Cheap and Easy DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Basket Tray Tutorials are the answer to that everyday frustration of clutter creeping in! You know the feeling – mail piled high on the entryway table, remotes lost in the couch abyss, or those little bits and bobs that just never seem to find a home.
Imagine a beautiful, woven basket tray, reminiscent of those chic Pottery Barn finds, sitting elegantly on your coffee table or console. It’s the perfect place to corral your essentials, adding instant warmth and stylish organization to any room. And the best part? You can create this lovely piece yourself for under $10 in about an hour!
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through exactly how to transform simple, budget-friendly materials into a gorgeous basket tray that will elevate your home decor without breaking the bank.
## Bring Home the Pottery Barn Look: Your Easy DIY Basket Tray Adventure
There’s something undeniably chic and organized about the way Pottery Barn uses woven baskets. They instantly elevate a space, adding warmth, texture, and that coveted effortlessly curated feel. But let’s be honest, their price tags can often be a little… aspirational. Today, I want to share a super simple and budget-friendly DIY project that will capture that Pottery Barn magic without breaking the bank. We’re making a versatile basket tray, perfect for corralling remotes, displaying decorative items, or even serving guests. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or prior crafting experience!
### The “What You Need” & The “Roughly What It Costs”
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and affordability. Most of what you’ll need can be found at your local craft store, hardware store, or even online retailers.
* **Base Material:** I recommend a sturdy piece of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or plywood. For a good-sized tray, something around 12 inches by 18 inches (30 cm x 45 cm) is ideal. MDF is generally cheaper, costing around $10-$15 for a 2ft x 2ft (60cm x 60cm) sheet, which will give you plenty of material for multiple trays. Plywood is slightly more expensive, around $15-$25 for a similar size, but offers a bit more durability.
* **Woven Material:** This is where you get to play with texture! Natural jute rope is a fantastic and affordable option. Look for a thick rope, about 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter. You’ll likely need two rolls, each around 100 feet (30 meters) long. Expect to spend about $8-$12 per roll. Alternatively, you could use pre-woven seagrass or rattan mats, which you can often find on sale for $10-$20 each. You’ll need enough to cover your base.
* **Adhesive:** A strong craft glue or a hot glue gun is essential. A large bottle of strong craft glue will cost around $5-$8. If you opt for a hot glue gun, the gun itself can be about $15-$25, and glue sticks are about $5-$10 for a pack. For this project, I find a combination of craft glue for initial hold and hot glue for quick setting works wonders.
* **Optional Embellishments:** For that extra Pottery Barn flair, consider some decorative elements. Small wooden beads, metal accents, or even some faux leather straps can be found for a few dollars. Think about $5-$10 for a few small additions.
* **Cutting Tool:** A craft knife or a utility knife will do the job for MDF or plywood. If you’re cutting woven mats, sharp scissors will suffice.
* **Measuring Tape or Ruler:** You probably have one of these lying around already!
* **Pencil:** For marking.
**Rough Total Cost:** For one good-sized tray, you’re looking at an investment of roughly $25-$50, depending on your material choices and whether you already own a hot glue gun. This is a fraction of the cost of a designer tray!
### Measuring and Planning: The Foundation of Success
Before you even think about cutting or gluing, take a moment to plan. This is where you ensure your tray is perfectly sized for its intended purpose and space.
1. **Determine the Purpose:** What will this tray primarily hold or display? If it’s for remotes and coasters, a size around 10 inches by 14 inches (25 cm x 35 cm) might be perfect. For a coffee table display, you might want something larger, like the 12 inches by 18 inches (30 cm x 45 cm) I suggested.
2. **Consider Your Space:** Where will the tray live? Measure the surface it will sit on. You don’t want it to be so big that it overwhelms the space, or so small that it looks lost.
3. **Visualize the Texture:** Do you want a tightly woven look, or something more relaxed? This will influence how you wrap your rope or place your woven mats.
### Your Step-by-Step DIY Basket Tray Tutorial
Now for the fun part! Let’s get crafting.
1. **Prepare Your Base:** Measure and mark your desired tray dimensions on your MDF or plywood. Carefully cut out your base using your craft knife or utility knife. If you’re using pre-woven mats, cut them to the same dimensions as your base.
2. **Start the Weave:** If you’re using rope, begin by securing the end of your jute rope to the underside of your base, near one corner. Use a good dab of strong craft glue or a hot glue gun.
3. **Wrap, Wrap, Wrap:** Begin tightly wrapping the rope around the edge of your base, working your way around. Apply a thin, consistent line of glue along the edge of the base as you go to ensure the rope adheres securely. Try to keep the rope taut and the rows of rope snug against each other.
4. **Continue Around the Perimeter:** Once you’ve wrapped all the way around the perimeter of your base, you’ll have created a nice defined edge.
5. **Cover the Surface:** Now, you’ll start filling in the surface of your tray. Continue wrapping the rope in a pattern – you can go in straight lines, in a spiral, or even create a herringbone pattern for a more intricate look. Again, apply glue as you go, ensuring each row of rope is pressed firmly into the one below it. Work methodically, and don’t be afraid to adjust the rope as needed to keep it looking neat.
