DIY living room decor: How to make a rope basket

by John Hassler 08/25/2024

If you're interested in ways to create unique and budget-friendly DIY living room decor, consider upcycling a plastic laundry basket. With some simple materials, you can turn a plain round basket into a rustic woven rope basket for storing blankets and other items in your living room. Here is a short guide to creating your own DIY rope basket:

What you'll need

  • A round laundry basket of any size
  • Approximately 50 feet of Jute rope
  • One yard of fleece or felt
  • Hot glue gun & glue sticks
  • Utility knife

Step by step

  1. The first step in this DIY living room decor project is to attach your felt or fleece as a base layer. Use your hot glue gun to attach the felt around the bottom edge. Wrap the felt around the entire surface of the basket, making pleats as you go.
  2. Trim off any extra fabric and fold the edges over the top. Glue in place.
  3. Beginning at the base of the basket, carefully wrap the rope around it, gluing as you go. Try to keep the rope as neatly lined up as possible to prevent gaps in your basket.
  4. Once you reach the top edge of the basket, tuck the end of the rope underneath to form a complete ring.
  5. If your basket has handles, use your utility knife to cut the plastic away. Use caution and protect both yourself and your hard work while cutting.
  6. If you're happy with your basket as-is, you're finished. However, if you want to add some additional flair, you can add color to your basket by dry-brushing the rope with paint. You can cover the entire surface, create an ombre effect or even decorate with metallics depending on your personal style.
About the Author
Author

John Hassler

Our goal is overcoming the housing challenge and getting to know one another, here is a bit about me. Providing you with professional guidance for buying and selling homes stems from an in-depth knowledge of the Twin Cities Best Homes and Neighborhoods. For us, the process is a simple one and starts with a conversation about your needs, desires and concerns. No contracts or promises up front. I ask only for the opportunity to understand your housing needs and have you become comfortable with my real estate knowledge and experience. I have lived throughout the metro area, have sold close to 1000 homes as well as built, remodeled and designed homes. My passion is assisting you in discovering that perfect home, location and setting that will bring you and your family pleasure and comfort for years to come. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you at your home, business or over a cup of coffee. I am readily available by email, text and enjoy a phone call as well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me, as I always enjoy a new opportunity to help someone!