Crucial for neatly storing all your dirty clothes in one place, the best laundry baskets will also make a chic decorative addition to your space. From handwoven hampers and oversized bags, to space-saving stackable baskets and clever bins with multiple compartments, there are plenty of different solutions to explore.
Clearly, a laundry basket isn’t exactly the most exciting of homeware buys. But it’s an essential purchase if — like us — you like to put off dreaded laundry day for as long as possible, and therefore need go keep that ever-growing pile of dirty clothes out of sight.
Whether you’re looking for a large laundry sorter with separate compartments for lights and darks, or something compact enough to fit in the corner of any room without taking up too much space, we’ve got you covered with our edit of the best laundry baskets. From rattan to wicker, structured to soft, we’ve hunted down the best money can buy — no matter how big or small your budget or space.
The best laundry baskets — at a glance:
- Best handwoven seagrass laundry basket: Whitewashed Seagrass Laundry Basket – with Liner, £175, The White Company
- Best laundry bag with a floral design: Wildflower Laundry Bag, £31, Urban Outfitters
- Best boho scalloped laundry basket: Heart and Soul Scalloped Laundry Basket, £44, Dunelm
- Best quilted laundry bag: Lumu Block Printed Wavy Fabric Laundry Bag, £35, Oliver Bonas
- Best slimline laundry basket: Habitat Slimline Laundry Basket, £18, Habitat
What is the best laundry basket?
Basically, it all depends on how much laundry you have. Rattan is a great choice for sturdiness and reliability while being super lightweight, so carrying it downstairs will be a breeze. Woven baskets are durable and strong, so will be able to fit huge loads of washing without the handles breaking on you. There are also many designs on wheels for easy transportation from room to room.
What do I need to think about when choosing a laundry basket?
When shopping for a laundry basket, size should be right at the top of your priorities list. If you’re limited on floor space, consider a collapsible laundry basket or foldable bag that can be stored away when you have guests round — or alternatively search for a basket with a slimline shape that’ll slot really nicely into small spaces. Doing laundry for the whole family? Some kind of large hamper or trunk with specific sections for dark and light clothing is your best bet.
It’s also worth thinking about where you’ll be storing your dirty laundry in relation to the washing machine. Rattan and woven baskets are lightweight and therefore great for carrying heavy loads — however a drawstring laundry bag with large handles that can go over your shoulder might be a better bet if you’re dealing with lots of flights of stairs, or heading to a local laundromat.