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Plus, expert advice from a professional organizer on how to choose (and use!) one. Wicker Storage Units
Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor.
Storage baskets are a great tool for creating a functional and tidy home. Even if you’ve decluttered every closet and adopted good organizing habits, there are still a lot of things that you have to keep. Toiletries, bath towels, extra bedding, and other loose items can threaten the calm of a clean home if they don’t have a designated place.
“Organize first, basket last,” says Liz Dahmen, an organization consultant and founder of Make Space LLC. “Once you know what you want to contain, how much of it you have, and where you want it to live, then (and only then) should you start your basket search.”
To come up with this list of the best storage baskets, we researched dozens of baskets and bins, evaluating them based on style, functionality, and overall value. We also considered ways to save you as much space as possible by considering their ability to stack, nest, or collapse. For expert advice, we spoke to Dahmen, who says that storage baskets are the “final piece in the organizing puzzle.”
It can keep extra bedding and blankets handy.
It’s not a good option if you prefer under-the-bed or closet storage.
This two-toned, handcrafted basket is ideal for corralling all your cozy throws and blankets (aka Netflix binge essentials). Handcrafted out of a unique blend of hogla plant fiber and plastic, it’s a basket that looks and feels natural but is built to last. The rounded shape and woven handles (useful for carting from room to room), translate perfectly to the modern home. Place one at the end of your sofa or the side of the bed to soften corners and add a bit of handwoven flair to your decor.
Materials: Cotton, jute | Dimensions: 17 x 17 inches
These baskets are handcrafted using sustainable materials.
They are sold individually and not as a set.
Rectangular and square-shaped baskets are great for hiding clutter on bookshelves and under tables. While there are many plain options on the market, we love these gorgeous baskets that are handwoven from natural seagrass. Plus, if you have a colorful shelf with lots of books and objects, the neutral tones help ground the overall look. And if your style is more minimalist, adding extra texture and pattern can bring some liveliness to an empty corner. These storage baskets come in a range of sizes, so you'll be able to stash away loose trinkets, papers, and magazines.
Material: Seagrass | Dimensions: Eight sizes, ranging from 14.5 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches to 18.9 x 24.4 inches
It’s modular, stackable, and stylish.
It might not appeal to those who prefer a softer aesthetic.
The slim profile of these modular baskets makes them useful for various closet configurations. It might seem impossible, but these rectangular storage baskets are the perfect solution for deep and shallow closets alike. Depending on how you place them, these storage baskets can either minimize any unused space in the back of your closet or prevent the annoying overhang created by squared baskets on shallow shelves. The optional lids also make them easy to stack so you can make the most of vertical space. Plus, they come in three different sizes.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 17.91 x 10.04 x 5.12 inches (small), 17.91 x 10.9 x 10.63 inches (medium), 17.91 x 10.9 x 15.35 inches (large)
It has an iron frame, so it's super durable.
The open weave pattern means you can see what's inside the basket.
Open weave rattan baskets are great for storing blankets and pillows, and this option from Better Homes & Gardens' Walmart line has a unique, stylish appearance. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) It's also surprisingly durable thanks to the iron frame that's concealed by the rattan. It's a perfect size for storing blankets in a family room or bedroom, and has wide handles for easy transport. The only con (for some) is that this basket doesn't hide its contents, so it's not a good option if you're trying to conceal clutter.
Materials: Rattan, iron | Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 17.3 inches
It comes with three woven baskets.
It’s a very expensive set.
Whether you need a home for cords and loose blankets or just want to add some coastal grandma styling to a room, Birch Lane’s Seagrass Basket Set is what you want to get. This set consists of three woven baskets in small, medium, and large sizes. Each basket can hold about 15 pounds, plus has handles on each side for easy carrying. Aside from holding a variety of stuff, these baskets can also be used as decorative planters for houseplants.
Just keep in mind that since they are handmade, the baskets won't be exactly alike and you might find some color and size variations. You want to keep these baskets indoors, as they might be damaged by the elements. Our only issue is the price—they are really expensive, so you might want to wait for a discount before buying.
Material: Seagrass | Dimensions: 13 x 16 inches (small), 15 x 18 inches (medium), 17 x 21 inches (large)
It’s a great pick for anyone who has open shelving in their kitchen.
You might not be able to see the items you need clearly due to the design.
This rattan storage basket from Neat Method is an all-around win. It’s so pretty that you'll want to keep it on display, which makes it great for countertop use and open-shelving pantries. The basket comes in two different sizes, so it’s suitable for a variety of uses (including closet and kitchen storage). No matter what you place in it, the slatted sides help to eliminate the appearance of clutter while still allowing you to see your belongings.
