Decorating With Baskets: Beautiful And Practical Ideas For Every Room

Decorating with baskets adds texture, storage, and warmth with simple ideas you can use in every room of your home.

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Decorating with baskets is one of the easiest ways to add texture, warmth, storage, and beauty to a home. Baskets are hardworking decor pieces that can organize everyday essentials, soften a room, and bring natural texture into your spaces.

My love for baskets started when I was a teenager. My grandmother gave me a small, sturdy basket with a curved handle, and I turned it into a purse. I stitched a simple drawstring pouch inside and carried it through my college years. It was so special to me.

That little basket began my long love of decorating with baskets. Over the years, I’ve used them in just about every room of my home because they are both pretty and practical. They can hold everyday items, help organize a space, and add a layer of texture that makes a room feel warm and welcoming.

I often say that using a basket is one of the best ways to hide things in plain sight. No basket in my home is just for show. Each one has a purpose, whether it’s storing something useful or helping a space look more organized and intentional.

If you’ve ever wondered how to decorate with baskets in a way that feels stylish and useful, here are some of my favorite ideas.

What Decorative Baskets Are Best For

Before we get into where to use baskets in your home, it helps to know which types of baskets work best for different needs. Not all baskets are created equal, and choosing the right one makes decorating with baskets so much easier.

Here are a few of the most useful types I reach for again and again:

• Lidded baskets are perfect for hiding clutter. I like to use them for things I want nearby but not in sight, like toys, extra pillows, or seasonal items.
• Open baskets are great for everyday use. Think blankets, books, towels, or anything you want to grab quickly.
• Handled baskets are so practical. They are easy to carry from room to room, which makes them ideal for laundry, cleaning supplies, or even gathering things to put away.
• Basket trays are one of my favorites for decorating. They are perfect for corralling items on a coffee table, kitchen island, or ottoman so everything looks neat and intentional.
• Wall baskets are a beautiful way to add texture to a blank wall. They work especially well when grouped together in different sizes and shapes.
• Floor baskets are ideal for larger items like throws, pillows, or even firewood. They fill empty corners and make a room feel more finished.

When you start to think of baskets this way, as both decorative and functional, it becomes so much easier to use them throughout your home in a way that feels natural and useful.

How Baskets Help A Room Look Better

Baskets are not just for storage. They play an important role in how a room looks and feels. When used thoughtfully, they can help a space feel more balanced, comfortable, and well-arranged.

Here are a few ways baskets work behind the scenes to make a room look better.

Baskets Add Texture

Every room needs a mix of materials to feel warm and inviting. Baskets bring in natural texture that softens hard surfaces like wood, stone, tile, and metal.

I often use baskets in kitchens and bathrooms for this very reason. These spaces can feel a bit hard and flat, and a basket adds that layer of texture that makes everything feel more comfortable.

Baskets Balance Visual Weight

When a room feels off, it is often because things are not visually balanced. Baskets can help anchor a space and give it a sense of stability.

A large floor basket can fill an empty corner, while a pair of baskets on a shelf can balance items on the other side. They help a room feel settled without adding clutter.

Baskets Corral Clutter

One of the quickest ways to make a room look better is to gather loose items together. Baskets are perfect for this.

Instead of having things scattered around, a basket gives everything a place to land. It makes a space look neater and more intentional without a lot of effort. This is one of my favorite decorating tricks. If a room feels a little messy, I reach for a basket.

Three Things To Know When Decorating With Baskets

There really is a basket for every space in your home and for just about everything you need to store. When you are decorating with baskets, there are three helpful things to keep in mind so they look as good as they function.

Style And Aesthetics

Choose baskets that complement the look and feel of your home. Think about color, texture, shape, and material. Whether you love seagrass, rattan, wicker, or wire baskets, they should feel like they belong in the space.

Baskets are both decorative and functional, so choose ones that add to the overall look of your room while still being useful.

Function And Size

Always think about what the basket needs to hold. Are you storing blankets, organizing pantry items, or keeping toys in one place?

The basket should be the right size and shape for its job and fit comfortably where it will be used. A basket that is too small or too large can feel out of place.

Durability And Quality

A well-made basket can last for years. Look for tightly woven materials and sturdy handles if you plan to move it around.

Good-quality baskets keep their shape and continue to look good even with everyday use, making them worth the investment.

How To Hang Baskets On A Wall

Hanging baskets on a wall is one of my favorite ways to add texture and interest to a space. It is simple to do and makes a big impact, especially on a blank wall that needs a little something.

Start by laying your baskets out on the floor to find an arrangement you like. I like to mix different sizes, shapes, and tones so the display feels collected and natural.

When you are ready to hang them, most baskets can be attached using small nails or picture hooks. If the basket has a woven rim, you can gently hook it right onto the nail. For heavier baskets, use a sturdy hook so they stay secure.

