When it comes to organising and decluttering your home, baskets are a great solution for storing various items in a neat and tidy way. However, finding the right basket to match the stairs can be tricky!
Wicker baskets, in particular, are a popular choice to add next to stair features, as they are known for being practical, durable, and stylish. Ideal for those looking to add a little charm to their home decor.
In this article, we will discuss the best wicker baskets for stairs, specifically focusing on choosing the right basket based on the type of staircase and home you have.
Read on to discover the best baskets for stairs…
Why wicker baskets are the best storage solutions for stairwells
A wicker basket for stairs is a popular option because of its natural charm, practicality, and versatility.
Great quality wicker baskets are woven from natural materials such as rattan, willow, Kubu rattan, seagrass or split bamboo, creating a basket that you can count on to be sturdy and long-lasting. Plus, their unique textures and various woven patterns are sure to add a touch of warmth and cosiness to any space.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, wicker baskets are highly practical, especially in areas where staircases are located. This is especially true if your home is laid out with a staircase close to the front door (which we commonly see in UK homes). This is because they’re lightweight and typically used to hold items such as shoes, coats, hats, gloves, or any other bits and bobs (e.g. keys and wallets) that are handy to store in easy-to-reach places.
Another benefit of using a wicker basket for the stairs is that they are known for being easy to clean and maintain, ideal for high-traffic areas. Plus, they have the undeniable advantage of being made from natural materials, making them the most eco-friendly and sustainable option.
Whether you have a Victorian, Edwardian, or modern home, a wicker basket is certain to suit your style and storage needs. All you’ll need to do is find the perfect wicker basket to match your home - we’ll be going into more detail on this later!
Why you should choose wicker baskets over plastic storage for stairs
If you’re a regular visitor to our blog page, you’ll likely have seen us go into detail about our stance on plastic storage solutions and why they should be avoided.
Wicker baskets, in our opinion, are the way to go. Not only do they add a touch of natural beauty, charm and warmth to any room, but they also provide many advantages that plastic boxes just can't match.
Firstly, wicker baskets are much more versatile. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, making them suitable for almost any storage need. From soft textiles, such as blankets and pillows, to heavier items, such as books and toys, wicker baskets can be designed to hold just about anything.
Plastic boxes also offer a similar level of versatility. But they usually come in standardised sizing due to being mass-produced. This can make finding the perfect storage solution to match your needs difficult. And, let’s face it - plastic baskets look bulky and unattractive compared to their wicker counterparts!
Regarding durability, wicker baskets are known to hold up remarkably well over time, praised for their longevity. Plastic boxes have been known to easily warp, especially if used as log baskets, as the temperature can cause the material to crack.
Aside from aesthetic value, durability and versatility comparisons, there is one game-changing factor we can’t ignore - their differences in environmental impact. Plastic baskets have a significantly larger environmental footprint than their wicker counterparts. To learn more about this, click here to read our blog post on the environmental impact of wicker vs plastic.
As we touched on earlier, quality wicker baskets are handwoven using natural materials. This means they are ethically sourced and sustainably produced without negative environmental impact.
Plastic storage solutions are made from non-renewable resources, sometimes taking hundreds of years to fully decompose. So, what does this mean? It means that when these materials are disregarded, they typically end up plaguing landfills or oceans.
In addition to the above, and probably the most important piece of information, plastic can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can actually be quite harmful to our health! This is especially true if you have allergies. These chemicals have been linked with causing headaches, coughing, nausea, eye irritation and more. So, all the more reason to avoid plastic storage baskets in your home!
Lastly, wicker baskets are plain stylish. You just can’t beat them. They have this unique ability to slot in with any decor style, no matter how unique. So, always remember to choose wicker baskets as your storage solution of choice!
Wicker baskets based on your staircase
Now that we’ve covered why you should choose wicker baskets in general, we’ll be going into more detail about how to choose the best options to match your staircase. Let’s get into it!
Straight staircases
Straight staircases can be defined as a staircase that does not change direction at any point, and they are the most common type we see here in the UK. They offer a simple and clean design, which makes them easy to work with when styling around them.
Typically, the cavity underneath a straight staircase will be around 2.5ft to 3ft in depth and approximately 8ft in height. Of course, this can widely vary depending on the home, but for argument's sake, we’ll use this as our basis for a generalisation.
In this scenario, assuming there’s nothing else within the empty space, we’d recommend opting for a large wicker storage basket to fill the space. For example, a trunk or a hamper. It’ll become a space that offers a more practical use, and it’s a great alternative if you’re trying to maintain a sleek and simple aesthetic, as opposed to filling the cavity with furniture that just doesn’t seem to fit the space.
Suppose you do happen to find a great furniture piece to slot in. In that case, you could even add a smaller set of wicker baskets to make the feature more appealing and interesting, whilst also enhancing its overall practicality. We’ve included an example of this option working beautifully below!
Jessica has stylishly incorporated a bench furniture feature and added our Kubu Square Shelf Baskets to store away shoes, which have been placed directly underneath her straight staircase. We love how the wicker baskets tie the look together!
