If you've spent any time on Pinterest or Instagram lately, you've probably noticed more and more kitchens leaning on woven baskets to stay organised. It's not just a look. A quality kitchen storage basket both blends into the space and gives you some much-needed organisational room.
This guide covers what to look for when choosing one, the best ways to use them around the kitchen, and why natural materials like rattan and willow are particularly well suited to the job.
(Photo credit - @tk_hartleyhome) Milton Shelf Baskets - shop now.
What to look for in a kitchen storage basket
Material
Each material suits a different job, so it’s worth matching the basket to what you’re putting in it and where it will live.
- Willow is rigid and holds its shape well, even when it’s full. That makes it a good choice for open fruit and veg baskets, bread baskets and anything you’ll lift in and out every day.
- Rattan is strong and slightly flexible, so it takes knocks without cracking. It works well for worktop storage and shelf baskets that get a lot of handling.
- Kubu rattan has a thicker, chunkier weave. It’s sturdier than standard rattan, so it suits heavier loads like potatoes, onions or bottles.
- Seagrass has a tight weave, so smaller items are less likely to fall through. It’s useful for packets, sachets, tea bags and other cupboard odds and ends.
- Water hyacinth is soft and lightweight. It’s best for lighter, dry items like napkins, tea towels or snacks, kept away from the sink or kettle where it could pick up moisture.
Avoid anything too loosely woven if you’re storing smaller items. Gaps that are fine for a hallway basket can let crumbs, garlic skins and loose spices fall straight through.
(Photo credit - @kjg_home) Milton Natural Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Accessible features
If you’re planning on using storage baskets to organise your kitchen space, you’ll want them to be easy to use and hassle-free.
There’s nothing worse than having to uncomfortably drag a storage basket, which is why it’s always important to go for an option that suits your lifestyle and kitchen layout.
For example, if you plan on adding storage baskets to better arrange your kitchen cupboards, we would recommend that you choose solutions that have handles that are either inset (so that you’re able to grab them easily) or thoughtfully built into the overall design.
This way, you’ll be able to retrieve anything that you require - without having to exert yourself! Remember, you want your storage solutions to make life easier, not harder.
(Photo credit - @mrs_macs_home) Square Kubu Storage Baskets - shop now.
Size
How large or how small you require your storage solutions to be will depend on personal preference. Of course, you won’t want anything too small for you and your household, or else you’ll likely find yourself overstuffing the baskets, making it harder to find items.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you purchase solutions that are too large - you run the risk of them not slotting into your kitchen space. We recommend determining what you want to use them for, and measuring where you want them to go, to ensure a perfect fit.
For example, should you want storage baskets for a similar purpose to the image below (@mrs_macs_home), then you’ll need to go for a larger storage solution to fill the space.
(Photo credit - @mrs_macs_home) Kubu Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Alternatively, if your main aim is to transform your pantry into an organised haven, we would recommend that you size down so that you can section off and allow for dedicated storage baskets for specific purposes - similar to how @thehousebuild has transformed hers.
(Photo credit - @thehousebuild) Milton Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Durability
If you’re using storage solutions in a kitchen environment, chances are you’ll want them to be able to withstand vigorous use. These rooms are used several times a day, and you won’t want to invest in storage solutions that won’t stand the test of time.
We would recommend that you always purchase storage baskets that are made to a premium standard, to avoid having to spend your hard-earned money replacing them prematurely.
(Photo credit - @old_cottage_life) Milton Shelf Storage Baskets - shop now.
Quality
The overall quality of a kitchen storage basket is one of the most important considerations, as, of course, this factor will also contribute to whether they will stand the test of time without losing any of their practical qualities.
At Wovenhill, we provide an incredible selection of storage solutions that are perfectly suited to kitchen use, made to deliver a premium standard of quality.
Our promise to you is that we only use the best quality materials to produce our incredible collections of storage solutions, which include the use of Kubu Rattan, Water Hyacinth, and of course, high-quality and ethically sourced Rattan.