Hang the largest basket first and build your arrangement around it. This helps anchor the display and makes it easier to balance the rest.

Spacing does not have to be perfect. In fact, a slightly relaxed arrangement often looks better and more natural.

If you are unsure where to start, try hanging baskets above a bed, over a sofa, or in a hallway. These are great places to add interest without needing traditional artwork.

I have a grouping of baskets hanging over a bed in our home, and it is one of my favorite ways to decorate a wall. That space already had artwork on either side, so adding more framed pieces did not feel right. The baskets gave the wall texture and interest without making it feel too busy. It is simple, a little unexpected, and works beautifully in that room.

Points Of Entry: Foyer, Entryway, And Mudroom

Baskets play an important role in the foyer and mudroom at Tanglewood. I tend to think of the baskets as more functional in my small mudroom and more decorative in my foyer. But the truth is, they really do double duty in both places. They add a welcoming feel while keeping everyday clutter in check.

Here are a few ways I use baskets in the front entrance of our home:

• Use a basket to corral outdoor essentials like hats, gloves, scarves, and umbrellas
• Tuck shoes or boots in a large lidded basket to keep them out of sight but easy to grab
• Keep a rolled up towel in a small basket near the door for wiping muddy dog paws
• Set up a small basket as a drop zone for incoming mail, keys, sunglasses, and anything you reach for on your way out

Coat Closets

Our small coat closet in the foyer is a hardworking space that gets used every day. Small spaces like this can become messy quickly, so baskets are a simple way to keep things under control.

I added two square baskets to the shelf inside. One holds gloves and hats, and the other keeps scarves contained. I don’t worry about keeping them perfectly neat. I just want to be able to find what I need quickly.

On the closet floor, there’s a large open basket that holds shoes, mostly the little ones that belong to our grandchildren. It’s such a simple solution, but it keeps the foyer clear and helps everyone find their shoes when it’s time to go home.

Here are a few ways I use baskets in the front entrance of our home:

• Use a basket to corral outdoor essentials like hats, gloves, scarves, and umbrellas
• Tuck shoes or boots in a large lidded basket to keep them out of sight but easy to grab on the go.
• Keep a rolled-up towel in a small basket near the door for wiping muddy dog paws.
• Set up a small basket as a drop zone for incoming mail, keys, sunglasses, and anything else you reach for on your way out.

Coat Closets

Our small coat closet in the foyer is a hardworking space that gets used every day. However, small spaces like this can become messy quickly. I added two square baskets to the shelf inside; one holds gloves and hats, and the other keeps scarves out of the way. I don’t worry too much about keeping them perfectly organized. I just want to find what I need quickly.

On the closet floor, there’s a large open basket that holds shoes, mostly the little ones that belong to our grandchildren. It’s such a simple solution that keeps the foyer clear and helps everyone find their shoes when it’s time to go home.

Using Baskets On Your Front Door

A basket on a front door is such a simple and welcoming way to decorate your home. It is a lovely alternative to a wreath and works beautifully for every season.

I like using a basket on a door because it feels a little unexpected and very easy to change. You can fill it with flowers, greenery, or seasonal stems to reflect the time of year.

For spring, try fresh or faux flowers. In summer, simple greenery works well. Fall is perfect for adding dried stems or small branches, and in winter, evergreens or berries look just right.

Choose a basket that is not too deep so it hangs nicely on the door. You can attach it with a ribbon or a sturdy hook, making sure it is secure but easy to swap out when you want a new look.

A front door basket is one of those small details that make a home feel cared for before anyone even steps inside.

Living Room And Family Room

Wicker baskets have such a timeless appeal, and they are perfect for adding texture and warmth to a living space.

I like our home to feel comfortable but still well arranged, and adding a basket or two in the living room and family room helps create that balance. They make a space feel welcoming and relaxed without looking cluttered. Many of the baskets I use here are just as practical as they are pretty, quietly doing their job while adding to the look of the room.

One of the baskets I use most often in these rooms is a tray-style basket. It is such an easy way to keep surfaces neat while adding texture to a space.

Here are some useful ways to use baskets in your living room:

• Keep a large basket nearby to hold toys, easy to grab and just as easy to put away
• Use an oversized lidded basket to store blankets and extra cushions
• Use a basket as a container for a plant or small indoor tree
• Turn a roomy basket into a planter for a fiddle leaf fig or faux olive tree
• Place a decorative basket beside your favorite chair to hold books and magazines
• Store firewood neatly in a tall basket near the fireplace
• Collect throw pillows or seasonal blankets in a deep basket beside the sofa
• Use a tray-style basket on a coffee table to gather books, candles, or decorative items so everything feels organized and easy to enjoy
• Place a tray basket on a dining room table or sideboard to hold a simple centerpiece, it keeps everything together and makes it easy to change with the seasons
• Style a tray basket on an ottoman with a small stack of books and a candle for a relaxed and comfortable look
• Use a basket to quickly gather clutter before company arrives, one of my favorite tricks
• Style open shelving or built-ins with baskets to hide smaller items and keep things looking neat
• Set a small tabletop tree in a basket when you want to add a bit of greenery to the room

Dining Room

Baskets are such a natural fit in a dining room. They add texture to the table and help keep everything looking neat and easy to live with.