Material: Rattan | Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 7 inches (medium), 18 x 12 x 7 inches (large)
This basket set is relatively affordable and features sturdy leather handles.
Due to size, it might take some effort to fit large items like blankets and pillows in neatly.
This set of two woven baskets with leather handles is the perfect pair to set beside your couch for your recreational reading time. The herringbone weave and casual leather handles help these baskets stand out from the rest. They're slightly different sizes, so they look intentional if paired together and lend continuity to your space if separated. Fill one with all of your book club reads and stuff the other with cozy essentials like your favorite blankets, throws, and pillows. It might take some work to make your blankets look effortlessly tossed, but at least the chic baskets will pull the look together.
Material: Water hyacinth, leather handles | Dimensions: 17.7 x 13.8 x 11.8 inches (small), 19.7 x 15.8 x 13.8 inches (large)
It’s good for small item storage.
Lids are only available for medium and large crates.
If you need storage space for small items, we stand behind the Hay Recycled Colour Crate. Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, it is an excellent way to organize photos, office supplies, and other knick-knacks that lack a permanent home. It is also quite suitable for kids’ bedrooms, because the crate can be used to store dolls or tiny blocks.
The crate is designed to be stackable, making it an excellent storage solution for shelves and inside cabinets. You can buy several of them and neatly sit them on top of each other. The crates come in small, medium, and large sizes, and are available in plenty of fun colors, like red, mint, and sky blue. While you can also buy a lid separately to cover the medium and large crates, there is not a lid cover for the small crates.
Material: Recycled plastic | Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.6 x 4.1 inches (small), 13.5 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches (medium), 20.9 x 13.5 x 7 inches (large)
It features a flower-shaped rim in blue and black colors.
A set of two is very expensive.
This Anthropologie basket’s handcrafted rattan design and cute flower-shaped rim make it a great buy for anyone looking to incorporate decor elements with their storage. Each set comes with two rattan baskets in a blue or black-rimmed color. However, they are not the same size: One is slightly smaller than the other.
Use them to store towels or linens or discreetly hide junk until you have time to sort it out. Make sure you keep it absolutely dry (this is not a good option to put on an outdoor deck or patio), or else it can cause molding. The baskets come with a 30-day return policy.
Material: Rattan | Dimensions: 13.25 x 10 inches (small), 16.25 x 12.75 inches (large)
It’s not very sturdy.
These rectangular storage baskets can help you make the most of closet shelves, and the soft and breathable cotton is best for keeping fabrics fresh. Closets are big moisture-trappers, and breathable fabrics and open tops help prevent your clothes from getting musty. Plus, clothing can snag when stored in wicker baskets. These cotton storage baskets are soft but contain a heavy-duty bottom board and metal frame that make them sturdier than they appear at first glance. However, they're still incredibly flexible and can be collapsed when not in use.
Material: Cotton with metal frame | Dimensions: 14.75 x 10.25 x 8.25 inches (small), 16.5 x 12 x 10.25 inches (medium), 19 x 13.25 x 11 inches (large)
They’re a great option for storing delicate items like jewelry or glasses.
They are not very sturdy.
In a nutshell, the La Jolie Muse Locronan Chocolate Brown Storage Baskets’ fluted design and rich chocolate color might make them the most elegant storage option on our list. Each basket is made from hard cardboard that has the look of real leather. The set features two sizes: a large 12-inch box with a lid, and two 7-inch boxes with lids.
Because the insides are padded, they’re a good option for storing valuables such as jewelry or glasses without the risk of scratching. You can also use the vinyl lids on their own as storage trays for small items. One downside you should be aware of: These baskets are not as sturdy as other options (they’re made of cardboard after all), so you avoid using them to store heavy things.
Materials: Recycled cardboard, PVC | Dimensions: 7.2 x 6 x 4.1 inches (small), 12.6 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches (large)
They come in multiple sizes and colors to choose from.
You have to pay extra if you want to have lids with the bins.
No matter what you need to stow away, there’s a good chance that these storage bins from Open Spaces can do the job. Available in three different sizes (including small and large) and a multitude of colors, these plastic storage baskets are stylish enough to keep out on your desk, dresser, or countertop. There are two different lid styles—wooden and plastic—available for an additional charge, which allow you to hide clutter and stack the chic bins on top of each other.
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 5.31 x 7.99 x 3.54 inches (small), 8.31 x 10.94 x 6.38 inches (medium), 11.57 x 17.32 x 8.58 inches (large)
This basket has multiple tiers that are detachable and can be hung separately.
