DIY Dollar Tree Tiered Baskets for Smart Storage

This simple project turns inexpensive Dollar Tree items into stylish, functional stacked storage. With a few basic materials and creative assembly, you can transform ordinary wire baskets and paper towel holders into a tiered organizer that works in multiple rooms. Follow along to create this Dollar Tree storage hack with me!

This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and materials: 


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1. Gather your materials

Start by grabbing a couple of wire baskets and two paper towel holders from the Dollar Tree. Lay everything out on a flat workspace so you can easily see each piece before you begin building your storage tower.

2. Create the shelf base

Place one wire basket upside down on a piece of cardboard and trace the outline of its bottom.

Tracing bottom of basket

Cut along the tracing, then use that piece as a template to cut a second identical cardboard shape. These two pieces will form the foundation of your faux wood shelf.

Cutting 2nd piece

3. Add the faux wood finish

Cut faux wood paper large enough to cover both cardboard pieces. Wrap the paper tightly around each piece, smoothing it over the edges so it looks like a real wooden shelf.

Wrapping with faux wood contact paper

Flip one covered piece over, mark the center on the back, and carefully cut a slit where the paper towel holder will later pass through.

Marking center of cardboard

4. Paint the baskets

Take both wire baskets outside and spray paint them the same color so they match. Apply even coats and let them dry completely before handling them again. This step gives the baskets a cohesive, polished look.

Spray painting baskets

5. Build the bottom tier

Stand one paper towel holder upright and place a painted wire basket on top of it. Slide the slitted cardboard shelf over the top of the paper towel holder so it sits just above the basket. Make sure everything feels balanced before moving on.

Pushing paper towel holder through slit

6. Stack the second level

Flip the second paper towel holder upside down and position it on top of the first one.

Securing 2nd paper towel holder with zip ties

Secure the two holders together tightly with zip ties so they don’t wobble. Place the second painted wire basket on top of this holder and fasten it in place with more zip ties.

Attaching 2nd basket

7. Style and use your organizer

Set your finished tiered basket stack in a bathroom to hold toiletries, towels or cleaning supplies, or place it in a kitchen for produce, snacks or small pantry items.

DIY kitchen storage

Adjust the position if needed so it sits sturdy and straight.

DIY bathroom storage

This project shows how a few simple dollar tree hacks can become a practical DIY storage idea that truly upgrades your space. If you feel like getting into more DIY projects, check out my 2025 Fall Dollar Tree DIYS that don’t look cheap.

Cass Harris
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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