16+ Creative Ways to Use Baskets in Your Home

Baskets have always been part of the home, but today they’re more than just a place to drop clutter. With the right eye, they become design tools that add charm, order, and a lived-in warmth to every space. Over my two decades working with home styling and functional design, I’ve seen baskets transform homes of every size—from sprawling farmhouses to city apartments with just a few shelves of storage. The beauty of baskets is that they work everywhere. They adapt to your needs, soften hard lines, and bring natural texture into rooms that might otherwise feel cold.

This guide will walk you through over sixteen creative ways to use baskets at home. These aren’t generic ideas. Each one is designed to help you think differently about how baskets function, so you can use them not just as containers, but as pieces that bring both style and purpose to your daily life.

1. Baskets for Entryway Drop Zones

The entryway sets the tone for your entire home. It’s the first space you step into and often the one most likely to get messy. A basket placed right inside the door changes everything. Shoes that usually pile up can slip into a tall woven bin. Keys, wallets, or mail can find a home in a smaller basket on a console table. Using baskets in the entryway isn’t only about neatness—it creates a habit. Family members know exactly where to drop things the moment they come in, and that single shift can make mornings smoother and evenings calmer.

2. Kitchen Counter Organizers

Kitchens often drown in clutter because so many small items live there: cooking utensils, fruit, linens, even spice jars. Placing baskets on countertops or open shelves gives each item its own space while keeping the room stylish. For example, a wide shallow basket filled with fresh fruit keeps it accessible and makes it look intentional, almost like part of the decor. Smaller lidded baskets can hide less attractive items like tea bags or packets. Instead of a scattered mess, you get an organized and warm-looking kitchen.

3. Pantry Storage Made Easy

One of the smartest upgrades for any pantry is swapping mismatched boxes and bags for baskets. Grouping snacks in woven bins makes it easier to see what you have, keeps packaging from spilling, and adds texture to an otherwise sterile space. Large baskets can hold bulk items like potatoes or onions, while medium baskets keep baking supplies together. Labeling them ensures even children know exactly where to find or return things. A basket system makes a pantry not only neat but also practical and welcoming.

4. Living Room Accent Pieces

Baskets in the living room are more than storage—they’re design elements. An oversized floor basket by the sofa is perfect for holding blankets, instantly giving the room a cozy, lived-in feel. Smaller baskets tucked under a coffee table can hold remote controls, books, or games. If your living space is minimal, baskets balance it with warmth. If it’s busy, they create order. Either way, they function as decor that works harder than a simple box or drawer ever could.

5. Stylish Bathroom Solutions

Bathrooms test storage more than almost any other room, especially if they’re small. Towels rolled in a deep basket not only look spa-like but also save cabinet space. Slim baskets tucked under a sink hide cleaning supplies without the harsh look of plastic bins. A lidded basket can discreetly serve as a spot for extra toilet paper rolls. By choosing natural woven textures, bathrooms feel softer, breaking up the hard lines of tile, porcelain, and glass.

6. Bedroom Calm and Clutter-Free

Bedrooms should rest the mind, but clutter on dressers and nightstands often ruins that peace. A pair of woven baskets under a bench at the end of the bed gives you a spot to store off-season clothes or extra linens. Smaller baskets on top of nightstands keep books and journals tidy. The key here is using baskets to hide everyday mess while keeping what you need close. The look is relaxed but intentional, turning the bedroom into a true retreat.

7. Closet Order and Function

Closets are notorious for chaos, no matter how big or small they are. Baskets solve this instantly. Seasonal accessories like scarves, gloves, or belts fit neatly in medium bins. Shoes stay organized in larger ones on the floor or shelf. Even handbags can be grouped inside baskets to protect their shape. The advantage of baskets in closets is not just order but visibility—you’ll see what you own, wear more of it, and stop buying duplicates you don’t need.

