Large Wicker Storage Baskets UK – 7 Practical Uses for Country Homes

There's a particular satisfaction that comes from a well-ordered home—blankets folded and tucked away, laundry gathered before washday, seasonal cushions stored until needed. In country homes and cottage interiors, large storage baskets have long been the quiet heroes of domestic order.

Handwoven from natural materials like wicker and willow, these generous baskets bring warmth and texture to bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms whilst keeping household life running smoothly.

What Makes a Storage Basket "Large"?

Large wicker storage baskets typically measure 70-80cm, providing capacity for full laundry loads, seasonal bedding sets, multiple throws and cushions, or children's toys.

The Harrowgate (75cm light steamed wicker, £151-£159 with six lining options) and The Hatherleigh Holdall (75cm antique wash wicker chest, £151-£159 with six lining options) both offer generous capacity whilst maintaining the handwoven texture that suits country homes beautifully.

7 Practical Uses for Large Storage Baskets

1. Laundry & Bathroom Storage

In farmhouse bathrooms, a generous wicker basket with removable cotton lining serves as both a practical hamper and a decorative element. The Harrowgate's light steamed willow brings a soft, honeyed tone to bathrooms, whilst six lining options (unlined, rose, white, grey, black, or blue) match your colour scheme. The removable lining protects delicate willow and lifts out for washing.

Why it works: Wicker is naturally breathable, preventing musty odours. Sturdy rope handles make transport easy, and handwoven texture adds warmth to utilitarian spaces.

2. Bedroom Storage – Foot of Bed

At the foot of a bed, The Hatherleigh Holdall brings heritage charm with its antique wash finish and hinged lid. The aged patina suits period interiors, whilst six lining options coordinate with bedroom décor.

Why it works: The hinged lid keeps contents dust-free, 75cm capacity holds full bedding sets, and cotton lining protects delicate fabrics.

3. Living Room – Throw & Cushion Storage

Both baskets work beautifully beside fireside armchairs or beneath window seats, corralling extra throws, seasonal cushions, and spare blankets. Natural wicker complements linen sofas and wooden furniture, becoming part of the room's aesthetic rather than something to hide.

4. Hallway Boot Room Organisation

In country homes with muddy boots and outdoor gear, use a large basket for wellies, dog walking accessories, outdoor cushions during winter, or gardening tools. The Harrowgate with grey or black lining hides dirt whilst breathable wicker allows damp items to air.

5. Nursery – Toy Storage That Grows

Unlike plastic toy boxes, handwoven wicker brings calm, neutral aesthetics to nurseries. As children grow, the basket transitions from baby blankets to soft toys to building blocks to sports equipment. The Hatherleigh Holdall with navy or white lining creates gender-neutral storage that doesn't need replacing.

6. Guest Bedroom Hospitality

Position a basket at the foot of the guest bed holding fresh towels, extra blankets, spare pillows, and toiletries—everything visitors need without rummaging through cupboards.

7. Seasonal Storage

Rotate seasonal textiles easily: store summer linens in winter, swap to winter throws in summer, rotate festive cushions at Christmas. Multiple lining options mean different baskets for different seasons.

Why Choose Wicker Over Plastic?

Breathability: Unlike plastic bins that trap moisture, wicker circulates air—preventing mildew in damp laundry and keeping seasonal textiles fresh.

Durability: Well-made wicker baskets are investment pieces. Both The Harrowgate and The Hatherleigh Holdall are handwoven from sturdy willow that supports heavy loads. With proper care, they last for decades.

Aesthetic Appeal: Handwoven texture and natural materials enhance country interiors rather than detracting from them.

Versatility: One basket adapts to changing needs—laundry hamper, toy storage, throw basket—making it a sustainable choice.

Removable Linings: Cotton linings protect wicker, lift out for washing, coordinate with décor (six colour options), and prevent snagging on delicate fabrics.

Choosing Between The Harrowgate and The Hatherleigh Holdall

Choose The Harrowgate for: Lighter honeyed tone, bathroom or laundry storage, easy transport with rope handles, cottage or farmhouse aesthetics.

Choose The Hatherleigh Holdall for: Heritage aged finish, bedroom or living room storage, hinged lid for dust-free contents, period or country house interiors.

Or choose both: The Harrowgate in the bathroom for laundry, The Hatherleigh Holdall at the foot of the bed for throws—each serving its purpose beautifully.

Caring for Your Large Wicker Storage Basket

Wipe clean regularly with a damp cloth, remove and wash linings every few months, avoid prolonged moisture exposure, keep away from radiators, and rotate placement occasionally to ensure even wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is considered a "large" storage basket?

Large storage baskets typically measure 70-80cm in length or width, providing capacity for full laundry loads, seasonal bedding, or multiple throws. Both The Harrowgate and The Hatherleigh Holdall are 75cm, making them ideal for generous household storage.

Are wicker storage baskets better than plastic?

Yes, wicker is naturally breathable (preventing musty odours), more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable compared to plastic bins. Wicker baskets also enhance country interiors rather than needing to be hidden away.

How do you clean a large wicker storage basket?

Wipe the wicker clean regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust. Remove and machine wash the cotton linings every few months to keep the basket fresh. Avoid prolonged moisture exposure and keep away from direct heat sources like radiators.

What's the difference between The Harrowgate and The Hatherleigh Holdall?

The Harrowgate has a light steamed finish with rope handles, making it ideal for laundry and bathroom storage with easy transport. The Hatherleigh Holdall has an antique wash finish with a hinged lid, perfect for bedroom and living room storage where you want contents kept dust-free.

Can I wash the cotton linings?

Yes, all cotton linings are completely removable and machine washable. Simply lift out the lining, machine wash on a gentle cycle, and replace when dry. This keeps the basket fresh and extends the life of the wicker.

Storage That Enhances, Not Hides

In country homes where aesthetics matter as much as practicality, large wicker storage baskets offer generous capacity, timeless beauty, and durability that make them heirloom pieces.

Whether you choose The Harrowgate for its light steamed warmth or The Hatherleigh Holdall for its antique wash heritage, you're investing in storage that works quietly in the background—keeping laundry contained, linens fresh, and household life running smoothly.

The best storage solutions aren't the ones you hide away. They're the ones that bring order, warmth, and timeless grace to the spaces where you live.