Decorating with Baskets {18 Everyday Ideas}

Baskets are one of my favorite go-to items and I use them all throughout my house.  These hard-working, multitaskers are not only a practical storage option, but they are also decorative and instantly add texture and warmth to any room.  Handled, woven, metal, lined, colored, lidded – there are so many options when it comes to choosing baskets that you’ll no doubt be able to find something that fits your needs and your decorating style.

Here’s a look at 18 ideas for decorating with baskets.

1. Crafts

Craft supplies are often abundant and can easily become disorganized, but a few beautiful baskets can keep everything within reach and beautifully displayed.

2. Collections

When grouped together, baskets collections can add so much visual interest!

3. Vignettes

A shallow basket is a great way to hold items when creating a vignette.

4. Bookshelves

I love the use of repeating baskets across the bottom of a bookcase to add weight and anchor the piece to the floor.

They also look beautiful mixed in with other decor on shelves.

5. Wall Art

Isn’t this basket wall from Melissa at The Inspired Room gorgeous?  What a great way to create wall decor that can be taken down and used as needed!

6. Buffets

Baskets can be used at indoor and outdoor buffets alike to hold dishes, flatware, napkins or even food!

7. Mail

A small basket hanging on the wall of the entry, office or kitchen is a great way to store the day’s mail for review later.

8. Magazines/Books

Keep your favorite books within arm’s reach by storing them in large baskets.  Tucked away under a console table or sitting by the side of a sofa – either way is beautiful!

9. Flowers

Baskets are such a charming way to display flowers, fresh or dried!

10. Bath Towels

A basket keeps extra towels on hand for guests…and makes a cute display!

11. Plants

When used with a liner or interior pot, baskets can become containers for indoor plants, enhancing the natural look and feel.

12. Toiletries

Keep all of your essential accessories organized with a few storage baskets!

13. Toys

Oh how I wish I had a wall this big to hide away all of the toys in decorative metal baskets when not in use.  :)

14. Laundry

Used to sort clothes or store laundry room essentials, baskets are great for keeping things organized.

15. Kitchen

Baskets work well in the kitchen whether holding fruits, flatware, dishes or tea towels.  What I wouldn’t give for a pantry like this one!

16. Odds & Ends

This step basket is a great way to collect the odds and ends from downstairs that really belong upstairs, saving you from making multiple trips.

17. Umbrellas/Canes

Placed in an entryway, a tall basket can help you keep track of your {dry} umbrellas as you race out the door!

18. Decorative Accents

Whether visually filling an empty space in a room or acting as part of the decor, baskets make great accent pieces!

Additional Tips & Tidbits

• While sizes and shapes can easily be mixed and matched in a room, be wary of mixing materials.  If your goal is to create a neat and tidy look, too many competing textures can end up looking cluttered.
• If you do want to use baskets with a variety of textures, try looking for ones that are roughly the same size and shape so that there is a common trait among them.  {This tip doesn’t apply to collections, which can contain a wide variety.}
• To update the look of a basket, consider embellishing it with ribbon or painted numbers.
• You can easily personalize a storage basket with names using clothespins or ribbon to attach names to the basket.
• Do be careful when storing clean linens in baskets, as some baskets tend to shed and will get your linens dirty!
• If you’re displaying a collection, remember to group it together to create greater impact and keep it looking tidy.
• Flat woven baskets that don’t get used often will tend to show dust more than other types of woven baskets.  Try using compressed air to dust those hard-to-reach spots!

What’s your favorite idea for decorating with baskets?