How to Make a Large Wicker Basket Side Table
It’s easy to make a wicker basket table that will work perfectly in any room in your house! This DIY side table with a basket underneath could not have been easier to make. In fact, it was assembled in minutes with no power tools needed.
This is a photo of the corner of my living room. As you can see, it’s home to a large recliner. It may not be pretty, but it sure is the most comfortable seat in my living room.
Next to it are petite gold and white side tables and a floor lamp with a nice big shade and a thin base.
I had the side tables before the recliners. They look much too small 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 a brass floor lamp to go with the side tables.
Finding the Perfect Side Table With Basket Underneath
In my search for a larger sized side table, I had some criteria it had to meet:
- Properly sized – The side table needed to be round and large enough to look appropriate in scale with the recliner.
- Serve the purpose – It had to have a solid base in order to hide the fireplace tools behind it.
- Functional – I also wanted to have plenty of room to place things on it.
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 of this corner of the room.
I finally found what I had been looking for. Inspiration struck while I was doing a quick walk through my local furniture store that had recently re-opened.
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. :-)
Turning 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, you’ll notice that I also updated the floor lamp. I spray painted the brass in hammered bronze. It now goes better with my white and woodsy room.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Wicker Basket End Table
Supplies you’ll need
You’ll have to shop around for just the right basket. The tools can be found at your local hardware store or online. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
- Large sturdy basket
- Round wood top
- Sharp hook knife (optional)
- Pruning snips or scissors (optional)
Step 1 – Remove the handles: To remove the handles, you can use a sharp knife, pruning snips, or sturdy, sharp scissors to cut them off. You can see how in this Cheap, But Decorative Storage Baskets post.
Step 2 – Add a top: 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.
When placed on top – the wicker basket becomes the best side table I could imagine for the space and my style. As a bonus, with its wooden lid, it can also be used for hidden storage!
This is the perfect spot to store extra throw blankets and small pillows, or to keep my notepad or book.
My wicker basket table is 28″ high and has a 24″ wide diameter top. However, they come in so many different sizes that with a little patience, you can find the perfect one to fit your room. Just follow the same instructions and adjust based on the size of the top.
Staining the Round Wood Top
The pine round top was a little too yellow for the look I was going for. I used two stains to add some grey and light brown to pick up more of the dark tones in the wicker basket.
Step 1 – Apply a stain: I applied each color of stain 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.
Step 2 – Seal the top (optional): I didn’t wax the top yet, as I may want to add more stain or maybe even paint it. Leaving it without wax or polyurethane gives me some options. Once you have it exactly how you want it, you can use a polyurethane or a furniture wax to seal the top.
For now I am loving it just the way it is.
Securing the Top to the Wicker Basket Table
It’s quite easy to secure the top to the wicker basket table. To do so, 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, wood glue, or screws (double check the length so they don’t go through all the way). This will keep the top from moving side to side, but it can still easily be lifted off if using the basket for storage.
Stabilizing a Wicker Basket Side Table
If you find that your table is a bit top-heavy or unstable, you can add something heavy to the bottom of the basket inside the table.
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 open side up or turn it upside down.
Note: 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.
How 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 side table was one of those exciting moments of inspiration that show up when you least expect it. It’s a good reminder to be open to fresh ideas and when an idea comes to mind – don’t be afraid to try it!
Finding the right basket can be the most difficult part of this process. Keep your eyes opened at local thrift shops and marketplaces. I’ve also found some great options online that you will find below.
Baskets Ideas Found Online