It has limited space for storage.
Hanging baskets are major space savers—especially if you have limited counter space in the kitchen. They're an easy way to clear the clutter from your countertops, and they double as wall decor. We think this three-tiered jute basket is great for storing produce; pile your sweet potatoes and onions in the bottom, your bananas and citrus in the middle, and your smallest goods in the top basket. Each tier is detachable, so you can also choose to hang them separately.
The set comes with three vintage hooks and one adhesive hook, so you don't even have to stop at the hardware store before attaching these baskets to the wall. You can also use these wall-hanging baskets to display plants, like a string of pearls or an inch plant that could add a pop of color and texture to your wall.
Material: Jute | Dimensions: 14.2 x 14.2 x 33 inches
The basket is made out of soft and non-scratchy material.
Although it is washable, you cannot dry it with a drier.
Made from soft cotton, this oversized rope basket from Goodpick is handy for storing items plus adds warmth and coziness to any room. It’s pretty sturdy and can be used to hold heavy bedding and clothes. It even comes with sewn-in handles for extra durability. The brand says that you can use it as a pet bed too—as long as you can convince your furry companions that’s a good place for a snooze. The basket has a couple of big selling points compared to other wicker baskets. For instance, its exterior is non-scratchy, so it’s safe to put in nurseries or areas where your kids play. Also, it is machine-washable. However, the basket can only be air-dried and should never be tossed in a dryer. This basket comes in seven neutral colors.
Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 14.2 inches
This basket is decorated with rainbow pom poms.
It comes folded flat, so it might take some time to fill out to its original shape.
The lid on the Esme L&H Small Rope Basket provides a convenient way to hide away clutter, and comes in handy if you need to do a quick clean sweep before guests arrive. But, that’s not the only reason why this basket caught our eye. The basket features a plump pumpkin shape and is sustainably made out of 100 percent soft cotton rope. It’s also dotted with rainbow pom poms, plus has colorful thread sewn in around the basket, making it a fun piece to put in a bedroom, hallway or linen closet.
You can also fill it up with items and make a beautiful gift basket to give to family or friends. Although you can buy it as a single basket, it also comes in sets of two or three. Keep in mind that the basket comes folded flat in the package, so it might take some time for it to regain its full original shape.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 inches
This basket features a gorgeous handcrafted design.
This is a splurge option that might be more decorative than it is functional
It's definitely more of a splurge than some of the other storage baskets on this list, but this artisan-made basket from Baba Tree is a work of art that might be worth the additional cost. Not only does it come in gorgeous multicolor and black-and-white patterns, but it also has a unique wave-like design that adds more dimension than the traditional square or circular shapes of many other baskets. Since it doubles as decor, you can leave it on the floor filled with blankets, toys, and other knick-knacks that are lying around.
Material: Vetiver grass | Dimensions: 17 x 12 inches
It has three drawers to organize your belongings.
It’s not the most attractive and might be better used as hidden storage.
This steel cabinet organizer from Simple Houseware makes it easy to maximize your under-sink storage space with a stackable design and pullout drawers that glide effortlessly. Each unit has three variously sized storage baskets that can hold extra toiletries, hair accessories, cleaning supplies, and any other small items that need a home under your bathroom sink.
Material: Alloy steel | Dimensions: 16.75 x 11 x 13.75 inches
The adorable cat design makes a great conversation starter and centerpiece.
The round design might not hold as many items.
This cat-shaped storage basket from Wind & Weather is handcrafted from woven water hyacinth reeds and equipped with a coordinating lid. The whimsical basket can hide catnip and toys, but even cat lovers without a pet of their own can take advantage of this pick for couch-side blanket and pillow storage.
Material: Wicker | Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 inches
They feature a handmade macrame design.
The cords might become loose or frizzy after ample use.
Macrame may remind you of the 1970s, but it's making a big comeback in modern boho decor. This lined macrame storage basket is a great place to tuck away everyday toiletries that you'd rather not be the focus of the room. The natural material creates visual interest within utilitarian objects. (This makes macrame ideal for minimalist interiors as well, as it can cultivate a dynamic environment without cluttering walls.)
Material: Wood, cotton rope | Dimensions: 11.8 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches, 13.4 x 6.7 x 3.9 inches
It’s designed to be stackable with other baskets.
It doesn’t have wheels.
When you’ve run out of shelf space in your laundry room or pantry, this metal basket makes a great storage option. Because it has an open design, you can see inside clearly, so it’s easy to find what you need.
