10 Practical Ways to Use Wicker Baskets in the Kitchen

Here are 10 ways to use wicker baskets in the kitchen that are both practical and decorative! 

Whicker baskets are one of those things that every cottage kitchen needs. You can't go wrong with a few sturdy baskets, and they bring a rustic charm to the atmosphere that most country folks enjoy.

I sure do! 

Woven baskets aren't just beautiful in the kitchen; they have practical uses too!

For example? If you have a small kitchen, they're a great option for maximizing storage space.

In a kitchen with open shelving, they're great for hiding small items.

On the counter, there's nothing quite so charming as a basket of eggs, fruit or vegetables. 

I have lots of beautiful baskets in my cottage kitchen. They're one of those things I never turn down. A good find makes my day, because I can never have too many baskets! 

As a homemaker, it's natural. Storage baskets have been used in the kitchen for thousands of years, and for good reason. 

They're the perfect solution to many of our kitchen problems!  

Best Types of Baskets for the Kitchen

Not all baskets are well-suited to the wear and tear of a kitchen, particularly if you're using them to hold fresh produce, eggs and food items that can create moisture. 

When you're building a wicker basket collection, look for baskets made from "hard" materials. Willow, rattan and wood splints (or slats) are some of the best. 

They're tough, can be rinsed under running water and will hold to their original different shapes over the years. 

Save soft woven baskets made from water hyacinth, seagrass and the like for storing dry goods in your pantry! 

Where to Find Affordable Baskets

Brand new baskets aren't cheap! If you're frugal like me, you'll want to look for vintage baskets at thrift stores or even secondhand antique shops.

Start keeping your eyes open, you're bound to come across some good finds!

Don't worry about the dirt or dust. I teach you how to clean a wicker basket in my article here: How to Clean and Maintain Kitchen Wicker Baskets

You can get great quality at an affordable price with secondhand baskets, but you do want to inspect them before buying.  

Here's what you should check for.

• Broken wicker: with cheap baskets, the wicker often breaks after a period of use, so always check edges, bottom and handles (if had). 
• Check for stains: the bottom of baskets can be badly stained, so always check before buying. 
• Look for mold spots: it's a bad idea to bring moldy items into your home, so always double check for speckled black or blue spots.  
• Smell the wicker: sometimes wicker carries an odor because of animal use or because the previous owner was a heavy smoker. Always sniff before buying! 

Traditional Ways to Use Wicker Baskets in the Kitchen

I can't take any credit for these ideas. Women were using baskets in the kitchen thousands of years before I entered the world! 😉

There are many, many different ways to use baskets in the home and especially, in the kitchen. If you have a great idea or a special way you use baskets, please leave it in the comments below!

Farm Fresh Eggs

Small woven baskets are wonderful for storing fresh eggs. Contrary to what some folks think, eggs are quite strong and you can fit 2 or even 3 layers in a basket! 

Helpful tip: if your basket has especially sharp points in the weave and you're worried about poking holes in your eggs, fold a tea towel and place it in the bottom of your basket for extra padding. 

Fresh Fruit Basket

Did your mom ever keep a fruit bowl on the kitchen countertop or dining table? 

It's a great idea to use larger baskets as a "fruit bowl." Fill them with apples, bananas, oranges or the like, and you can display them just about anywhere. They'll bring real country charm to your space! 

Onions and Garlic

As a traditional cook, I like to keep onions and garlic on my kitchen countertop, so I can quickly grab them while fixing a meal. 

A shallow basket is a great way to store your alliums on the countertop, so they look beautiful while staying in easy reach. 

Cover Potatoes in a Lidded Basket 

While we store the bulk of our potatoes in our cold room, I like to keep some washed potatoes in the corner of my kitchen, near the stove.

I'm currently on the hunt for a tall basket (especially one with a lid, like an old picnic basket) so I can hide the 'taters' until I need them! Otherwise the light makes them turn green and bitter within the course of a week or two.

I think keeping a large basket of clean potatoes on hand would be an easy way to speed up my work in the kitchen!  

Tea and Spices

Have small items in your kitchen that need to be contained? Use a small wicker basket to hide and hold tea, coffee, herbs and spices!

I have all open shelves in my kitchen, and this is one of my favorite ways to hide items that would otherwise clutter up my space. I especially like to use square shelf baskets to maximize space.

Tea Towels and Dish Cloths

Whether you keep kitchen linens in a drawer, cupboard or (like I do) in kitchen cabinets under the sink, you can't go wrong with a woven basket!

You can have one for tea towels and another for dish clothes, or you can be lazy like I am, and have one large basket for everything!

Hide Paper Towel

A large square basket is wonderful for hiding paper towel. I keep a woven basket on top of my tiny china cabinet and store extra paper towels in it, along with anything else I want to hide from my family!

A Tea Tray 

If you have a wide basket with low edges, it makes a lovely tea tray! When it's time for a mid-day tea, you can place your tea pot, tea cups, sugar, cream and baked goods on a wicker tray, then carry it to the table or living room. 

Vase or Potted Plant Cover

Tall baskets are a great way to hide an ugly plant pot or vase. Slip the container into a tall basket and the effect are quite charming!

Note: if your pot has holes in the bottom where moisture can escape, you don't want to put it in a basket or the moisture will cause the bottom to mold. 

A Catch-All Basket

You can't go wrong having a catch-all in the kitchen space. It's a good idea to have a small basket for the odds and ends that come into your kitchen. You can keep it on a countertop, or tuck it away in a drawer or cabinet. 

Where to Keep Baskets in Your Kitchen

1. On the kitchen counter (of course!)
2. Lidded baskets look great tucked away on the floor in the corner of your kitchen.
3. Your kitchen island (think fruit bowl)
4. Store on open kitchen shelves 
5. Inside a cupboard, drawer or cabinet