I often use baskets on my dining table because they make it simple to create a centerpiece that feels relaxed and not too formal. A basket gives everything a place to sit, so the table looks organized without much effort.

One of my favorite ways to use a basket here is as a tray-style centerpiece. It holds everything together and makes it easy to change the look with the seasons.

Here are a few easy ways to use baskets in your dining room:

• Style a basket with greenery or branches to add height and interest to the table
• Use a tray-style basket in the center of the table to hold a simple arrangement or seasonal decor
• Fill a basket with flowers for a soft and natural centerpiece
• Use a basket on a sideboard to corral candles, serving pieces, or decorative items
• Keep placemats or cloth napkins folded in a basket for easy access
• Use a basket to hold extra dishes or serving pieces when entertaining

The Kitchen

Do you use baskets in your kitchen? I’m guessing the answer is yes. Baskets are one of the easiest ways to add both function and warmth to a space that is often filled with hard surfaces.

In our first home, we had beautiful exposed wood beams in the ceiling, and I hung all kinds of baskets, much like those you might see in a Martha Stewart magazine. I loved how cozy they made the kitchen feel, and they were so useful, too. I would grab one to bring in vegetables from the garden or toss in little socks fresh from the dryer.

In my kitchen now, baskets are used a bit differently. You’ll find them tucked under the window seat and in the pantry, where they help keep everything organized while adding texture and warmth.

These days, the baskets I use most often in my kitchen are bread proofing bowls. They are both practical and something I truly enjoy using.

Even in the busiest room in the house, baskets work hard to keep things organized while still looking nice.

Here are simple ways to use baskets in your kitchen:

• Use a basket to gather baking essentials like measuring cups, mixing spoons, and spatulas, so everything is easy to find
• Store cutting boards upright in a wide basket to keep them organized and within reach
• Place potted herbs in a shallow basket on a windowsill to add greenery and keep them contained
• Keep reusable water bottles in a basket so they do not clutter cabinets
• Use baskets in the pantry to group items like flour, sugar, snacks, or baking supplies
• Place a basket under the sink to corral cleaning sprays, sponges, and brushes
• Keep frequently used spices in a small basket near the stove for easy access
• Store cookbooks in a basket on the counter or a shelf so they are close at hand
• Use a handled basket to carry items from the kitchen to the table or outside when entertaining

The Laundry Room

Baskets are right at home in a laundry room, and they are just as pretty as they are practical. This is one space where I rely on baskets to keep things organized and easy to manage.

One of my favorite memories is from when we lived at StoneGable. I hung most of our laundry outside, and I carried everything to the line in an old wicker basket balanced on my hip. There is nothing quite like slipping into line-dried sheets at the end of the day. That basket was used almost daily and made the job feel just a little more enjoyable.

Laundry rooms tend to collect lots of small items, and without a system, they can quickly feel messy. Baskets make it easy to keep everything contained and in its place while still looking nice.

Here are a few simple and smart ways to use baskets in the laundry room:

• Keep laundry detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies together in a sturdy handled basket
• Dedicate a small basket to single socks waiting to be matched
• Use a basket to collect dryer lint for easy cleanup
• Store ironing supplies like starch and spray bottles in one convenient place
• Use baskets on a folding surface to sort clean laundry by person or type
• Keep dryer sheets in a small basket so they are easy to grab
• Store a simple sewing kit in a basket for quick mending
• Keep a basket nearby for coins, receipts, or little things found in pockets
• Use a handled basket to hold items near a utility sink

Bedroom

All the wonderful things baskets do in other rooms of the home also apply to the bedroom. They add texture, keep things organized, and help a space feel calm and comfortable.

In my bedroom, I use baskets in simple and practical ways. I stack two round baskets on the bottom shelf of my bedside table, and they hold my morning and nighttime essentials. I also keep a lidded basket in the corner of the room with extra sheets, lightweight blankets, and a few throws. It is both useful and nice to look at.

Baskets are especially helpful in bedrooms because they keep everyday items close at hand without making the room feel cluttered.

