Who Says Laundry Baskets Have to Look Utilitarian? Here Are Some of Our Elevated Favorites
When you think "laundry basket," something plastic and cheap-looking likely comes to min, but just because laundry hampers hold your dirty socks doesn't mean they have to be an eyesore. Thanks to a myriad of lovely options on the market today, the can actually be very pretty and even help tie your laundry room together. Of course, quality is important, too: You need something sturdy enough to hold a large load of laundry and that preferably has handles for easy carrying.
Consider space constraints, too. Live in a smaller apartment or have a tiny laundry room? You'll need a basket that is collapsible for simple storage. And if you plan on leaving your laundry basket out in plain sight, consider a handwoven material that's elegant enough to display, and also discrete enough to hide dirty clothes. Finally, while round-shaped baskets are great if you want something versatile that can double as an organizer for toys or other household items, a rectangular shape is ideal for carrying folded laundry after it has cleaned. Ahead, the best laundry baskets that are stylish and functional.
Top Picks
Foldable Fabric
If you're tight on space, you'll want something collapsible, like this gray cotton laundry basket. It pops open and folds flat, making it perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments.
Shop Now: Brabantia Foldable Laundry Basket, $51, williams-sonoma.com.
Triple Sorter
This canvas laundry tote has a built-in divider, so you can easily sort your lights, darks, and delicates. It's great if you're always accidentally dyeing your favorite white T-shirt pink.
Shop Now: The Laundress Triple Sorter Basket, $32, thelaundress.com.
Handwoven
If you prefer the look of natural materials, choose this West Elm iteration, handwoven from water hyacinth. The lid and liner is included, and it's so beautiful, it's hard to believe it's a laundry basket.
Shop Now: West Elm Round Weave Laundry Hamper Baskets, $85, westelm.com.
Metal Wire
This white metal basket with a wooden handle is sleekly designed, and it's light and airy to keep clothes fresh. Plus, you can easily wipe down the metal material for convenient cleaning.
Shop Now: Yamazaki Home Tosca Laundry Basket, $50, macys.com.
Extra Large
If you need something that can handle messes like muddy clothes or wet towels, you'll need a laundry basket made from waterproof material. This plastic piece holds 40 liters, and at under $20, it's the most affordable pick on our list.
Shop Now: Mind Reader 40-Liter Plastic Laundry Basket, $19, bedbathandbeyond.com.
Handwoven Seagrass
This elegant laundry basket made from handwoven seagrass is perfect if you would like something that is pretty and versatile enough to use in the laundry room, bedroom, or main living area.
Shop Now: Charleston Handwoven Seagrass Laundry Basket, $129, potterybarn.com.
Wicker
Searching for a timeless option? Consider this wicker basket from Crate & Barrel. It has a classic design, is easy to carry, and is roomy enough to hold a large load of laundry.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel Wicker Laundry Basket, $40, crateandbarrel.com.
Mint Green
This mint green clothes hamper is a cheerful twist on the traditional plastic laundry basket. It's made from recyclable eco-plastic, and offers a pretty pop of color, thanks to its mint hue.
Shop Now: The Container Store Mint Eco-Plastic Laundry Basket, $22, containerstore.com.
Collapsible Cotton
Talk about versatile: This organic cotton laundry bag is tall enough to store mountains of laundry, and its soft material also makes it perfect for storing toys.
Shop Now: Grove Co. Collapsible Cotton Laundry Bag, $20, grove.co.
Industrial Steel
If you need a basket that is extra durable and will work in even the most cramped of laundry rooms, go for this steel laundry basket from Yamazaki, which was designed specifically for smaller spaces.
Shop Now: Yamazaki Medium Laundry Basket, $53, potterybarnkids.com.