How to Make a Large Wicker Basket Into a Side Table
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
More Basket Makeover Ideas
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