Here are easy ways to use baskets in your bedroom:

• Store books, lotions, and bedtime essentials in baskets on a bedside table
• Slide flat baskets under the bed for hidden storage that is still easy to reach
• Keep off season clothing, scarves, or handbags in baskets on closet shelves
• Use a deep basket as a laundry hamper that is pretty enough to leave out
• Organize makeup or personal care items in a small handled basket
• Place a basket next to the bed for favorite books or magazines
• Corral everyday items like reading glasses, tissues, and chargers in a shallow basket
• Keep extra blankets folded in a large basket on the floor
• Use baskets in a child’s room to organize toys or stuffed animals
• Place a small basket on a dresser or changing table to hold diapers and wipes

A few well placed baskets in a bedroom can make such a difference in how it looks and functions, keeping everyday things tucked away but still close at hand.

Bathrooms And Linen Closets

If your bathroom is anything like mine, it needs to work hard and stay organized at the same time. Baskets are one of the easiest ways to do both.

Bathrooms tend to have a lot of small, everyday items, and without a good system, they can quickly feel cluttered. Baskets keep everything contained while still looking neat and pulled together.

Here are some favorite ways to use baskets in the bathroom:

• Organize cleaning supplies under the sink in sturdy handled baskets
• Stack rolled towels and washcloths in a large open basket for a spa like look
• Keep extra toilet paper and toiletries tucked into decorative baskets
• Use a small lidded basket near the toilet to store personal items
• Create a guest ready basket filled with toiletries and travel size essentials
• Corral daily use items like lotions, sprays, and skincare in a countertop basket
• Place a basket near the tub for candles, books, matches, and bath salts
• Use a basket to hold magazines or light reading material

And in the linen closet:

• Store folded sheet sets, bath towels, and washcloths in labeled baskets
• Use baskets to organize extra toiletries, tissues, or cleaning supplies
• Keep paper guest towels in a basket so they are easy to grab when needed
• Use a deep basket for laundry or to keep bath toys in one place

Baskets make even the smallest bathroom feel more organized and easy to use. They help keep everything in its place while still looking simple and attractive.

Baskets As Wall Art

Baskets As Wall Art

Now that you know how to hang baskets on a wall, let’s talk about how to use them as decor in a way that feels natural and beautiful in your home.

Walls are the canvas of a room, and baskets can be a wonderful and unexpected way to decorate them. They add texture and interest, especially when you want something different from traditional artwork.

Choosing the right mix of size, shape, and color is the key to making a basket wall feel well arranged. I like to mix larger baskets with smaller ones and vary the tones a bit so the display feels collected over time.

In our home, I have a grouping of baskets hanging over a bed, and it is one of my favorite ways to decorate a wall. That space already had artwork on either side, so adding more framed pieces did not feel right. The baskets added texture and interest without making the room feel too busy. It is simple, a little unexpected, and works beautifully in that space.

You can create a basket wall almost anywhere, above a bed, over a sofa, in a hallway, or even in a dining room. Try laying your baskets out first and moving them around until you find a layout you like.

The goal is not perfection. A basket wall should feel relaxed and personal, like something you have collected over time.

Vintage Baskets

If you love decorating with baskets, chances are you also love vintage ones. There is something special about an older basket that new ones just cannot replicate.

Vintage baskets bring history and character into a home. The worn finish, subtle color variations, and slightly imperfect shapes give them a collected and lived in feel that is hard to create any other way.

I like to mix vintage baskets with newer ones throughout my home. That combination keeps a space feeling fresh while still warm and comfortable.

One of the best things about vintage baskets is that they are often easy to find at thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets, and many times at a very reasonable price. It makes collecting them both fun and doable.

When choosing a vintage basket, look for one that is still sturdy and holds its shape. A little wear adds character, but it should still be able to do its job.

Right now, I’m on the lookout for a vintage basket to tuck under my living room coffee table. That space needs something with a bit of character, and a well-loved basket would be just right.

Decorating with vintage baskets is a timeless way to add texture, warmth, and function to your home. Whether you mix them with newer baskets or let them stand on their own, they bring something special to every space.

Right now, I’m on the lookout for a vintage basket to tuck under my living room coffee table. That little area needs something with character, and a well-worn basket would be just the thing.

Decorating with vintage baskets is a timeless way to add texture, warmth, and function to your home. Whether you mix them with new baskets or style them as standalone pieces, they’ll always bring something special to your space.

Baskets are one of the easiest ways to make a home feel more organized and comfortable. They work hard while adding texture and interest to every room.

I love how simple they are to use and how easily they can move from space to space. There always seems to be a new way to use them.

I hope this post gives you a few fresh ideas and encourages you to use the baskets you already have in your home in new and useful ways.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating With Baskets

Decorating with baskets is simple and so useful, but a few questions often come up. Here are some of the things I get asked, along with what works in my own home.

More Decorating And Organizing Ideas For Your Home

If you love simple ways to keep your home organized and easy to live in, these posts will give you even more helpful ideas and inspiration.

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An easy and doable approach to decluttering your home in small steps that really add up over time.

Happy Decorating, Friends!