How to Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets With Baskets

Wicker baskets add texture to a kitchen.

A quick and easy decorating fix for a kitchen is to add wicker baskets to the top of kitchen cabinets. Available in many styles, colors and shapes, wicker is perhaps one of the more useful accessories to place in any room. Wicker is washable, can be painted and provides an attractive accent as well as ample storage opportunities. Wicker offers many decorating possibilities and style changes as you move the baskets from one room to another.

Things You'll Need

• Wicker baskets of all sizes and shapes
• 2 silk ivy plants
• 2-by-4 blocks of wood
• Stepladder

Instructions

1. Set the baskets along the kitchen counter near the cabinets where you plan to place them. Baskets can be any shape or pattern, but allow room for the basket in the space provided to prevent a cramped look. Keep in mind that some cabinet tops often a have a lip that may account for some extra space. Arrange the baskets before putting them in place, as this allows you to group different sizes together and change the placement without going up and down the ladder.

2. Place the stepladder at one end of the kitchen cabinets. Climb the ladder until you can easily reach the top of the cabinet. Take the first basket and put it in place on top of the end cabinet. Add one silk ivy plant and arrange the trailing leaves for a natural look. Place a small block of wood under the back of the basket so that it tilts forward, appearing to spill the ivy from the inside. Carefully climb back down the ladder.

3. Move the ladder. Put it in a spot where you will easily be able to place several baskets on the cabinet without stretching. Carefully climb the ladder and put the next baskets in place. Consider adding a colorful basket in random spaces or among a group of plain ones to add interest. Use the small blocks of wood to raise baskets up or tilt them if needed.

4. Continue to move the ladder until you reach the last section of cabinet. Put the last basket in place and insert the second silk ivy plant, again arranging the leaf tendrils so that they appear natural.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak wicker baskets in water once every six months to keep them flexible and clean. Add additional fun accessories to the basket collection. Country artwork, such as weather vanes add a touch of whimsy to the decor. If you get tired of the baskets or wish to change them, consider spray painting with a new color.

• Use caution when climbing any ladder. Ensure there is a person available to assist you by holding the ladder in place and handing you baskets, as you need them.

References

• Wicker Woman; How-to Paint Antique Wicker Furniture; Cathryn Peters; 2008