We like that this basket is designed to be modular, with the bottom feet able to lock into the handles of another basket. You can buy several of them and stack them on top of each other. Not only that, but the feet give it a lift to protect it from moisture and leaks on the floor or countertop. Because of its size, we would definitely use this basket to store extra-large items like laundry detergents, towels, and pantry essentials. But, it would have been nice if it had wheels. The basket is available in two finishes: satin nickel and bronze.
Material: Metal | Dimensions: 12.75 x 11 x 10.75 inches
It can be used as a mail organizer and key holder.
It could be difficult to mount on a wall if DIY is not your forté.
A pile of cascading mail every time you open your door can be stressful to you and less-than-inviting for your guests. Wall-mounted storage baskets, like this farmhouse option, are a tried-and-true organizational tool that helps you declutter your counter and keep track of your mail. This two-tier letter holder can be used to sort mail incoming and outgoing mail, or separate letters for different household members. Additionally, the wire construction increases visibility and helps to ensure you don't overlook any pressing correspondence.
Material: Metal | Dimensions: 12.25 x 2.75 x 13 inches
This basket offers a beautiful way to store bathroom toiletries.
It’s only available in one color.
This woven basket is the perfect place to stash your bathroom toiletries. Complete with a latched lid that hides unsightly labels and clutter, this storage box is handcrafted out of rattan (a material revered for its durability) and finished with a light wash that accentuates the natural textures. The collection also includes a coordinating wastebasket, tissue box cover, and tray to complete the look.
Material: Rattan | Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 5.25 inches
This basket is a statement piece crafted by Senegalese artists.
It’s rather large, so may not be the right basket if you’re looking to store mainly small items.
Senegalese baskets have long been used as decorative accents, with striking patterns, bright colors, and durable, roomy construction. We love this monochromatic version, handwoven out of a sturdy blend of recycled plastic and natural fibers. The larger size is ideal for a hamper, while the smaller version makes a bold statement on a bookshelf or table—either one makes for an ideal stealth storage solution.
Material: Millet grass with recycled plastic | Dimensions: 15 x 27.25 inches (large), 18 x 24 inches (oversized)
It’s a cheap option for anyone who is fine with a simple, no frills basket.
The lid is sold separately.
This simple storage basket has ventilated holes, optional tags, and dry-erase walls—making it great for small items like desk essentials and craft supplies. The easy labeling system lets you quickly identify what's inside, and integrated handles make transporting or re-organizing your supplies a breeze. The basket comes in three sizes, and there are also options for lids (sold separately), which make stacking possible. When not in use, you can nest the storage baskets inside of one another, saving valuable horizontal and vertical space.
Material: Post-consumer recycled plastic | Dimensions: 11 x 14.5 x 4/6/8 inches
The beautiful wide weave offers a unique decorative touch.
The high price tag only includes one basket.
Hand-crafted leather baskets, like this camel tan wide-weave basket from Terrain, lend an artisanal accent to any space. Leather is a material that ages with grace, so this purchase will only get better with time. An unexpected take on traditional storage, this luxe basket is itself a work of art. We think this basket is best for storing books and magazines due to its shape and handles.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 inches
It’s available in six different sizes, and can also be purchased as a set.
There is an extra shipping fee.
If you want to keep your items out of the way, why not try a hanging storage basket like this jute option from Etsy? This basket is great for storage when you don’t have enough countertop or floor space. It is also good for storing fresh produce, thanks to the moisture-absorbing jute fibers that it’s crafted from.
While the basket is strong enough to handle heavier weights without tearing, be careful not to overload it, or it might start sagging. The basket comes in different sizes ranging from seven to thirteen inches. Just keep in mind that there you’ll have to pay an extra shipping fee on top of the original price.
Material: Jute | Dimensions: Six sizes ranging from 7 x 7.8 inches to 12.2 x 13.3 inches
In addition to laundry, it can also be used to store linens, toys, and more.
The basket may be overkill if you’re looking for a hamper just for your closet.
If you're concerned about your laundry hamper looking like an eyesore, then you need to check out this lidded storage basket from Seville Classics. Made of water hyacinth wicker, this unique laundry basket enables you to hide your not-so-pretty dirty clothes, even if they have to stay out in the open. This storage basket comes in multiple colors as well as rectangular and oval shapes, and can be used for more than just laundry.
Material: Water hyacinth wicker, canvas | Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.2 x 24 inches
It’s a shallow basket designed to hold keys, wallets, and sunglasses.
It might be a bit misshapen on arrival.