6. **If Using Woven Mats:** If you’re using pre-woven mats, simply apply a generous amount of craft glue to the top of your base and carefully lay the mat onto it. Press firmly and evenly to ensure good adhesion. You may need to trim the mat slightly to fit perfectly.
7. **Adding the Sides (Optional):** For a more defined tray, you can add a slightly raised edge. Once the base is covered, you can start wrapping rope vertically along the sides of your base. Apply glue generously to the sides of the MDF/plywood and press the rope firmly into place, working your way up.
8. **Finishing Touches:** Once your entire base and sides (if applicable) are covered, trim any excess rope. Secure the final end of the rope with a generous amount of glue. If you’re adding any decorative embellishments, this is the time to glue them on.
9. **Let it Dry:** Allow your tray to dry completely according to your glue’s instructions. This is crucial for durability.
### Adapting for Small Spaces or Rentals
Worried about not being able to drill or commit to a permanent solution? Don’t be! This DIY is incredibly adaptable.
* **No Drilling Needed:** This entire project relies on adhesive, so no drilling is required. It’s perfect for renters or anyone who prefers not to make permanent changes to their furniture.
* **Removable Options:** If you’re using a very strong craft glue on your base, it’s usually possible to gently peel off the woven material with minimal residue. For added peace of mind in a rental, consider using a double-sided tape specifically designed for temporary applications on the underside of your base before placing it on a surface.
* **Smaller Scale:** For very small spaces, like a nightstand or a narrow entryway table, simply scale down your base dimensions. A 6 inch by 10 inch (15 cm x 25 cm) tray can be just as impactful.
### Styling Notes: Making it Look Like Pottery Barn
Once your tray is dry, it’s time to style it! This is where you truly bring in that Pottery Barn aesthetic.
* **Color Palette:** Think natural, earthy tones. Jute, rattan, and seagrass are inherently neutral. For the base, consider painting it in a soft white, a muted grey, or a natural wood stain to complement the woven texture. Avoid bright, jarring colors that will detract from the artisanal feel.
* **Texture Play:** The woven material itself provides fantastic texture. To enhance this, consider adding elements with complementary textures. Think a smooth ceramic vase with a small faux succulent, a few artfully placed linen-covered books, or a decorative metal bowl.
* **Strategic Placement:** Don’t over-clutter! The beauty of a tray is its ability to create a focal point and organize.
* **Coffee Table:** A few books, a decorative candle, and a small plant.
* **Entryway Table:** Keys, mail, a small dish for loose change, and perhaps a fresh flower.
* **Nightstand:** A lamp, a book, and a glass of water.
* **Ottoman:** A few coasters, a decorative bowl for remotes, and a small tray for snacks.
* **The “Less is More” Mantra:** Resist the urge to fill every inch. Negative space is your friend when it comes to achieving a curated look.
### Keeping it Tidy After Week One
The initial week will likely be blissfully organized. But how do you maintain that calm after the novelty wears off?
* **The “One In, One Out” Rule:** For items like remotes, if a new gadget arrives, an old one needs to go. This prevents the tray from becoming a dumping ground.
* **Regular Quick Declutter:** Once a week, take just two minutes to scan your tray. Are there things that don’t belong? Put them back in their designated homes.
* **Wipe Down:** Dust and spills happen. A quick wipe with a damp cloth will keep your tray looking fresh and clean. For jute or rattan, use a slightly damp cloth and avoid saturating it.
* **Seasonal Refresh:** Every few months, consider rearranging the items on your tray or swapping out decorative elements to keep things feeling fresh and aligned with the season.
### The Mistakes That Make This Fail
Even the simplest projects can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
* **Poor Adhesion:** Not using enough glue, or using the wrong type of glue, is the number one reason for DIY fail. Make sure your adhesive is suitable for both your base material and your woven material, and apply it generously but neatly.
* **Impatience with Drying Time:** Rushing the drying process means your beautiful woven work will start to unravel. Allow ample time for the glue to cure fully before putting your tray into use.
* **Overcrowding:** This is a common styling mistake. A tray’s purpose is to organize and elevate, not to become a catch-all for everything. Be ruthless about what belongs on your tray.
* **Uneven Wrapping:** If you’re using rope, loose or uneven wraps will make the tray look messy and cheap. Take your time to ensure each wrap is snug and consistent.
* **Ignoring the Purpose:** Creating a tray that’s too small for its intended function (like trying to fit three large remotes on a tiny tray) will lead to frustration and quick disorganization.
Creating a Pottery Barn-inspired basket tray is a rewarding and surprisingly easy project. With a little planning, patience, and budget-friendly materials, you can bring that touch of effortless style and organization into your home. Happy crafting!
Conclusion
See? Creating your own Pottery Barn inspired basket tray is a wonderfully achievable project that can truly elevate your everyday. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing your coffee table or entryway is a little more stylish and a lot more organized, all thanks to your own two hands. The smallest possible first step? Gather a few inexpensive materials and try one of these DIY basket tray tutorials today! For a living room update, consider a larger, woven version. On a tighter budget or looking for a children’s room solution? Try a painted cardboard base with fabric scraps.
Ready to bring more charm and order into your home? We have plenty more affordable and easy DIY ideas waiting for you to discover!