13 Different Ways to Use a Basket (Some May Even Surprise You!)

I never realized how many baskets we had in our home until I wrote this post and it’s safe to say I may be veering on the side of a basket obsession… just slightly. 😬 I can’t say I ever met a basket that I didn’t love. Regardless, if you have many or just one basket in your home, they are extremely useful and incredibly versatile, so I thought it would be fun to share some different ways I love to use baskets!

1. A home for potted plants

I love how placing my plant inside this basket creates more coziness and texture in our living room. Rather than looking at the not-so-pretty plastic plant container that it came in, I slipped it inside a basket that wasn’t being used and immediately it looked like it had been apart of our space forever! This is a great option for real or faux plants.

2. Store crayons and colored pencils

I’m sure all of you fellow parents can relate that once you bring a box of Crayolas home, they never make it back into the box. Ever. I love using smaller baskets to store crayons and colored pencils that way the clean up is quicker and I can easily hide them from my toddler. 😉

3. A light fixture

Even though I actually purchased this light, there are a ton of DIY basket lights on Pinterest. Depending on the look of the basket you choose, you can achieve many different looks in a room from bohemian, modern, farmhouse or industrial. It definitely is a statement piece in our office when people walk in!

4. Organize your pantry

After seeing Lina’s amazing pantry makeover, I wanted to vamp up the small closet in our kitchen where we keep frequently used foods, like flour, peanut butter, snacks, etc. So I recently scooped up these gorgeous baskets at Target and they totally transformed everything. I’m able to group like things together and everything has its own place. It also looks a whole lot neater in my opinion.

5. Coffee table display

A shallow basket tray on a coffee table or your kitchen counter is a great way to display some of your favorite trinkets, fresh fruit, a great smelling candle or even an adorable cake stand with a plant like Lina did on hers. 😍

6. Stash away pet toys

Have too many pet toys lying around? I love how Lina stored all of her dog’s toys in this basket so they’re easy to grab when it’s time to play, and tidy when you don’t want them out on the floor.

My mother in law even stashes extra pet essentials like her dog leash inside since it’s right by the door and easy to grab.

7. Put one in your guest room

Every time I travel I love to collect the travel sized goodies from my room. Not only are they adorable but I love throwing the extras in a small basket in our guest room when friends and family visit. I think it makes them feel more welcome and it’s definitely a nice touch if they forgot to bring something with them and can avoid running out to the store.

8. Store extra toilet paper in the bathroom

I once was at my friend’s house and she had their toilet paper conveniently thrown in a wire basket under their sink and I thought it looked so stylish! Plus, it’s handy to have around for when you run out. 😉 Long are the days that I’ll hear my husband call for a new roll. LOL!

9. Tote your laundry around

I’m sure to most of you this is an obvious suggestion since carrying loads of laundry around the house in your arms isn’t practical. However, it occurred to me one day that I didn’t have to use my ugly plastic laundry basket that I had for years and instead I could use a gorgeous basket. It definitely makes washing my bed and doing laundry a little more enjoyable… at least to look at. Haha!

10. Store extra blankets and pillows

I love Lina’s unique basket that she uses for storing extra blankets in her living room. In our house, we have a surplus of throw pillows so I occasionally throw in pillows that I’m not using for some extra decoration.

11. Store small toys

In our living room, I like to keep small toys nearby for the kids and these baskets work perfectly for us to store away in our cabinet. Plus I love that when they want to do a puzzle or play Jenga they’re only taking out just that and not everything else with it.

12. Shoe storage

A larger basket is a great way to store all your shoes and keep them off the floor. In our house, we have two baskets under our bench. One for the kids’ shoes and one for hats and gloves. It works perfectly, makes stuff easily accessible and our kids can easily stash away their belongings without leaving them all over the foyer.

13. Have fun!

So by now, you have realized baskets can be totally versatile. From storing crayons to shoes and toting around all your laundry, but did you know they can also be used for sailing the ocean with your favorite stuffed puppy and avoiding the hot lava on the living room floor? 😉 The options are literally endless!

Where’s your favorite basket in your home?

Let me know in the comments below!

Sara (sara@hip2behome.com) loves sharing decor that inspires people on a budget and finds joy in traveling to new places.  

Have you seen our clever and frugal Target shoe storage ideas for your home yet?