Place this handy little basket in your entryway to minimize the amount of time spent searching for misplaced keys and sunglasses. The small, shallow basket is ideal for wallets, phones, and anything else you might need before you walk out the door. And when you get back home, you can rest easy knowing that your most necessary items have a permanent home of their own.
Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 9.4 x 2.7 inches
This storage box is small enough to slide under a bed.
It lacks a cover, so won’t keep out dust.
For under-bed storage, a lined basket is best. Clear plastic bins leave all your stuff visible, while these handsome baskets cultivate a clutter-free, cohesive look. (Even the tidiest room can feel cluttered if you constantly catch glimpses of last year's ugly Christmas sweaters.) Plus, a plastic bin can trap unwanted moisture, while a lined basket, like this one from The Container Store, can allow your clothes and linens to breathe and stay fresher for longer. The polyester-cotton liner ensures that your extra clothes and bedding won't snag on any part of the basket weave, and it makes cleaning a cinch—just toss in the wash and you're done.
Material: Rattan with cotton liner | Dimensions: 35.5 x 19 x 6.5 inches
It is a wall-mounted basket that acts as an extra shelf.
It is not the most stylish option.
If counter space or shelving is limited, this versatile basket from ClosetMaid is an ideal solution. The steel wire basket looks right at home sitting on a shelf or installed directly into the wall. Perfect for pantries, bathrooms, and closets, you can store anything from root vegetables to cleaning supplies. Additionally, this basket is made of corrosion-resistant epoxy coated steel, so it's durable enough for garages and storage sheds.
Material: Epoxy-coated steel | Dimensions: 15.75 x 16.38 x 8.25 inches
When shopping for storage baskets, one of the most important factors to consider is material. Breathable but sturdy woven baskets made of wicker can keep your fabrics fresher longer, so they're ideal for linens, laundry, and blankets. (Adding a cloth or cotton liner can help to keep clothes from snagging on loose ends!)
Baskets woven from natural fibers are great storage receptacles for your living room and bedroom but, says Dahmen, they're "not advisable for use in places with low light and high humidity (like basements), where they may be susceptible to mold." Wire, metal, and plastic baskets are more advisable for bathrooms and basements, as they're easier to clean. For children's rooms, softer materials like canvas, cotton, or natural materials are more appropriate.
You should also consider your personal style and the rest of your home decor. Handwoven baskets (like those made from sweetgrass, sisal, and jute) can add rustic, wabi-sabi-inspired charm to a space—and they're ideal receptacles for effortlessly tossed blankets or rolled towels. For pantry and closet storage, sturdier, ventilated plastic or metal baskets with lids are often best, as these will facilitate stacking and help you to optimize vertical space. Ventilated baskets are also ideal for craft supplies or other smaller items, as the holes help you to quickly identify what you have on hand. (Labels don't hurt, either!)
To optimize closet or pantry space, go with square or rectangular items that stack easily without wasting any space. Look for this shape if you're planning on using dividers in your baskets, too—it's much easier when your inserts can lay flush inside. Round baskets are great for storing objects that require no sub-division (like blankets or towels), and they look more natural and integrated as freestanding objects than squared-off baskets.
Dahmen advises using storage baskets to keep similar items together. "Notice the word similar and not identical," she says. "If you're too specific with the contents of a basket, you'll likely end up with too many baskets. For example, a 'First Aid' basket is probably a better use of space than having one basket for [bandages], another for cotton swabs, another for disinfecting wipes, etc."
Without a system or category in place, "a basket can become just another item cluttering your space," Dahmen says. But this is where labels come in handy. "Labels are the magic ingredient that allows you to maintain order over time."
Storage baskets are great for things like linens, blankets, extra clothing, and children's toys—but Dahmen says they might not be the best choice for liquids. "If you're storing liquids that might tip or leak, use a solid container that will keep a spill from spreading over your shelf," says Dahmen. "Solid containers are also better for cords and chargers, as wiry things tend to poke out of baskets and get stuck."
Retailers such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Etsy, and The Container Store are all great places to find storage baskets for your home. If you’re looking for storage baskets that are more unique and handcrafted, try stores like Made Trade, 2Modern, The Citizenry, Anthropologie, and West Elm.
Lidded Basket This article was written by Leslie Joblin, a writer for Real Simple, The Spruce, MyDomaine, and other publications, and Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. For this roundup, they spoke with design and organization consultant Liz Dahmen of Make Space LLC in New York to get the inside scoop on making the most of organizing with baskets. They also spent hours researching the various storage baskets on the market, narrowing down the options based on factors like functionality, style, and material.