Laundry has a habit of building up quicker than you expect. One minute it’s a couple of t-shirts and a towel, and the next there’s a full pile waiting in the corner of the bedroom or bathroom.
That’s where having the right hamper or laundry basket really helps. Good laundry storage keeps things contained, makes sorting easier, and saves you from carrying loose armfuls of washing from room to room. It’s a small change, but it can make laundry day feel far more manageable.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to choose the best hamper or basket for your home, including the right size, the most practical materials, where to place it in a typical UK space, and a few everyday features that make life easier.
1. Why Laundry Storage Matters More Than You Think
Laundry storage might not be the most exciting thing to shop for, but it makes a bigger difference than most people realise. Without a proper place for dirty washing, clothes tend to end up on chairs, in corners, or scattered across the floor, especially in busy households.
A good hamper or basket helps reduce clutter straight away, keeping bedrooms, bathrooms and utility areas looking more organised. It also makes sorting much easier. Instead of dealing with one big mixed pile on wash day, you can separate items as you go, whether that’s lights and darks, towels, or everyday clothing.
Practical laundry storage also makes the whole process simpler. A sturdy basket with handles is far easier to carry than an overflowing armful of washing, and it helps when loading and unloading the machine too.
Most importantly, it keeps everything looking tidier even when life gets hectic. When laundry has a proper home, it feels less like it’s taking over the house.
Our Antique Wash Willow Large Round Linen Basket with White Lining, a practical and tidy storage option for laundry, towels or spare bedding.
2. Choosing the Right Size Hamper or Basket
With laundry storage, size really matters, especially in UK homes where space can be limited. The right basket should fit comfortably in your room without becoming an obstacle, while still holding enough washing to suit your routine.
Small baskets are ideal for flats, en-suites, or student rooms where there isn’t much spare floor space. They work well for one-person households or anyone who prefers to do smaller, more regular loads rather than letting laundry build up.
Medium hampers are often the best choice for couples or small families. They hold a decent amount without taking up too much room, and they fit neatly in bedrooms, bathrooms, or tucked beside a wardrobe.
For larger households, family-sized baskets and hampers are much more practical. They’re useful when washing piles up quickly, and they tend to work best in utility rooms, kitchen corners, or other out-of-the-way spaces where a bigger basket won’t feel intrusive.
It’s also worth thinking about how often you do laundry each week. Someone who washes every couple of days may only need a smaller hamper, while weekly wash days usually call for something with a bit more capacity.
3. Picking the Best Material for Your Home
The material you choose can make a big difference, not just in how your laundry basket looks, but how well it works in day-to-day life. Different homes and routines suit different styles, so it’s worth thinking about where the basket will live and what you’ll be using it for.
Wicker and natural woven baskets are a popular choice for a reason. They have a warm, traditional look that suits bedrooms and open storage, especially if the basket will be on display rather than hidden away. They’re sturdy and decorative, but they do work best with a liner, particularly if you’re storing damp towels or gym clothes.
Fabric laundry hampers are lightweight and easy to move around, making them a good option for smaller homes or anyone carrying washing up and down stairs. Many fabric hampers are collapsible too, which is handy if storage space is tight. The downside is that they can lose their shape over time and may not feel as durable as more solid options.
For pure practicality, plastic baskets are hard to beat. They’re easy to wipe clean, cope well with moisture, and are ideal for bathrooms or utility rooms. They’re often the go-to choice for carrying clean washing, although they don’t always blend in as nicely in bedrooms or living spaces.
Metal wire hampers offer a more modern look and are great for ventilation, which helps if you often have damp laundry waiting to be washed. However, without a liner, they can sometimes snag delicate fabrics, so they’re better suited to sturdier everyday clothing or lined designs.
Choosing the right material comes down to balancing style, durability, and what works best for your home.
4. Hamper vs Basket: What’s the Difference?
Although the words are often used interchangeably, hampers and laundry baskets usually serve slightly different purposes, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right option.
A laundry hamper is typically designed to stay in one place and act as the main storage spot for dirty washing. Hampers are often taller, sometimes come with lids, and work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, or utility areas where laundry tends to collect throughout the week.
A laundry basket, on the other hand, is usually more practical for carrying clothes rather than storing them long-term. Baskets are often wider, open-topped, and fitted with sturdy handles, making them ideal for transporting clean washing back from the machine or taking laundry upstairs.
In many homes, having one of each makes laundry day much easier. A hamper keeps dirty clothes contained and out of sight, while a basket makes the carrying, sorting, and folding part of the routine far simpler.
