Glam up a Laundry Bin

Thea
by Thea
3 Materials
$15
2 Hours
Easy

The metal laundry bin was clashing with the decor. Here’s how to make it fabulous.


This laundry bin started life as one of those stock standard silver metal ones. But fashions have changed and although changing bathroom hardware to gold or bronze makes me want to break into a cold sweat, this was a bit of bling I could handle.

The poor dear in its original state

After ensuring that it was clean and rust free, which it luckily was, I gave it a coat of Marshal primer spray paint in white. Having not used a primer in another metal spraying project, I was not taking any chances.

Next I gave it two and a bit coats of Marshal metallic paint. I worked outside in the harshest daylight but still managed to miss some spots. Luckily the teenager with the superior eyesight was around to gleefully point out all of mom’s mistakes.

After allowing it to dry (which didn’t take long considering the bone dry pre-spring climate) I took it inside to do some sewing.

I used brown and gold raffia and a really big needle. I have not done much sewing since early high school, let alone embroidery, which is what this essentially is, so I cannot give any informed tips. All I can say is that you should start from the inside of the bin (don’t mock me) and remember to secure the first end otherwise you pull it right through when tightening the stitch. And keep the stitches tight.


I ended up knotting the first and last parts together to secure the design. Also, bear in mind that due to the concave nature of the inside of the bin the stitches should not be too big. Otherwise you will have buttons and zippers catching on the raffia.


I still have an idea for a lid but since the basket project was such an easy win I thought I would post it in the meantime. This is going to look great in the chocolate brown and cream bathroom.


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  • Lisas Rexstar Lisas Rexstar on Sep 10, 2019

    What a surprise! A really glamorous laundry bin! Who thinks of things like that? You could take that idea into other parts of the house: a magazine holder, with the right lid, even a side table. In the garden, a cool planter. What if you drilled holes in a can, then painted & "embroidered it? Pencil holder? Now, look what you started! 😉

  • Suz Suz on Aug 26, 2020

    Any ideas about how to decorate a cloth netted laundry basket?

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  • Suz Suz on Aug 31, 2020

    Thea, I told u I would send u a pic of my "decorated" laundry basket. You gave me the idea of using ribbon. Well...while I was cleaning out my mom's closets, I saw this pretty red ribbon and saved it. I put it on my laundry basket that nite. It's not fancy, but I think of my mom when I see it. She recently moved into a care facility at 93yrs.

    The fond memories have over ridden then lack of a fancy design. Thnx for the inspiration! -Suz

    • Thea Thea on Oct 02, 2020

      Suz, so sorry to take so long to respond! How special is that!? It’s strange how even something like a ribbon can carry so much sentiment for us. 93 years is good going.

  • Debbie Debbie on Aug 15, 2021

    That laundry bin turned out amazing. Great job.

    • Thea Thea on Aug 15, 2021

      Thank you. It was a satisfying project to do.

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