DIY Dollar Tree Storage Baskets That Look Expensive

DIY Dollar Tree Storage Baskets That Look Expensive

Turn $1.25 plastic bins into beautiful fabric-covered storage baskets with this easy Dollar Tree organization hack.

Would you believe these storage baskets started as inexpensive plastic bins from Dollar Tree? I covered them with burlap fabric to create the look of expensive woven baskets without paying designer prices.

This is one of my favorite Dollar Tree organization hacks because it isn’t just pretty—it has lasted. I originally made these baskets nearly a decade ago, and I’ve used them in my living room, craft room, garage and closets.

Each basket takes about 15 minutes to cover, and you can customize the fabric to match your home. Below, I’ll show you exactly how I turned ordinary $1.25 plastic bins into stylish storage baskets that look much more expensive than they are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originally published in 2017; updated in July 2026 with new tips, materials and long-term results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Make DIY Burlap Dollar Tree Baskets

 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Choose or Paint the Dollar Tree Bins

Start by applying a line of hot glue at the bottom of your bin. Secure one edge of the burlap and slowly wrap it around the basket, pulling tight as you go.

 

 

 

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Burlap

Continue wrapping burlap upward until the entire basket is covered. Cut off excess and secure with hot glue inside the rim.

Pro Tip: Cut the burlap fabrics in strips to size. I cut 42″ x 9″ strips.

 

 

 

Step 3: Create a Clean Bottom Edge

Fold burlap over the top edge of the bin and glue inside for a clean, finished look.

 

 

Step 4: Glue the Fabric Around the Basket

• Hold the fabric tightly as you wrap and glue it in place.

 

Step 5: Tuck the Fabric Under the Rim

Pro Tip: Skip gluing under the rim – just tuck the fabric in place.

 

 

 

Step 6: Add Labels or Decorative Details

• Tie a piece of jute twine or ribbon around the middle.
• Add chalkboard tags for labeling pantry or bathroom items.
• Use stencils + paint to create patterns or monograms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which Hot Glue Gun is the Best?

For this project (and honestly almost every DIY I do), I used my cordless hot glue gun with a detailed tip—and I can’t recommend it enough!

• ✅ Cordless freedom → No tangled cords while wrapping baskets.
• ✅ Detailed precision tip → Perfect for neat edges and small glue lines (no messy overflow).
• ✅ Fast heat-up → Ready to use in just a couple of minutes.
• ✅ Reliable grip → Strong hold on burlap fabric without seeping through.

It’s one of those tools that makes DIY so much easier and stress-free. If you’re going to make more Dollar Tree hacks like this one, investing in a good glue gun is totally worth it.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a pack of extra Surebonder glue sticks on hand—you’ll go through them fast with basket projects like these!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why This Dollar Tree Storage Hack Works

Dollar Tree plastic baskets with handles are the perfect base for this DIY because they’re lightweight, durable, and easy to carry from room to room. The built-in handles make them super practical for everyday use—whether you’re hauling laundry, organizing kids’ toys, or tucking away blankets in the living room. Plus, their simple shape makes wrapping with burlap a breeze, giving you that designer storage look for just a few dollars.

 

Burlap is a budget-friendly fabric that instantly adds texture, warmth, and a rustic farmhouse feel to any DIY project. It’s easy to cut, wrap, and glue, making it the ideal material for transforming plain plastic bins into high-end storage. Burlap also pairs beautifully with other natural textures—like wood, wicker, or greenery—so your finished baskets look stylish in any room of the house. Best of all, you can grab a roll at Dollar Tree or your local craft store for just a couple of dollars.

 

Your DIY burlap baskets don’t just belong in closets and pantries—they can double as stylish décor pieces in your living room. With a few simple touches, you can transform them from storage workhorses into Pinterest-worthy accents.

🌿 1. Add Cozy Textiles

• Roll up throw blankets and tuck them neatly inside.
• Layer a soft throw casually draped over the edge of the basket.
• Use smaller baskets to hold decorative pillows in seasonal fabrics.

🕯️ 2. Style with Seasonal Décor

• Add faux greenery, pampas grass, or eucalyptus stems for a farmhouse vibe.
• In fall, tuck in mini pumpkins, pinecones, or a plaid blanket.
• For the holidays, fill with ornaments, fairy lights, or a poinsettia pot.

📚 3. Create a Functional Coffee Table Accent

• Place a burlap basket on the lower shelf of your coffee table.
• Use it to hold magazines, books, or remotes—keeping clutter stylishly hidden.
• Add a chalkboard tag or Cricut label for a chic, organized look.

🧺 4. Mix & Match with Other Natural Textures

• Pair burlap with wicker, seagrass, or wood accents in the room.
• Group a few baskets together in different sizes for a designer “collected” feel.
• Place them on open shelving alongside framed photos or candles for balance.

👉 With these easy ideas, your DIY burlap baskets become more than storage—they’re a budget-friendly way to refresh your living room with warmth and texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a way to save money on expensive baskets to display in your home, try making these DIY burlap dollar store bins! Even if you don’t use burlap fabric, you can try wrapping these Dollar Store baskets with any fabric or leaving them plain to organize your entire home. I can’t wait to see how you use yours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the Full Tutorial and Print the Instructions

Watch the complete YouTube tutorial inside the project card below, then print the supply list and step-by-step instructions for easy reference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🛒 Shop My Favorite Tools for This Project

Want to make your DIY burlap baskets even easier? Here are the tools I always keep on hand for craft projects like this one:

• 🔥 Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun with Detailed Tip → My go-to for neat, mess-free gluing (no cords, no frustration!).
• ✂️ Sharp Craft Scissors → A must for clean burlap cuts and trimming twine.
• 🧵 Jute Twine & Ribbon Variety Pack → Perfect for adding farmhouse charm or seasonal flair to your baskets.
• 📏 Self-Healing Cutting Mat → Protects your table and helps measure straight cuts for fabric.
• 🪡 Chalkboard Tags or Cricut Labels → Adds that polished, organized look to your finished baskets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links or a sponsored post. All opinions are always 100% mine and I don’t partner with any product or company that I don’t use and love. Please see our Full Disclosure for more information.