Decorative Uses for Wicker Baskets as Home Decor

During the warmer months I think we all get the bug to do a little "spring cleaning" (though not necessarily in the spring). This also includes decorating. Many of us decide that this is the time to revamp a room or three for a change in scenery. One way to do this is decorating with wicker baskets. Wicker is made from reed, cane, rush, willow or any other similar plant material that becomes pliable when wet and when dries retains its shape. It adds lovely texture to the room and can become a centerpiece to draw the eye.

Try laying fresh flowers in a wicker hand basket. The pop of color from the flowers will draw the eye and the wicker will give it that lovely country feel or depending on the flowers just a fresh outdoors look.

Though I must say one of the best ways to decorate with wicker is using them as your main source of storage. Many wicker baskets can be purchased with fabric liners of all patterns and colors. You can purchase or build cubby shelving out of particle board or wood and then place all your baskets in the cubbies. This comes in particularly handy if you have a room that doubles as an entertaining room and the kids play room. We all know how children's toys can take over a room and destroy any semblance of what you originally intended the room to be.

Even a desk can be updated by adding little wicker baskets to it. Your "in" box and "out" box, your mail, and even post it pad holders can be done in wicker. It will organize your desk and bring a sense of comfort to a place that is normally in chaos (at least my desk is!).

Wicker is not hard to come by and actually I have found that one of the best places to get them is at garage sales and flea markets. If you have to clean it when you get home make sure to use a damp cloth (not wet) and just a little soap to clean it. Then you want to let it sit out in the sun and dry for a couple of hours. If you put something heavy in it while it is still damp it can distort the basket. Once its dry you can take a can of spray paint and paint it any color you want to match the decor of your house. I suggest priming it first just so the previous color doesn't distort the new color you want it. Keep all the wicker in one room the same color to keep the continuity of the room intact.

So have fun and get creative. Any container you have can be replaced with wicker so go nuts!