Wicker baskets are plentiful at thrift stores and you may even have a few at home. And while they’re perfectly lovely in their natural state, sometimes it’s fun to give them a refresh. Here are some inspiring ideas to give your boring baskets a new look or purpose in life.
Wicker Baskets as Wall Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Basket wall decor is all the rage these days. But for a punch of color, adding woven trivets to your flat baskets is a fast an easy way to really make them pop! And no paint or complicated crafting involved.
Succulent Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A hanging basket filled with (fake) succulents makes quite the statement as a wild and lush wreath, doesn’t it? This version got a subtle makeover with DIY metallic glaze that just gives it an extra shot of glam.
Thrifty Centerpiece
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Find a hat-shaped basket on your thrifting adventures? Then this super simple upcycling idea might be perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Because transforming it into a pilgrim hat centerpiece takes only ten minutes-tops!
Easter Basket Door Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A flat-backed hanging basket like this is simply perfect for transforming into an Easter basket “wreath”, isn’t it? And it’s ready to be filled with decorative eggs, bunnies, and Easter grass, too.
Simple Dish Garden
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Even though this version uses fake (ceramic!) cactus plants, a flat bottom basket is the perfect thing to turn into a dish garden– real or faux. Deeper baskets can also be used as a flowerpot covers, too- painted, embellished, or au natural.
Boho Basket Pumpkin
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on the shape, some wicker baskets are perfect for upcycling into pumpkins for fall decorating. This one was particularly well-suited for the task and was upcycled into a “gourd-geous” Boho pumpkin with the help of some all-natural craft supplies.
Coastal Basket
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
This large basket started out plain, but now looks straight out of a gorgeous beach cottage. It’s amazing what some paint and seashells can do, isn’t it? Now it’s decorative and can be functional, too.
Decorative Beehive
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Just in time for your summer mantel decor, a small basket might be the perfect thing to transform into a mini beehive. This is another super simple craft project that anyone can do, with awfully cute results.
Wicker Baskets for the Porch
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A large basket that is filled with fake (or real!) potted flowers is about as cheery as it gets, especially on your front porch. This one has been further embellished with ribbon and some stenciling, but it would just as darling plain.
Christmas Magazine Storage
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And, of course, you can always use baskets as decorative storage for any number of things. In this case an old picnic basket was given a festive makeover with paint and ribbon to hold a collection of Christmas magazines! Easy to tuck them away with all the decorations in the attic, eh?
Felt Succulent “Planter”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you thrift long enough, you’ll find that baskets come in all sorts of quirky shapes- including animals. In this case, a snail basket from a thrift shop has been upcycled into a darling “planter” for some felt succulents.
Decoupage with Paper Napkins
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Who would have guessed how popular it was to use paper napkins for craft projects? But using them to decoupage on baskets is a crafter’s dream. No need to have any special skills to add such an elegant design to your otherwise plain decor- including baskets.
Guest Room Welcome Basket
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
A plain basket just needs a colorful makeover (hello, spray paint!) to make it guest room ready. Fill it with books, snacks, personal sundries, and the Wi-Fi password and your guests will feel right at home.
Christmas Tree Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This set of nesting baskets started out gold, but a quick and festive makeover made them Christmas-ready and perfect for decorating! All that was needed was some mini-ornaments to hang on the woven “branches”.
Thanksgiving Decor with Wicker Baskets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Love ’em or hate ’em, but decorative signs aren’t going anywhere. And using a flat basket tray to create one is a fresh new way to make holiday decor, no matter the season.
Weaving with Ribbon
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An open weave basket (i.e., one with gaps between the woven fibers) is an ideal candidate for this upcycling idea. Weaving colorful ribbon through the gaps and open spaces gives it a completely new look, painted or not.
Fabric Wrapped Handle
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Not all carrying baskets have hand-friendly handles. But wrapping it with fabric (in this case, flannel) gives it not only a cozy new look, but feels better on the skin, as well.
Game Day Snack Holder
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you squint hard enough, you might be able to see it: A large oval basket that has been painted like the home team’s football stadium! In this case, Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers. Team colored paint, green felt, and white label paper are all you need to make this game day basket come to life.
How Will You Jazz Up Your Baskets?
Photo source: Sadie Seasongoods.
Think you’ll be giving one of your baskets a makeover or repurpose now? A lot of them truly are blank canvases that are ideal for refreshing to fit your style, and I hope this collection has give you some crafty inspiration!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Please show more of us beginners how to make more DIY affordable items 🤗
You have such beautiful designs 😊
Thank you!
And have a wonderful Holiday Season 🎄
Sheila 🤶
Hi, Sheila- I’ve got 10 years’ worth of upcycling and thrifty decor projects on my website! There are loads of ideas here.
I love plants and baskets. Your succulent design is fabulous.
Thank you for your work
Thank you, Sue!