Curved and spiral staircases
A spiral staircase consists of a central post or column, with the steps arranged in a helical pattern. And similar to spiral stairs, curved stairs also have a helical structure, but they typically feature a wider radius and do not complete a full circle.
If you have a curved or spiral staircase, fear not! There are plenty of ways to decorate this area with practical and stylish wicker basket placements.
Curved staircases are quite a unique feature, so it’s only fitting that you opt for an eye-catching wicker basket to go with it. We’d avoid structured shapes (e.g. rectangular or square). Instead, follow the theme! Go for an oval or circular log basket. These shapes will complement the spheric structure of your staircase instead of clashing with it.
As for the size, this will entirely depend on your unique home. However, you don’t want to overwhelm the cavity with this type of staircase, as it is already an attractive, eye-catching feature. Plus, typically speaking, the design of these staircases usually means that the staircase cavity height is more limited.
Instead, prioritise practicality and choose smaller, oval-shaped wicker baskets that’ll fit into tight openings perfectly. We offer great oval wicker baskets throughout our classic log basket range.
Floating staircases
Floating staircases are quite modern. They appear unsupported (hence the name!) because the steps are attached to a hidden structural framework, as opposed to a visual support system, unlike what we see with traditional-looking staircases.
So, we can’t quite accurately give you a size to go for, but when choosing the perfect wicker baskets for storage around this feature, we can recommend a style approach. Complement a floating staircase with sleek, minimalist wicker baskets that complete and slot in with the overall look.
A sleek, modern wicker basket is a great option for floating staircases as it complements the space's clean lines and minimalist design. Look for a basket with a simple and classic shape, ideally with a light and natural finish. This will add a touch of warmth and texture to the space without overwhelming it. If there’s enough space, we’d recommend our beautiful Grey Wash Hamper for a touch of contemporary elegance.
Winder staircases
Winder staircases have pie-shaped steps that are wider on one end and narrower on the other. This allows the staircase to change direction without the need for another landing. So, think of it as a combination of a straight and curved staircase.
Of course, the best basket for stairs here will be influenced by where the winder staircase is placed in your home. As it’s already what would be considered an eye-catching feature, we would recommend a medium-sized set of storage baskets that offer a more balanced structure to balance out the space in a stylish yet practical way.
Winder staircases often have a little nook at the bottom of the stairs or some space left underneath the angled steps. Consider incorporating a console table and a set of wicker storage baskets into the little nook of your winder staircase for added functionality.
This will provide a convenient yet aesthetically pleasing storage solution for items that require easy access, such as everyday shoes, gloves, and hats. Alternatively, if the space is big enough, why not add a stylish accent armchair with a larger wicker basket to hold items such as books and magazines?
U-shaped stairs
U-shaped stairs are almost like having two sets of stairs side by side, connected by a landing in the middle that allows you to make a 180-degree turn as you walk up or down. They really are quite lovely to have in the home and offer a more spacious look and feel, so if this is the shape of your staircase - consider yourself quite lucky!
If you have a u-shaped staircase, we highly recommend adding a larger, beautiful wicker basket to the corner of the landing where the two sets of stairs meet.
It's a great way to add some style to this often overlooked area, and it's also perfect for storing items that you need easy access to before leaving the house, like your work bag, gym bag, or everyday shoes. Plus, it keeps these items out of the entryway, making it look less cluttered and more welcoming!
Alternatively, if you have a pet, you’ll probably often catch them relaxing on the stairs. If the space allows for it, why not add a wicker pet bed instead?
Set of 2 Square Seagrass Storage Baskets - shop now.
L-shaped stairs
U-shaped and l-shaped stairs are often mistaken for the same thing, but they aren’t. L-shaped stairs can be defined as basically a straight staircase with a bend in it.
The bend is usually created by adding a landing in the middle (like a u-shaped staircase), which makes a 90-degree turn. However, the landing can be placed closer to the top or bottom of the stairs, creating what's known as that classic l-shape.
So, for l-shaped stairs, we’d actually recommend the same style tips as we did for u-shaped staircases, as long as the space permits it. You don’t want to overcrowd the landing section, as the space will become impractical.
Generally speaking, l-shaped staircases tend to have a smaller landing area. If you're working with a smaller space, choosing a rectangular wicker basket to place on the landing is best. Oval-shaped baskets may look a bit odd, and square baskets may be too wide, but a rectangular option will fit perfectly in the corner and won't take up too much space. It's a great way to add functional storage to your staircase without overwhelming the area!
Wicker baskets for stairs based on your home
We’ve provided some general suggestions based on the style of your home below.
Victorian homes
Victorian homes are an architectural style from 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria (hence their name!). They are known for their impressive interior design features, including (but not limited to) high ceilings, grand bay windows, and exquisite attention to detail that truly showcases the skilled craftsmanship of that time.
From flawless brickwork to decorative mouldings, Victorian homes are easily recognisable by their attention to detail. Inside, they often feature spacious rooms with high ceilings and eye-catching fireplaces. Nowadays, it’s common to see the interior wall removed to create a more open-plan living space between the dining room and lounge area.