8. Laundry Room Helpers

Few chores feel as endless as laundry, but baskets lighten the load—literally and visually. Separate baskets for lights, darks, and delicates make sorting simple, even for kids. Smaller baskets on shelves hold detergents, dryer sheets, and clothespins, making the whole space feel pulled together. When a laundry room is tidy and attractive, the task feels less like a burden. A row of matching baskets can make even a basement laundry corner feel like part of the home.

9. Playroom Toy Management

Children’s toys multiply quickly, and baskets are the simplest way to keep them from taking over. Large, soft baskets hold stuffed animals, while smaller ones group building blocks, cars, or art supplies. Unlike rigid plastic tubs, baskets are kinder on small hands and more forgiving when bumped into. They also teach children how to clean up by category—dolls in one basket, puzzles in another. The playroom stays under control while still feeling like a place made for fun.

10. Home Office Organization

Working from home often means papers, cords, and supplies scattered across desks. Baskets keep everything controlled. A small basket beside the desk gathers chargers and headphones so they don’t tangle. Another on a shelf can hold extra paper or office supplies without looking sterile. Even filing can be done in upright woven bins. This system lets the home office feel less like a corporate cubicle and more like a natural part of your living space.

11. Dining Room Serving and Style

Baskets add charm and usefulness to dining rooms too. A shallow woven tray on the table can serve as a centerpiece with candles or flowers, making decor feel relaxed instead of fussy. On buffets, baskets can hold extra napkins, cutlery, or condiments. When entertaining, baskets carry bread or snacks to the table in a way that feels homey but elegant. They bridge the gap between everyday meals and special gatherings without much effort.

12. Craft and Hobby Storage

For those who sew, knit, or paint, baskets are a gift. Yarn tucked neatly into one keeps strands from tangling, while a basket of fabric swatches looks beautiful on a shelf. Paints, brushes, and sketchbooks stack easily in medium bins. Unlike plain plastic containers, baskets turn creative clutter into part of the decor. They allow hobbies to stay out in the open without looking like a mess, encouraging creativity whenever the mood strikes.

13. Garden and Outdoor Use

Baskets aren’t only for indoor living. Sturdy woven styles serve beautifully outdoors. They can hold gardening tools, gloves, and seed packets, keeping everything ready at hand. On a patio, baskets filled with rolled-up throws make evenings outside more comfortable. Even potted plants can be placed inside baskets for a more natural and layered look. While they should be kept away from rain, baskets outdoors bring the same sense of warmth and order that they do inside.

14. Decorative Wall Displays

One of the most creative uses for baskets is hanging them as art. Shallow woven baskets grouped on a wall create texture and visual interest without needing framed prints. They’re especially effective in dining areas, hallways, or above beds, where they bring a sense of culture and craftsmanship. Choosing baskets of different sizes and patterns makes the arrangement unique to your home. It’s a simple way to turn functional objects into beautiful statements.

15. Seasonal and Holiday Storage

Every home has items that only come out at certain times of year. Baskets make storing and rotating them effortless. Holiday decorations can be grouped in lidded baskets, then stacked neatly until next season. A basket of cozy blankets might come out each winter, then be tucked away during the summer months. Using baskets for seasonal storage means your home transitions smoothly without piles of plastic bins. They’re easier to carry, nicer to look at, and often fit better in closets.

16. Guest Room Essentials

Guests always feel more welcome when little details are thought of in advance. A basket placed on a dresser or bed can hold fresh towels, bottled water, and toiletries, almost like a hotel amenity kit. Another basket in the closet might store extra blankets or pillows. Instead of guests digging through cabinets, they have everything they need presented in a warm, thoughtful way. This small touch elevates hospitality and makes visitors feel truly cared for.

17. Pet-Friendly Storage

Homes with pets benefit from baskets too. Leashes, toys, and grooming supplies often end up scattered, but a basket by the door keeps walking essentials ready. A larger bin in the living room can hold toys, making cleanup quick. Even food or treat bags can be stored in lidded baskets for a cleaner look. Pets don’t notice design, but their humans appreciate the order. With baskets, pet care items blend seamlessly into the home instead of feeling like clutter.