(Photo credit - @kelly.scott.at.home) Kubu Storage Baskets - shop now.
Breathability
Similar to how you would prefer to choose a log basket that’s made to be breathable (to keep firewood in top condition), you’ll want kitchen storage baskets that offer this superb practical advantage also. This will ensure that the contents inside the storage basket that do not have additional packaging will stay fresh.
At Wovenhill, our rattan storage baskets are carefully woven to leave room for small gaps throughout the structure of the storage solution, allowing plenty of fresh air to circulate through the contents of the storage basket. This is great for preventing any unwanted moisture from accumulating, allowing everything in your kitchen space to stay nice and fresh!
Best uses for kitchen storage baskets
Pantry organisation. Group loose items, pasta, rice, snacks, into individual baskets rather than leaving them loose on a shelf. It's a small change that makes a cluttered pantry feel instantly more organised.
Countertop fruit and veg storage. An open-weave basket left out on the counter keeps produce within easy reach and properly ventilated, which helps it last longer than shutting it away in a drawer.
Cupboard and shelf storage. Baskets sized to fit your cupboard shelves make it far easier to pull out exactly what you need, rather than digging through everything stacked behind it.
Bread and table baskets. A shallow, wider basket works well for bread, or for laying out condiments and napkins when you're serving at the table.
Milton Shelf Storage Baskets - shop now.
Why rattan and willow work so well in the kitchen
At Wovenhill, our storage baskets are hand-woven with small, deliberate gaps throughout the structure, allowing air to move freely around whatever's stored inside. This is exactly why natural woven baskets suit a kitchen so well: they stop moisture building up, which helps prevent food from going soft or mouldy sooner than it should.
Both rattan and willow are sturdy enough for daily use, take on a natural, warm look that suits most kitchens, and are a genuinely plastic-free alternative to the sealed bins and tubs many kitchens default to.
Milton Shelf Storage Baskets - shop now.
A few of our kitchen picks
Depending on the layout and size of your kitchen, most of our storage range can work well in this space, but here are a couple of options that suit kitchen use particularly well.
Milton Set of 3 Natural Rattan Storage Baskets, a set of three sizes, ideal for grading pantry items from small spice jars to larger bags of rice or pasta.
Square Kubu Rattan Shelf Baskets, a tidy fit for standard cupboard shelves, with enough structure to hold their shape even when full.
Seagrass Set of 3 Storage Baskets - shop now.
Caring for kitchen storage baskets
Kitchens see more spills and food residue than most rooms, so a little regular care goes a long way.
Wipe down with a lightly damp cloth and mild soapy water if something spills, then dry thoroughly before putting anything back inside; trapped moisture is the main cause of mould or a musty smell. Avoid leaving a basket directly next to the oven or hob, where heat can dry out and crack the weave over time. If a basket starts to smell musty, leave it somewhere well-ventilated to air out fully before using it again.
Kubu Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.
Frequently asked questions
Are woven baskets hygienic for kitchen use? Yes, provided they're kept clean and dry. Wipe down spills promptly and let the basket dry fully before storing food again, the same care you'd give any kitchen surface.
Can I use a rattan basket for fresh fruit and vegetables? Yes, and it's one of the best uses for one. The open weave keeps air moving around the produce, which helps it stay fresher for longer than a sealed container would.
How do I stop a kitchen basket from picking up food smells? Keep it clean and dry, and avoid leaving strong-smelling food uncovered inside for extended periods. A quick air-out somewhere well-ventilated will usually clear any lingering smell.
What size basket do I need for my kitchen? That depends entirely on the space; always measure your shelf, cupboard or countertop area before ordering. Our guide to measuring a basket covers this in more detail.
We hope you’ve found our blog on the best kitchen storage baskets useful.
Explore the rest of our site to see our complete range of baskets.
