How to make a rope basket for simple DIY living room decor

by Carolyn Ross 12/16/2024

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

Carolyn Ross

Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment. 

She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.

Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents.  She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years. 

This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.