One design feature we often see in Victorian homes is an eye-catching staircase, known to act as the focal point for entryways. The staircase types can vary, but these homes generally feature spiral staircases.
If you live in a Victorian house and have kept all original features intact, you may have exposed brickwork around your staircase, as this was seen as a way to add charm to the interior. If this is the case in your home, consider adding rustic-coloured wicker baskets to the space.
The warmer, darker tones will complement exposed brick perfectly, so it doesn’t make sense to go with any other colour! Think deep chestnut tones or brown walnut shades. Our Oval Bronze Log Basket with Wooden Handles would be a stunning addition to a spiral staircase feature within a Victorian home.
Oval Bronze Log Basket with Wooden Handles - shop now.
Edwardian homes
Edwardian homes were built around 1901 to 1910, during the reign of King Edward VII. These homes are known for their elegant design and sophistication, featuring more subtle and delicate details than their Victorian counterparts. In fact, classic Edwardian architecture can almost be defined as the complete opposite, focusing on clean lines and simplicity.
However, there are similarities, such as high ceilings, red brickwork and bay windows, but the bay window structures are typically smaller.
As Edwardian homes tend to be recognised for offering a perfect balance between modern and traditional, we’d recommend a basket that offers a more simplistic woven pattern, with a colour shade that isn’t as dark as what we recommended for Victorian homes, but not as light as what we will be advising for modern, new build homes. Somewhere in the middle, like a sand shade, would be perfect.
Typically speaking, Edwardian homes were built to feature straight staircases, with a little more space to play with. If that sounds similar to what you’re working with at home, we’d strongly recommend our beautiful Kubu Rattan Storage Trunk. Available in various sizes that are large enough to fill the space without overwhelming it, complete with an eye-catching natural tone and texture.
Kubu Rattan Storage Trunk - shop now.
Modern homes
Modern, new build homes in the UK are often recognised for their minimalist design features. They typically feature clean lines, simple shapes, and an emphasis on open-plan spaces, such as large kitchen diner areas. So, in other words, new build homes are known to prioritise functionality and aesthetics equally to accommodate modern living.
New build homes often feature modern and sleek designs with clean lines and neutral colour schemes. When it comes to staircases, the most common types we see are straight staircases, but l-shaped staircases and u-shaped staircases are also popular!
For new homes, we’d recommend lighter wicker baskets to complement the existing neutral colour scheme. Darker and rustic features may clash with this style, but it really depends on the individual.
If you liked the idea of featuring a pet bed on your U-shaped staircase (like we mentioned earlier!), go for our Kubu Rattan Rectangular Pet Bed, which offers a light and bright natural tone with a simplistic yet elegant woven design. Plus, your furry friend will find it irresistibly comfortable!
Kubu Rattan Rectangular Pet Bed - shop now.
If you’re wanting to stick to a basket for stair use that’s strictly for storage purposes, our Wicker Grey Wash Rectangular Log Basket with Hoop Handles will slot into the space beautifully, thanks to its eye-catching light grey colouring.
Wicker Grey Wash Rectangular Log Basket with Hoop Handles - shop now.
Creative ways to make the most of your underneath stair storage space
Don't let the space under your stairs go to waste! It's an often-overlooked area that can be transformed into a valuable storage spot. Here are some clever and creative ways to maximise this area in your home:
- Add cabinets - we mentioned this earlier, but adding a new furniture feature can really liven up the space. If you can’t quite find a unit that slots in perfectly, why not consider having one custom-built? Or, have a go yourself and make it a D.I.Y project!
- Wine storage - did you know that the space under your staircase (commonly known as a spandrel) can actually make a great spot to store your wine? It's often overlooked, but these areas are typically cool and dry, making them the perfect conditions for storing your favourite bottles. So, in the spirit of making the most of these spaces, why not consider adding a wine rack? It'll help keep your reserves in tip-top condition, ready to be enjoyed whenever the occasion calls for it. Cheers to that!
- Coat rack - if you’re not overly fond of storing your outerwear in wicker baskets, add a convenient yet stylish coat rack to the space. Adding a coat rack will surely come in handy as long as there's enough space. Plus, positioning it next to or underneath the staircase will free up the space in your entry hall (assuming that is where your staircase is).
- A pet nook - we know we’ve mentioned adding a pet bed to certain staircase types, but if you have a little nook of space that you don’t want to use for storage, make it a dedicated space for your pet to relax. Add a lovely bed and a wicker basket for their toys. Generally speaking, pets love little compact spots like this, so it should go down a treat.
Shop the best quality log baskets at Wovenhill
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best baskets for stairs. Hopefully, you’ll feel assured that no matter what type of staircase, home design or style preference you have, you’ll be able to find the perfect wicker baskets to slot in seamlessly at Wovenhill.
Our wicker basket selection is extensive, so we encourage you to check out the rest of our website to find the perfect solution for you.
And remember, when you choose Wovenhill - you’re choosing long-lasting, quality wicker baskets for stairs that ooze taste and style, made from ethically sourced and sustainably produced materials.