5. Placement Tips for Typical UK Homes
Where you keep your laundry basket or hamper can make a real difference to how tidy and manageable your space feels. In many UK homes, especially where storage is limited, choosing the right spot helps laundry stay contained rather than spreading from room to room.
In the bathroom, a basket is ideal for towels, daily washing, and clothes that come off straight after a shower. Because bathrooms can be humid, it’s best to choose ventilated materials like woven baskets with liners or wire hampers that allow air to circulate.
The bedroom is one of the most common places for a hamper, as it keeps clothes off the floor and gives everything a proper home. If your hamper is in view, a lidded option can help reduce visual clutter and make the room feel more organised, even when laundry is building up.
If you have a utility room or even a spare corner in the kitchen, this is often the best spot for larger family baskets. Keeping laundry close to the washing machine makes wash day quicker and easier, especially in busy households where loads are done regularly.
For small flats or homes with limited storage, slim hampers that tuck neatly behind doors or beside furniture can be a great solution. Foldable fabric hampers also work well when space is tight, as they can be stored away when not in use.
The best placement is one that fits naturally into your routine, making laundry easier to manage without taking over your home.
6. Features That Make Laundry Day Easier
When choosing a laundry hamper or basket, it’s often the smaller details that make the biggest difference. Some features might seem minor at first, but they quickly become essentials once you’re dealing with full loads, busy routines, or limited space.
Handles are one of the most useful additions, especially if you carry washing up and down stairs. A sturdy basket with comfortable grips makes transport much easier than struggling with an awkward armful of clothes.
Lids are another practical feature, particularly in bedrooms or bathrooms where the hamper is on display. They help keep everything looking tidier and reduce the feeling of laundry taking over the room.
Many hampers also come with removable liners, which are great for hygiene and convenience. Liners can be lifted out, washed separately, and help protect the basket itself from damp items or odours.
If you like to stay organised, divided sections are ideal for sorting as you go. Separating lights and darks, or clothing and towels, saves time on wash day and makes the whole process feel more manageable.
For larger households, stackable baskets can be a simple way to keep everyone’s laundry separate. They’re especially useful in utility rooms where space is limited but sorting needs are bigger.
Choosing the right features depends on your routine, but these practical touches can make laundry day noticeably easier.
7. Keeping Laundry Storage Fresh and Clean
Laundry baskets and hampers are designed to hold dirty washing, so it’s no surprise they can start to smell or feel a bit stale over time. Keeping your laundry storage clean doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a big difference to freshness and hygiene.
It helps to air baskets out regularly, especially if they’re kept in bathrooms or utility spaces where moisture builds up. Leaving the lid off for a while or placing the basket in a well-ventilated spot can prevent musty odours.
If your hamper has a fabric liner, try to wash it often, just as you would towels or bedding. Liners can collect bacteria and smells over time, so a quick wash every couple of weeks keeps things much fresher.
One of the biggest causes of unpleasant smells is storing damp clothes for too long. Wet towels, gym wear, or rain-soaked items should be dried out before going into the hamper, or washed quickly to avoid mildew.
For plastic or metal baskets, a simple wipe-down now and again is usually enough. A damp cloth and mild cleaner will keep them looking good and stop dirt building up.
With a few small habits, your laundry storage can stay clean, fresh, and far more pleasant to use every day.
8. Laundry Storage That Looks Good in the Home
Laundry storage doesn’t have to be purely practical. Since hampers and baskets are often kept in bedrooms, bathrooms, or even open-plan living spaces, choosing one that suits your décor can help your home feel more pulled together.
Matching your basket to the style of the room makes a big difference. In modern homes, neutral tones like whites, greys, or soft beige work well and blend in without drawing too much attention.
For bedrooms, especially those with a relaxed feel, soft fabric baskets can add a cosy touch. They’re gentle in appearance, easy to move around, and often suit spaces where you want something functional but not too bulky.
If you prefer a more natural look, woven styles are ideal. They bring warmth and texture to interiors and work beautifully in traditional or Scandinavian-inspired homes. A woven basket can look more like part of the furniture than a storage item, which is helpful when it’s on display.
With the right choice, your laundry basket can fit seamlessly into your home rather than feeling like something you need to hide away.
Light Steamed Willow Corner Linen Basket with Garden Rose lining, designed to sit neatly into unused corners while adding a soft floral touch to the room.
A good hamper or basket helps keep clutter under control, makes sorting simpler, and stops laundry from spreading across bedrooms and bathrooms.
Whether you need a compact option for a small flat, a larger family basket for the utility room, or something stylish enough to leave on display, choosing the right size, material and features can make a real difference. With a setup that suits your home and routine, laundry day feels less chaotic and much more manageable.
