DIY living room decor: How to make a rope basket

by Debbie Goldberg 01/15/2023

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

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.
Trim off any extra fabric and fold the edges over the top. Glue in place.
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.
Once you reach the top edge of the basket, tuck the end of the rope underneath to form a complete ring.
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.
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

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.