10 Great Uses for Wire and Wicker Baskets
It’s time to celebrate the unsung heroes of the storage world in this short series. First, splendid ways to use wire and wicker baskets
Jo Simmons
21 April 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Most of us have at least one woven basket in our homes. Whether it’s cradling logs by the fireplace or tucked into a cupboard to keep our spices in order, this unassuming form of storage can perform a multitude of handy roles. Woven baskets, crafted from wicker or wire, come in all shapes and sizes and are typically tough and durable, too. So let’s hear it for these workhorses of the storage world. It’s time to celebrate some of the classic roles baskets perform, and also highlight more unusual ways they can earn a place in our homes.
Load up with logs
Log storage is the classic job for a woven basket. And why not? Wicker baskets are strong enough to hold a mountain of logs while looking neat and natural, too. Source one that has a sturdy handle, like this, to make bringing in the fuel easy.
Log storage is the classic job for a woven basket. And why not? Wicker baskets are strong enough to hold a mountain of logs while looking neat and natural, too. Source one that has a sturdy handle, like this, to make bringing in the fuel easy.
Reinvent as coffee tables
When is a basket not a basket? When it’s a coffee table. This magical transformation is achieved by simply flipping the basket over and using its base as a handy surface. Simple and versatile.
When is a basket not a basket? When it’s a coffee table. This magical transformation is achieved by simply flipping the basket over and using its base as a handy surface. Simple and versatile.
Organise an office
Storage designed for offices is often horribly functional, made from plastic in serious shades such as black and grey. So this office looks fantastically fresh and original, with its wall of baskets holding essential office kit, from envelopes to printer cartridges.
Storage designed for offices is often horribly functional, made from plastic in serious shades such as black and grey. So this office looks fantastically fresh and original, with its wall of baskets holding essential office kit, from envelopes to printer cartridges.
Tuck in a teddy
There’s something wrong about storing teddies in a cupboard or drawer – it’s almost as though they need to breathe. That’s why baskets make great soft toy storage. Available with painted finishes, they can also add a cheery shot of colour to a child’s room.
Browse 10 ways to store kids’ toys
There’s something wrong about storing teddies in a cupboard or drawer – it’s almost as though they need to breathe. That’s why baskets make great soft toy storage. Available with painted finishes, they can also add a cheery shot of colour to a child’s room.
Browse 10 ways to store kids’ toys
Reserve for outdoor gear
With their tough structure and organic feel, baskets make ideal homes for shoes and boots. Wicker baskets laugh in the face of mud and can easily swallow up a size 13 wellie, while small baskets are the ideal home for all those easily lost outdoor items: gloves, hats, sunglasses, dog leads…
Discover how to bring order to your hallway
With their tough structure and organic feel, baskets make ideal homes for shoes and boots. Wicker baskets laugh in the face of mud and can easily swallow up a size 13 wellie, while small baskets are the ideal home for all those easily lost outdoor items: gloves, hats, sunglasses, dog leads…
Discover how to bring order to your hallway
Think big
Baskets are available in a huge range of sizes, so you should be able to find one to suit almost any storage job. Here, the concept of storing rolls of wrapping paper in a basket is taken to the max, with a giant basket serving as a sturdy home for bolts of fabric.
Baskets are available in a huge range of sizes, so you should be able to find one to suit almost any storage job. Here, the concept of storing rolls of wrapping paper in a basket is taken to the max, with a giant basket serving as a sturdy home for bolts of fabric.
Contain those condiments
Jars, sauces and bottles can easily clutter up a worktop, but tuck them inside a wire basket and suddenly they look great and stay tidy, too. Choose a wire design for foodstuffs, so you can wipe it clean when necessary.
Jars, sauces and bottles can easily clutter up a worktop, but tuck them inside a wire basket and suddenly they look great and stay tidy, too. Choose a wire design for foodstuffs, so you can wipe it clean when necessary.
Display your five a day
Any fruit and veg that doesn’t need to be stored in a fridge will do well in a basket. It will keep these necessary ingredients to hand, and turn the humble onion or apple into a pleasing display.
Any fruit and veg that doesn’t need to be stored in a fridge will do well in a basket. It will keep these necessary ingredients to hand, and turn the humble onion or apple into a pleasing display.
Store the essentials
Toilet paper is bulky but vital and needs to be kept close to hand. This makes the humble basket the perfect vessel for holding a roll or six!
Toilet paper is bulky but vital and needs to be kept close to hand. This makes the humble basket the perfect vessel for holding a roll or six!
Create a feature
Baskets hung from the rafters make a textural and original display. Not only do they look good, they can be unhooked for use and, by storing them overhead, floor space is kept clear and uncluttered.
TELL US…
How do you use baskets in your home? Share your ideas with us in the Comments below.
Baskets hung from the rafters make a textural and original display. Not only do they look good, they can be unhooked for use and, by storing them overhead, floor space is kept clear and uncluttered.
TELL US…
How do you use baskets in your home? Share your ideas with us in the Comments below.
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I have a large wicker basket for firewood. I also have hand held baskets which my daughter and I fill with goodies at Christmas time, the kids love to help pack them.. Also one for the kids beanie baby size toys. cats, dogs, ducks, teddies, mr bean teddy, racoon. it is a lot of fun trying to squeeze them all in.