Wicker Basket Drawers: The Complete Guide

Wicker Basket Drawers: The Complete Guide

You don’t need us to tell you how wonderfully versatile wicker products are. From hampers and laundry baskets to dog beds and garden furniture, wicker is one of the most popular ways to go. Where it also shines is on shelves and storage units too, which is why wicker basket drawers are such a must-have item for any home.

We’ve already explored the best wicker baskets for stairs - now we want to turn the spotlight on wicker drawer baskets so you can take your shelving and modular storage units to the next level.

Keep scrolling for your complete guide to wicker basket drawers…

What are wicker basket drawers? 

Wicker basket drawers can be defined as a type of storage solution, renowned for being a practical yet incredibly stylish solution for home use. 

Wicker basket drawers are ideal for those looking for incredibly durable and sturdy storage solutions, and even though they are typically designed for slotting in with existing furniture pieces, they can also be styled on their own due to their versatility qualities. You’ll also find plenty of wicker basket drawers available in various sizes, shapes and styles to suit all preferences. 

Typically speaking, wicker basket drawers are woven using natural materials, such as split bamboo, willow, or rattan (we’ll go into more detail on this later!). 

These drawers can be used in various ways, making them a popular choice for those who want to add a natural, rustic look to their home decor.  So, if you’re looking to add organisation with a touch of charm to your home, wicker basket drawers are the way to go. 

Wicker basket drawers: factors to consider

Choosing to opt for wicker basket drawers is an easy decision, but there are certain factors to consider before committing to a purchase. See below for the main elements to ponder before choosing the perfect basket for you. 

  • Size - will the wicker baskets slot in seamlessly with your furniture pieces? Will the size work for the shelving you want to add them to? Or, if you’re planning to style them with no existing furniture, are they big enough to fill the space? Consider the overall size of the wicker basket drawers in relation to the space where you plan to store them.
  • Material - keep in mind that different types of wicker materials have different characteristics and levels of durability, so choose one that suits your needs. For example, if you plan on adding wicker basket drawers to a pantry, you’ll want them to be as breathable as possible. So, it wouldn’t be advisable to opt for synthetic options. 
  • Shape and style - of course, it goes without saying that you’ll want to find your new storage solutions visually pleasing. And there’s no reason why they can’t be! There’s so much choice out there when it comes to these solutions, so take your time when finding the perfect features for your home. 
  • Price - no matter your personal budget, you’re certain to find many options to suit your unique requirements. For example, we offer a wide variety of value-for-money wicker baskets, and we’ve been sure to include options to suit all budgets. 
  • Functionality - do you require your new solutions to be stackable? Or would you benefit from a certain feature, such as inset handles? Determine the intended use of your new additions, as it’ll make refining your decision much easier. 
  • Quality - for long-lasting, ultra-durable wicker basket drawers, always opt for a reputable retailer and those made from natural materials; or you risk ending up with baskets that’ll break easily and will require replacing after no time at all. 
  • Eco-friendliness - we recommend choosing wicker basket drawers that are kinder to the environment and made from ethically sourced and sustainably produced materials. Why? Because they’ll be of superior quality, last a lifetime and offer a touch of natural beauty that synthetic materials just can’t replicate. 

What are wicker basket drawers made from? 

Wicker products are those that have been woven using an easily pliable material. It’s a technique that dates back to Egyptian times when plant leaves were used to weave containers of all shapes and sizes. 

While wicker products can be produced using artificial materials, such as synthetic rattan and resin, we’re proud to say that all our wicker basket drawers here at Wovenhill are made from natural, raw materials. These raw materials can all be regenerated and have a significantly smaller footprint when it comes to environmental impact - which we’ll go into more about later.

So, if you’re looking to update your storage solutions with something stylish and sustainable, let us tell you a little more about what our planet-friendly wicker drawer baskets are made from.

Kubu rattan

Kubu rattan is species of rattan plant renowned for being grown and ethically produced in Indonesia. Once harvested, it typically goes through a water-based treatment designed to make it incredibly durable and resistant to damage. 

Kubu can be identified by its thicker weave and can either be left to dry naturally to its organic beige shade or dyed with raw materials, such as mud, to colour it. 

Set of 4 Kubu Storage Baskets
Set of 4 Kubu Storage Baskets - shop now.

Rattan

Before rattan becomes the stylish furniture you have in your garden or the trendy design accents you have in your home, it’s a climbing plant most commonly found in Africa, Indonesia, and Australia.

Rattan can be grown and harvested without damaging the environment, so it’s an incredibly eco-friendly alternative to artificial materials. The rattan plant grows rapidly, which also means it can be regenerated at a healthy and sustainable rate.

It’s also strong, durable, and known for its robust resilience against wear and tear. 

Set of 3 Milton Brown Rattan Storage Baskets

Set of 3 Milton Brown Rattan Storage Baskets - shop now.

Seagrass

Seagrass is a beautiful flowering plant found in bodies of water in what is known as ‘underwater meadows’. 

Seagrass creates a thin, flexible weave that creates a delicate finish when it comes to wicker products. Make no mistake, though, because its slinky, flexible nature also allows for a tight, robust weave that is extremely hard-wearing.

Choose seagrass if you want to create a soft, beachy vibe. 

Set of 2 Square Seagrass Storage Baskets

Set of 2 Square Seagrass Storage Baskets - shop now.

Willow

Willow is a type of wood that is sustainably sourced, harvested, and regenerated through replantation, making it another incredibly eco-friendly option when producing wicker products. It has a subtle glossy finish that compliments almost any interior design style.

It is equally as robust and durable as its counterparts but renowned for its flexible and malleable nature. Willow provides a softer, more forgiving structure, which can be handy when storing awkwardly shaped objects such as toys and shoes.

