Built-in storage and baskets are a natural pairing, combining the clean lines of cabinetry and shelving with the warmth and texture of natural fibres. From generous baskets tucked into mudroom or entryway joinery to smaller styles used within living room cabinetry, bathroom vanities and children's rooms, the right baskets can make these spaces both more functional and visually considered.

With a wide range of shapes, sizes and structures to choose from, finding the right basket isn't simply a matter of finding one that fits. How firm or relaxed it is, how you'll access it and the amount of space around it can all make a difference to how well it works.

What to Consider 

Think About Structure

Consider how you want the basket to sit within the space and what you'll be storing inside it.

Firm, structured baskets hold their shape and create a more uniform appearance when used side by side in cabinetry or cubbies. More flexible woven baskets have a softer, more relaxed form and can be a practical choice where a little give is useful.

It's also worth considering how the basket will behave when full. A flexible basket filled with bulky items may change shape slightly, while a firmer basket will retain its form.

Consider the Shape

The shape of the basket doesn't need to mirror the shape of the opening. While square and rectangular baskets can create a neat, uniform look within built-in cabinetry, introducing a round basket can soften the straight lines and angles of the joinery and give the overall space a more relaxed, organic feel.

You can also mix shapes and sizes across larger areas of shelving to create a less uniform look, particularly where the storage is open and forms part of the room.

How Will You Access It?

Handles can make baskets easier to pull from deep shelves, cubbies and cabinetry, particularly when they're being used frequently or positioned above or below easy reaching height.

Consider the position and style of the handles as well as the overall dimensions of the basket. Depending on the design, you may need room at the sides or above the basket to comfortably grip the handles and remove it from the shelf.

For lower open shelves, a basket with an accessible front or side handle can be particularly practical, while low trays and open baskets can work well where you want to reach the contents without removing the entire basket.

Allow Enough Clearance

A basket shouldn't fill an opening exactly. Allowing some space around it makes it easier to pull out and return, provides room to access the handles and accommodates the natural variation that comes with a handmade piece.

Because our baskets are handcrafted from natural fibres, slight variations in dimensions and shape are an inherent part of the making process. We work closely with our Fair Trade artisan partners to maintain consistency, but no two handmade baskets will ever be exactly alike.

If you're designing new cabinetry or joinery around a particular basket, we recommend allowing additional clearance rather than creating an opening to its exact listed dimensions.

If you're choosing baskets for existing built-in storage, measure the internal height, width and depth of the opening carefully and compare these with the dimensions listed on the individual product page.

Need a Different Size?

Some of our basket designs can be produced in custom sizes, depending on the design and requirements of your project. Email us with the details, including the size and quantity you need, and we'll see if we can make it happen.