Storage baskets hide everyday clutter without hiding it away. A large one by the sofa holds throws, a set on a shelf takes chargers and remotes, and a lidded basket in a bedroom keeps toys or laundry out of sight. Natural fibres suit almost any room and soften shelves full of straight lines.
Our first pieces are on their way. We are choosing them one by one from European workshops and makers. Tell me when they arrive.
Buying guide
Baskets work best when each one has a job. Decide what will go in it and where it will live, then choose the size, the material and any handles or lid.
For shelving, measure the inside height, width and depth of the space and choose a basket 1 to 2 cm smaller in each direction so it slides in and out. For the floor, think about what it will hold. A basket for two throws needs to be around 40 to 50 cm across.
Seagrass and water hyacinth are strong, soft looking and suit living rooms and bedrooms. Rattan and wicker are rigid and keep their shape. Cotton rope is soft, light and often washable, a good choice for nurseries. Felt is structured and suits a desk or a wardrobe. Jute is affordable but sheds a little.
Handles make baskets easy to pull from a shelf or carry to another room. Lids hide mixed contents and keep dust off. A fabric lining protects knitwear and stops small items falling through a loose weave.
Living room for throws, magazines and remotes. Hallway for shoes, hats and gloves. Bathroom for towels and toilet rolls. Bedroom for laundry or spare bedding. Children's rooms for toys, at a height they can reach.
Nesting storage baskets in three sizes take up the space of one when empty and cover most needs, from small items to bulky blankets.
Use one or two materials across a shelf, in a few sizes, rather than a mix of colours. A set of matching baskets makes open shelving look calm.
Vacuum natural fibres with a brush attachment, wipe with a damp cloth and let them dry fully. Keep seagrass and rattan away from steady damp, which can cause mould. Cotton rope can often be hand washed.
Measure the inside of the shelf and choose a basket 1 to 2 cm smaller in height, width and depth so it slides in easily.
Rattan and wicker keep their shape best. Seagrass and water hyacinth are strong and soft, while cotton rope is softer and washable.
Yes, in a ventilated bathroom away from the shower. Let them dry fully if they get wet, as constant damp can cause mould.
Rooms:Living roomBedroom