comments? Or do you have a Facebook version for that….?
May I suggest that you put something with some weight inside the basket to keep everything safe from tipping over. I have 8 grandchildren and have a lot of experience with things getting knocked over!!
I love your home and your blog is one of my most favorite.
Well you did it again, Diane. You inspired me once more. NEVER would I have thought of that idea and the added storage is a huge bonus. Great job!!! Many thanks.
Another genius DIY! Didn’t you do a make over to those petite gold and white side tables before? The basket table is so much better next to the recliner.
Brilliant! Now….why didn’t I think of that? ;)
I love your side basket table. Now I will be looking for a large basket to make one. Thanks so much for such a wonderful idea. It looks wonderful.
Love, love the idea of the basket table. You are so creative and your ideas are affordable. I’ve been following your blog for a long time and I thoroughly enjoy it.
It looks fantastic, and the perfect size next to the recliner. Great idea.
For me this is reminiscent of the old cardboard decorator tables with the layered fabrics technique! So much easier and way more attractive, not to mention practical, I might add. I too have a long-time love affair with baskets and I’m so happy to see you offer another great way to incorporate them into daily living. And, it looks like it “belongs” there! Good job, Diane.
What a great idea! The new table looks fantastic. Bonus for storage inside!
I’ve been re-reading your Bona stain post over and over. We’re about to begin, as in two days from now; having our kitchen and pantry/laundry room tile ripped out, jack hammering through the slab foundation and digging up the dirt underneath to replace a broken drain line. ?. I’ll have a trench through half my house for a couple of days. Fingers crossed the old pipe doesn’t continue to crumble, if it sores; the trenching continues the full length of the house. Agh!
I’ve been looking at new tile and the new vinyl plank flooring, but NOTHING looks good with my amber/orange hardwood in the living room, dining room and playroom/sitting that will meet with the new kitchen floor. I also will need to replace the foyer flooring as it is currently the same tile as the kitchen. I’m seriously considering having the hardwood stained by Bona. You’re floors are gorgeous! ?
Diane, this brought back a memory for me of a side table I made just like this, years, and houses, ago. I stored seasonal throw pillows in mine. Now you’ve got me wondering whatever happened to that? I love the scale of yours next to your chair, and with the floor lamp behind. Nicely done!
Wow! What a great idea! I did not know one could buy round tabletops at the Home Depot. I guess I’ll have to put my mask on and go to the store!
You have the best ideas!
That is so cute! Now you can store a throw in it, or magazines or books! Since you do not have a lamp on the table top, it will be easy to get to anything stored in it.
Great idea! You are so talented and I have a hard time waiting for the right thing to come along! I have rushed before to decorate and then later did not like it! Patience paid off! :)
Love, love, Love your idea! Where did you find that fab basket? I’m a South Caroliner too and have been looking for large sturdy baskets for a while. Great decor idea….form and function!
Hi Delanie – I found the basket at Chapin Furniture. It is right at the exit to Chapin on I-26. I think it was the only one they had, but you could call to see if they have more like it. I also got it at a clearance price.
Thanks so much for responding! I will certainly call.
I love those nesting tables, but the narrow feet combined with the lamp was too busy. I love this basket beyond words! And storage too is a win for me!
I need that basket!!!!
Hi Sheryll – Once I got the recliners, I didn’t like the tables next to it. The nesting tables will go into my decorating stash until I someplace to use them again. :-)
Now, if you could just mail me those brass tables! The basket looks lovely, but I have a great spot for those brass rejects! Though I live on a lake as well, my efforts to have more of a woodsy feel left me feeling out of place in my own home. I finally gave up and returned to a toned down version of my country French self.
The basket table is so versatile! When you’re ready for a change you will have a great basket to repurpose. Great inspiration!
You are a genius! Thank you for such an interesting and idea packed blog.
Diane, it’s gorgeous. What a find! The basket is just beautiful.
I learn so much from your blog. Thank you for the constant inspiration.