How to Hang Kitchen Baskets

Look around in your kitchen right now and see what can be moved to create more space on your counters or table. If you have a bowl of fruit, for example, imagine what it would look like hanging in a basket instead. Consider growing some vegetables like tomatoes in a hanging basket or herbs. Hang a basket holding placemats or napkins near your kitchen table. Hanging baskets come in many shapes, sizes and styles and hanging one can be done in a short period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Hanging baskets
• Stud finder
• Drill
• #8 gauge screw ceiling hooks or wall hooks
• Pencil
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Determine the location and position of your baskets. Hanging baskets can be mounted to the wall or ceiling. For example, a basket containing herbs may work better closer to a food preparation area.

2. Climb up the ladder. Run your stud locator slowly along the ceiling (or wall) until you locate a wooden stud in the chosen area. Mark this location with a light pencil mark. The hook screws into the stud to support the weight of your basket.

3. Drill a hole slightly smaller than your screw into the pencil mark, just deep enough to get it started. Insert the screw hook into the hole and twist it into the stud, until it lies flat against the ceiling.

4. Tug on the hook a little to test it. Repeat these steps for other ceiling or wall stud locations.

Tips & Warnings

• If screwing the screw hook manually into the stud is a little challenging for you, insert a screwdriver horizontally through the hook loop and start turning the screwdriver until the hook is all the way into the stud, flat against the ceiling.

• Insert another screw hook securely into your drill. Link the hook in your drill with the one in your ceiling and drill the ceiling hook into the stud. This is a simple way to screw the hook in and less time consuming, according to Danny Lipford in his video, "Installing Screw Hooks the Easy Way."

• If you do not own a stud locator, do it the old fashioned way and rap the wall or ceiling with your knuckles. A wooden stud has a solid sound. The spaces around the stud sounds hollow.

• Do not put sharp or heavy objects in your hanging basket.

• Avoid hanging a basket in a location that can hurt someone if it falls.

References

• Danny Lipford: Installing Screw Hooks the Easy Way
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Houseplants from the Kitchen
• Good Housekeeping: Kitchens and Pantries: Hanging Storage

Resources

• Decorating with Baskets
• Lowe's: Finding Studs in Finished Walls
• Ace Hardware Ceiling Hooks