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From compact folding designs to nifty dual-compartment bags. Steel Kitchen Storage Basket
Laundry baskets are essential for keeping dirty clothes out of sight before they reach the washing machine. Not only does a decent laundry basket make laundry day more organised, but it acts as a stylish accessory in your bedroom or bathroom.
'If your laundry tools — such as baskets, bins, drying racks, accessories and rotary — are well-designed, it can make washing day a more pleasurable ritual,' says Twan Verdonck, Creative Director for homeware brand Brabantia. Think collapsible laundry baskets that can be tucked away after use, ones with dual compartments for separating your whites from your colours and wheeled designs for easy transportation.
Size is important, so check the dimensions before you buy. Small space dwellers may appreciate corner baskets or foldable options, while busy households often prefer larger hampers with multiple compartments for easy organisation.
If you often move your basket to the machine, a design with carry handles or wheels will be easier to transport. Not all hampers have lids and covers, so consider whether you’d rather keep dirty washing hidden.
It’s also important that the basket suits your interior style. Many bins in our edit come in muted colours or natural weaves to blend into any room, but we’ve also included some colourful designs if you prefer making a statement.
It depends on the size of your home and how much laundry your household goes through. One large hamper should be sufficient for two people, while a big family may prefer several baskets or one each.
Regarding where laundry baskets should go, the obvious place is your bedroom where you're likely to be getting undressed. Bathrooms also make sense, as do landings and utility rooms, so that everyone has easy access.
'If laundry bins are at hand, it reduces laundry thrown on the floor or piling up on chairs,' says Twan. 'Make it convenient for everyone to reduce the work.'
Laundry baskets can smell musty if not looked after properly, but this is easily avoidable.
Twan also advises keeping on top of your laundry pile frequently to avoid unpleasant odours — although be mindful and don’t wash clothes unless they’re actually dirty. 'Less washing is better for the environment and your clothes,’ Twan explains.
From compact folding designs to nifty dual-compartment bags, shop our edit of the best laundry baskets below.
Joseph Joseph never lets us down with its space-saving, smart products and this basket proves our point. Inside, it has two roomy compartments — one for sheets and towels and the other for clothes, or for separating lights and darks. Sturdy handles will also help you cart your washing from room to room.
Brabantia’s laundry bin is pricey, but we can vouch that it’s a worthwhile investment. Along with two spacious compartments, we like its other handy features: a hands-free lid, a removable cotton lining with Velcro fastenings and ventilation holes to help moisture escape and prevent bad smells. Plus, its impressive 10-year guarantee sweetens the deal.
H&M Home has many chic laundry hampers this season, including this cotton folding basket. It comfortably holds a couple of large loads, making it a good option if you need a spare basket for towels and linen, and its nifty drawstring top keeps dirty washing out of sight.
Made from natural cotton rope, this laundry hamper would complement rooms with Scandi or minimalist schemes. The large 58-litre capacity holds plenty of clothes, making it a good pick for busy households.
This The White Company basket holds up to four large loads of laundry and the removable cotton lining makes life much easier when carrying washing to the machine. It looks smart in the corner of the bedroom, with an intricately woven finish handcrafted in Vietnam, and the natural seagrass smells sweet and woody.
Dunelm has a charming coordinating bathroom range that includes this laundry basket and a stylish storage box and caddy. We were impressed with the hamper when we tried it, appreciating its timeless French cane weave and a slot in the lid for quickly dropping in socks and underwear.
This laundry basket will make a cheery addition to any room — just in time for spring! A quirky geometric design on the inner lining brings another element of interest and complements the vivid yellow hue well. Its deep basket will hold a generous amount of washing, and this teal version is available if you need a spare basket for another room.
For frequent travellers, this Elizabeth Scarlett drawstring laundry bag is handy for keeping clothes organised on the go. When on holiday or hitting the gym, it’s ideal for separating dirty laundry from clean clothes and carrying post-workout gear. As well as practicality, its charming wildflower print and deep teal colour earn it some style points.
Brabantia’s pop-up basket is ideal if you’re looking for something to carry laundry back and forth in. The strong bamboo frame makes it easy to carry heavy loads and its water-resistant finish allows you to transfer wet clothes to your dryer without damaging the fabric. It’s also versatile enough for general storage, like books and toys, and the two-year guarantee is a bonus.
We love the open frame and intricately woven structure of this boho-inspired basket. It’s big enough for several heavy loads and even comes with a handy lid for keeping laundry neatly hidden away.
At just £15 per basket, this floral set is an absolute steal. They’ll come in handy when separating fabrics and colours or if you’ve got a constant stream of laundry. They’re easily wiped clean with a damp cloth and fold flat, so you can always store one away if it isn’t needed.
With its delicate wildflower motif, Urban Outfitters' laundry basket is charming but it’s not all good looks — it features handles for easy carrying and a drawstring top to keep washing covered.
This Living and Home option is proof that style-first laundry baskets do exist; we’d happily have this sweet design on display. The pastel pink colourway instantly adds a pop of colour and fun to a room while still being functional. Suitable for the washing machine, it’ll also be easy to clean if it starts looking grubby.
This four-wheeled basket with a carry handle should lessen the pain of lugging hefty loads to the machine. With three compartments and a side pocket for underwear, you’ll never have to worry about mixing up lights and darks again. It also folds flat, meaning you can store it away when it’s empty.
Lauren was Hearst UK’s Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest trends, sales and product launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, and previously for Cosmopolitan, Red, ELLE, Prima and Harper’s Bazaar. Lauren’s specialism is interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a seasonal tablescape or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the best-value deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day too, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren graduated with a BA in English Literature and Journalism in 2013 and has worked in various editorial roles across the UK, Southeast Asia and North America since 2015. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital. Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
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