Large Farmhouse Metal Basket

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Have you ever spotted something at the thrift store and immediately thought, “I can make that cute”?

That’s exactly what happened when I found this oversized metal basket.

It was originally $4, but the thrift store was having a 50% off home decor sale, so I brought it home for just $2.

The metal was tarnished and it definitely needed a little help, but I could see the potential.

With some matte black spray paint and a 15-inch wood round, I turned that tired thrift store find into a beautiful DIY farmhouse basket that’s perfect for blankets, pillows, seasonal decor and more.

And the best part? No power tools were needed!

The Thrift Store Basket Before

I was thrifting with my youngest daughter at a large thrift clearance center when I spotted this oversized metal basket on the way to checkout.

It was marked $4, but because it was 50% off home decor day, I paid only $2.

I’m always on the lookout for pieces like this.

The basket itself was in good shape, but the metal had started to tarnish and it wasn’t exactly something I wanted sitting in my living room as-is.

But a little paint can work wonders!

I knew I could give it a completely different look with a simple thrift store basket makeover.

Step 1: Clean the Thrift Store Basket

Before painting, give your basket a good cleaning.

Remove any dirt, dust or debris and make sure the surface is completely dry before applying spray paint.

Since this was a thrift store find, I wanted to make sure I started with a clean surface.

Step 2: Spray Paint the Metal Basket

I used a matte black spray paint to give the basket a completely new look.

I applied two light coats of spray paint, allowing the paint to dry between coats.

I love using matte black on thrifted metal pieces because it gives them a simple, classic look that works beautifully with farmhouse and rustic decor.

Don’t worry if the first coat doesn’t completely cover the original finish.

Light coats are better than trying to cover everything with one heavy coat.

Step 3: Add the Wood Round

Once the paint was completely dry, it was time to add the wood.

I found a 15-inch round wood piece that fit perfectly inside the bottom of my basket.

And this is where this project gets really easy.

There was no cutting.

No measuring complicated angles.

No power tools.

I simply placed the wood round inside the basket.

The combination of black metal and natural wood instantly gave the basket that farmhouse look I was after.

Leave the Wood Natural or Stain It

I love the contrast between the matte black metal and the warm wood.

But I may eventually stain it with Kona, which is one of my favorite dark stains.

I previously used that stain on my fireplace mantel, and I love the rich color.

You could also leave your wood natural, paint it, or use a different stain depending on the look you’re going for.

For now, I’m going to keep the natural wood, but I might eventually stain it with Kona, my favorite dark stain that I used on my fireplace mantel.

Style Your DIY Farmhouse Basket

Now for my favorite part: decorating!

I added a cozy blanket and my Gather fall pillow to the basket.

That’s really all it needed.

The oversized basket gave me a beautiful place to store something useful while also adding texture and interest to the room.

And because I can change out what’s inside, I can easily use the basket throughout the year.

Ways to Use a Large Farmhouse Basket

A large basket like this can be used for much more than blankets.

Try using your DIY farmhouse basket for:

Blankets and Throws

Keep extra throws rolled or folded inside the basket next to your sofa or fireplace.

Throw Pillows

It’s perfect for storing the pillows that come off the couch when you’re ready to sit down.

Seasonal Decor

Change out the contents throughout the year for an easy seasonal decorating update.

Fireplace Storage

A large basket can add warmth and texture beside a fireplace or hearth.

Living Room Decor

Use it as a decorative storage piece next to a sofa, chair or console.

Entryway Storage

A sturdy basket can corral scarves, blankets, shoes or other everyday items.

Faux Greenery

You can also use a large basket to hold a faux plant or decorative branches for a relaxed farmhouse look.

Why I Love Thrift Store Makeovers

This project is exactly why I love thrifting.

I didn’t need to find the perfect farmhouse basket at a home decor store.

I found something inexpensive that had good bones and gave it a little imagination.

The basket cost me $2, and with a little matte black spray paint and a wood round, I ended up with something that looks completely different.

That’s the beauty of a good thrift store makeover.

You don’t have to start with something perfect.

You just need to be able to see what it could become.

Tips for Your Own Thrift Store Basket Makeover

Look beyond the current finish.
Tarnished, dated or ugly finishes can often be transformed with paint.

Think about shape first.
If the basket has a great shape and sturdy construction, it may be worth bringing home even if you don’t love the color.

Matte black is an easy update.
It works particularly well with farmhouse, rustic, industrial and modern decor.

Look for inexpensive wood pieces.
A wood round can completely change the look of a metal basket.

Don’t overlook clearance days.
My $4 basket became a $2 basket simply because I happened to shop on a 50% off home decor day.

More Thrift Store DIY Ideas

Now you can check out what the rest of the Thrift Store Decor Team has made over this month.

Large Farmhouse Metal Basket – Domestically Speaking Boys Rocking Chair – My Repurposed Life Sand And Seashells Beach Jar Idea – Petticoat Junktion Outdoor Coffee Table Makeover – Our Southern Home Boho Chic Jewelry Tray – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Coastal Coasters – Sadie Seasongoods Upcycled Shutter Angel – House Of Hawthornes Thrifted Child’s Wall Easel To Wall Decor – Organized Clutter Easy Cake Stand – Reinvented Delaware Refresh Bathroom Vanity Light – Shop At Blu

The Finished DIY Farmhouse Basket

I love how the matte black metal looks with the natural wood.

And honestly, you would never guess this started as a $2 thrift store find.

It went from a tarnished metal basket that I almost walked past to a farmhouse-style storage basket that I actually love having in my home.

That’s my favorite kind of DIY: inexpensive, easy and useful.

So the next time you’re walking through a thrift store, don’t just look at what’s on the shelf.

Look at what it could become.

You might just find your next favorite home decor piece for a couple of dollars!