Materials You’ll Need
- 1 sturdy wire basket: Approximately 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches high, or another size suitable for your space.
- 1 round tabletop: Approximately 20 inches in diameter. Wood, acrylic, tempered glass, or another suitable furniture-grade material can be used.
- Spray paint: Optional, in the color of your choice.
- Sandpaper: Useful if you are working with an unfinished wooden tabletop.
- Strong adhesive suitable for both materials: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Protective gloves and mask: Especially important when sanding or spray painting.
- Measuring tape.
- Microfiber cloth or mild cleaner: For preparing the basket before painting or assembling.
Choose the Right Wire Basket
The basket needs to be sturdy enough to support the tabletop and whatever lightweight objects you intend to place on it.
A flimsy laundry basket that bends easily may not provide enough stability. Look instead for a rigid metal basket with an even rim and a wide enough base to resist tipping.
Before buying or repurposing a basket, place it upside down on a flat floor and gently test whether it rocks.
If it feels unstable when empty, it is unlikely to make a dependable side-table base.
Choose the Right Tabletop
The tabletop should extend slightly beyond the edge of the basket for a finished furniture-like appearance.
For example, if the basket measures about 18 inches across, a tabletop around 20 inches in diameter can provide a comfortable overhang.
Do not make the tabletop excessively larger than the basket, because too much overhang can make the table easier to tip.
Wood, Glass, or Acrylic?
Wood is usually the easiest material for a beginner because it can be sanded, stained, painted, or sealed.
Acrylic creates a lighter contemporary appearance and can work well when properly supported.
Glass can look elegant, but it should be furniture-grade tempered glass with smooth finished edges. Improvised pieces of ordinary window glass should not be used as tabletops because they can break dangerously.
Once you have chosen a sturdy basket and correctly sized top, a little preparation can make the difference between a quick craft project and a side table that actually looks polished.