Set of 2 Square Willow Baskets

Set of 2 Square Willow Baskets - shop now.

Why choose wicker basket drawers over any other drawers?

When it comes to picking out storage baskets for your shelves, cupboards, and units, you’re spoilt for choice. However, we want to focus on sharing with you the many benefits of opting for a wicker drawer over other options like plastic or resin.

They’re much kinder to the planet

As we covered earlier on, wicker basket drawers made from sustainable, natural resources are significantly better for the environment because they can be ethically sourced and responsibly produced. 

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills and waters, and it can also be toxic in indoor environments. Plastic emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, which can aggravate allergies and cause other problems, including headaches, coughing, and irritated eyes.

So, swapping synthetic materials for natural ones is also an effective way to improve indoor air quality.

They’re lightweight but super robust

Plastic and resin can easily crack, especially if exposed to the wrong temperatures for a prolonged period. Other fragile materials like glass can be smashed easily, which isn’t a particularly safe or cost-savvy option.

Wicker drawer storage baskets made from raw materials like rattan and seagrass, on the other hand, have proven to outperform manmade materials time and time again. That’s why we can so confidently say that our wicker storage drawers will stand the test of time and stay durable against wear and tear.

Plus, these materials are super lightweight, so they’re easy to arrange and manoeuvre. This is particularly great if children use wicker basket drawers to store things like toys, books, and craft materials.

They’re incredibly versatile

Whether it’s a traditional farmhouse aesthetic or a coastal beach house look, wicker storage baskets will blend in seamlessly and are certain to enhance your decor. In fact, even if you’re looking for storage for an ultra-modern interior, wicker is so wonderfully versatile and diverse in choice that you’re sure to find something to suit. 

They create a more unique finish

Wicker basket drawers made from raw materials like rattan, Kubu, willow, and seagrass are far more visually interesting than their synthetic counterparts. 

Materials like plastic and resin are typically uniform in colour or print, which, of course, might be the aesthetic of choice for some people. 

On the other hand, natural materials create more unique patterns, colours, and finishes due to their organic nature. This adds more personality and depth to your home decor, and oftentimes, a wicker drawer made from natural materials will be authentically one-of-a-kind.

They let their contents breathe

Unlike plastic and resin containers, wicker drawers let whatever you’re storing in them breathe as the air can circulate through the weave. 

This is a handy benefit if you’re storing shoes on a porch or hallway, for example, and you want to help keep them smelling as fresh as possible. Good ventilation also helps the basket and its contents stay free of dampness and mould too.

What to store in your wicker basket drawer

Wondering how to make the most of your new storage and what to keep in your wicker basket drawers? Say no more; we’ve got you covered with some expert advice.

Wicker drawer baskets are designed to hold pretty much anything you like. They’re extremely versatile, making them a multifunctional must-have for almost any space in your home. However, for inspiration purposes, see below for some of the most functional areas of the home to add a stylish set of wicker basket drawers. 

Entryways 

If you have a porch with a storage unit or a hallway with a console table, wicker basket drawers are a great way to keep them clutter-free. 

They provide the ideal place to store things like car keys, hand sanitisers, chewing gum, coins, and work passes - the kinds of bits ‘n’ bobs you want to drop as soon as you walk through the door or grab on your way back out. 

Larger wicker drawers are the perfect place to store things like shoes, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Playrooms and kids’ bedrooms

Most children’s bedrooms and playrooms can become a chaotic mess in a matter of minutes (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). Wicker basket drawers are a great way to tidy away everyday things like toys, books, DVDs, and craft items.

They slot neatly onto shelves and storage units or inside cupboards and wardrobes, making them handy for compartmentalising things like socks and underwear too.

Bathrooms

Bathroom cabinets and under-sink storage can very quickly become untidy if you don’t take measures to keep organisation in check. Wicker drawers are the ideal way to clear the decks and ensure things like toiletries, face towels, spare toilet rolls, and cosmetics don’t become unruly, as every item will have its own designated place. 

Another fantastic thing about wicker storage solutions is that they aren’t easily damaged or warped in moist environments, which helps keep the baskets and their contents damp-free.

Pantries, utility rooms, and kitchens

Due to the breathable nature of wicker drawer baskets, they make for a brilliant way to organise kitchen cupboards and pantries. You can store your tins, fruits, vegetables, bread, biscuits, and other treats and essentials without worrying about them losing freshness. 

They’re also equally effective in utility rooms for storing items such as cleaning products, spare sponges, dish clothes, tea towels, wax melters, clothing pegs, pet food, pet toys… the list goes on. You name it - you can store it in a wicker basket drawer.

Home offices

Storing paperwork, notebooks, stationary, and things like laptop chargers and other equipment in an orderly fashion is essential when it comes to keeping a home workspace clean and clutter-free. You know what they say about a tidy desk and a tidy mind, after all... 

Wicker storage drawers are the perfect way to do this in style, so you can maintain a beautiful interior without having to settle for mismatched files and dusty lever arch boxes!

Wovenhill: the home of premium quality wicker basket drawers

We hope you’ve found our guide to wicker basket drawers useful. And, if you’re looking for luxury that will last a lifetime, look no further than Wovenhill.  

Our range of premium wicker storage solutions is the best and most versatile on the market, and we’ve become renowned for the superior quality and craftsmanship found with our products, along with our focus on providing our customers with ethically sourced and sustainably produced baskets. 

So, if you’re interested in doing your bit for the environment without compromising on durability or style, browse the rest of our website today. 


Shop premium wicker basket drawers at Wovenhill today.

For more buying guides, styling advice, and useful information, explore the Wovenhill blog.
The History of the Wicker Basket | What to Look for In a Wicker Basket | The Environmental Impact of Wicker vs Plastic
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