DIY Basket Ideas You Can Make Using Empty Toilet Paper Tubes

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Rustic-looking baskets are one of the biggest trends in interior design. Not only do these baskets bring a bohemian vibe to any room, they can also help organize your space. If you're desperate to go shopping, you can totally buy a couple new woven baskets. However, for those trying to save some cash, or who simply want to get crafty, please know that there's a cheaper and more creative way to decorate your home with these trendy baskets. Just get yourself some empty toilet paper rolls and a few other craft supplies, like hot glue and twine. 

Now, we get it if you're skeptical that toilet paper rolls can be transformed into a chic and unique storage solution! But rest assured that quite a few DIYers have proven you can do just that. Here are eight DIY storage basket ideas you can make using empty toilet paper tubes.

To upcycle empty toilet paper tubes into this basket, carefully cut each roll so it has several slits and begin folding. After dotting on some hot glue, you'll have a small basket that's both cute and sturdy. If you like to keep your home decor simple, you can stop there. However, you can also lean into the boho vibe of the basket by hot gluing on other rustic elements, like this Wide Tassel Trim from the FQTANJU Store. 

This hack is also for those who want some boho flair in their space. Like the DIYer above, cut slits into your roll before getting out your twine. Once you're done weaving the twine through the slits, start hot-gluing! If you're not loving the neutral look of this basket, you can paint the cardboard base. We recommend choosing a color that complements the light brown tone of the twine, like a pale pink. This way, you'll get a delightful (and subtle) pop of color peeking through the twine. 

This small basket hack is the perfect DIY for children as it is relatively easy and fun to make. All you need to do is trim the toilet paper roll so it's a smaller size. Then fold it and secure the basket's shape with some hot glue. While the TikToker above opted for a crown-shaped design on the top of the basket, you can either cut it straight or choose a scallop design. While the video shows how this basket is the ideal size to carry Easter eggs, it doesn't need to be used for the holiday. Keep this craft in mind the next time you need something that can hold mini gifts or treats for kids — or you can use this idea to make basket placeholders for a birthday party, barbeque meal, etc. 

If you like the small basket hack above, but want something a little more romantic, try out this DIY. Cut several slits into two toilet paper rolls and start folding. Secure the folded pieces with hot glue. Then use a hole punch so you have two openings to thread some garden wire through for the basket's handle. You can then place delicate, light items in the basket, like feathers or dried flowers. This basket could look super cute hanging on its own on a small stretch of wall, on a cabinet door, or pinned to a message board. It would also make a lovely addition to a gallery wall. One of the secrets to creating the perfect gallery wall is to incorporate things that are not flat pictures — so don't be afraid to go 3D with a gallery wall by adding in something like this whimsical craft. 

Once you get the hang of how to loop and pull the strips of toilet roll together, this basket DIY is simple to create, and you have total control over the size. You can mimic the dimensions of the top of your toilet, and place spare full rolls of toilet paper in the basket, create a mini version if you've only got a few spare rolls — or (for those with a big collection of cardboard rolls) make one large enough to hold magazines, board games, etc. After the "weaving" is done, you can transform your cardboard container into something that looks like a chic plastic wicker basket with a few coats of glossy finish spray paint, like the Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel. Those who don't love to use spray paint can use tempera or acrylic paint, both of which are types of paint suited to DIY projects that involve cardboard.

With several empty toilet paper rolls, neutral colored yarn, and lace, you can have a small, highly sturdy round basket, perfect for holding items on a vanity, like tubes of skincare products. And if you're not in the mood for a vintage theme, you can decorate this specific basket with whatever materials best suit your style. For instance, if you're obsessed with the Y2K aesthetic, use chrome or metallic hand embroidery thread on your basket. Or if you're keen on the cottage-core trend, use red gingham ribbon (like this Sofire Gingham Ribbon) and matching bows to adorn your basket. 

A fruit bowl is an elegant addition to any kitchen countertop. After following a few simple steps no one will be the wiser that your fruit bowl was formerly a few empty paper rolls. For this craft, slice the rolls into one-inch strips and then arrange them into several flower-like formations. After getting out your glue gun, you can stick the pieces together to form your bowl. Wrap up the project with a food-safe sealant (shellac is one option, and Zinsser makes a spray version — the Clear Bulls Eye Shellac Finish and Sealer Spray). If you just want the bowl to hold non-food items, use whatever kind of paint or finish you want. Also keep in mind, if you choose to use it as a fruit bowl, this project will probably have a limited lifespan, as it's not likely to withstand being washed under the faucet.

The DIYer above made their basket look a whole lot fancier with the help of some fabric. First, weave strips of toilet paper rolls through the popsicle sticks attached to the cardboard box base. You'll then need to create a pouch out of some fabric to fit in the interior of the basket. And don't think you need to have a full-size sewing machine for this project — you can also use some fabric adhesive, like Dritz Original Liquid Stitch, which happens to be one of the types of glue you should always keep on hand. Alternatively, if you have other small sewing projects in the works, something like the Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine could be ideal.