In a small living room, every flat surface seems to collect clutter fast, and remotes are usually the first thing to go wandering. This little sofa-arm remote caddy is one of those simple projects I love because it solves a real everyday annoyance without taking up any extra floor space, and it looks cozy and intentional instead of purely practical.
I designed this version using a small natural woven basket and tan leather straps so it feels warm, neat, and polished beside a sofa. If you want a beginner-friendly afternoon DIY that keeps the clickers in one easy spot, this is a great one to make.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set the basket against your sofa arm and check that it sits comfortably without hanging too low; a basket around 10 inches wide is roomy enough for several remotes without looking bulky in a small living room.
2. Measure the drop you want on each side of the sofa arm, then hold one leather strap in place over the arm to confirm the length; for most sofas, 18-inch straps give a nice secure wrap with a little room for fastening.
3. Mark two strap positions on the basket, spacing them evenly about 2 inches in from each end so the basket hangs level and the weight of the remotes stays balanced.
4. Use the pencil to mark two screw holes on each strap end, placing them about 1/2 inch from the tip and centered across the width so the straps will fasten neatly to the basket rim.
5. Punch the holes in the leather straps, then wipe away any loose bits; if you want a cleaner, longer-lasting finish, brush on a light coat of clear matte leather sealer and let it dry.
6. Hold each strap end against the upper woven edge of the basket and gently separate the weave enough to pass the Chicago screw posts through without cracking the basket.
7. Insert the Chicago screws and tighten them with the screwdriver until snug; the straps should feel secure but not crush the woven rim.
8. Test the caddy over the sofa arm and adjust the strap placement if needed so the basket hangs straight and hugs the arm without sliding.
9. If the weave has any loose ends where you attached the hardware, add a tiny dab of clear craft glue and let it dry fully for a tidier finish.
10. Slide the remotes into the basket upright, with the most-used ones toward the front, and make sure the basket still hangs evenly when filled.
11. Give the basket a final straightening tug, tuck the straps so they lie flat over the sofa arm, and your remote caddy is ready to use.
Variations & Tips
For extra storage: Choose a basket closer to 12 inches wide if your family keeps game controllers, reading glasses, or a small notepad by the couch too.
For slippery sofa arms: Add a small strip of peel-and-stick felt or nonslip shelf liner under each leather strap where it touches the upholstery so the caddy stays put better.
For picky decorators: If someone in your house likes a cleaner look, use matching black leather and black hardware for a more modern style, or keep the natural basket and tan straps for a softer cozy feel.
Basket tip: A basket with a slightly stiff rim works best; very floppy baskets can sag once you load them with multiple remotes.
Kid-friendly use: I also like using one section of the basket for flashcards or a small coloring pad when we’re having family movie night, so the living room stays picked up afterward.
Finish choice: If your basket feels rough, you can lightly trim stray fibers with scissors before assembly to make the whole project look more finished.