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Buckets are the unsung heroes of a tidy home. From mopping the kitchen floor to hauling compost from the garden, the right bucket saves time and prevents mess. But not all buckets are created equal — some are purely functional, some double as décor, and some bring a dose of Scandinavian design into your utility closet. Choosing the best option for your needs makes chores less tedious and can even improve how your home looks. Sound dramatic? Think of a bucket as the toolbox of everyday life: the right one transforms a job from slog to snap.
If you like clean lines and thoughtful materials, Nordic Nest is a great place to start. They curate pieces from Scandinavian brands that combine style with usefulness. Products like the Ferm Living Port Wood Basket or Humdakin’s terrazzo trays are examples of items that transcend function — they look good left out and work hard when in use. Nordic Nest leans toward durable natural materials, muted palettes, and pieces that fit both modern and traditional homes.
Among the standout items are the Ferm Living Port Wood Basket Black — a sculptural wooden basket that can serve as a stylish bucket substitute for logs, laundry, or plants. Then there’s the Humdakin Terrazzo Tray available in sizes that translate roughly to 15.7 inches (40 cm) and 11.8 inches (30 cm), which are ideal for corralling cleaning supplies or acting as a decorative catchall. For a playful yet practical option, the Muurla Moomin Bucket holds about 2.2 imperial gallons (10 L) and brings character to everyday tasks. Finally, Humdakin’s zinc-style storage box sized around 11.8 x 7.9 inches (30 x 20 cm) is perfect when you need a small, robust container for tools or cleaning sprays.
Humdakin specializes in simple, beautiful household objects that make cleaning feel less like punishment and more like ritual. Their terrazzo trays (available in sizes equivalent to roughly 15.7 inches and 11.8 inches) are non-traditional bucket solutions — use them to organize bottles and brushes near a sink, or place a potted plant on one for stable drainage protection. The zinc bucket-style storage box combines industrial durability with a soft Nordic aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for mudrooms or utility spaces.
Humdakin pieces are made to last and look better with age. If you want household items that perform without shouting for attention, these designs blend into any interior while offering robust functionality. They’re also easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, which is ideal if you prefer low-fuss living.
Ferm Living is known for marrying modern shapes with natural materials. The Port Wood Basket from the brand is a perfect example — it acts like a decorative bucket, ideal for storing textiles, plants, or supplies in a way that elevates the room’s look. Ferm Living’s focus on tactile materials and muted colours means their buckets and baskets can be left on show rather than hidden away, making them a smart investment if you value style as much as utility.
Choose Ferm Living when you want a piece that doubles as interior décor. These items are especially handy in open-plan homes where storage often needs to be visually pleasant. Think of a Ferm Living basket as a coat that makes your practical tools feel invited.
Muurla brings color and storytelling to utilitarian wares. Their licensed Moomin designs, like a 2.2-gallon (10 L) Moomin bucket, add whimsy to chores and make great gifts for families. These buckets often have sturdy handles and are made from durable materials suited to indoor and outdoor use — perfect for gardening, beach trips, or small storage tasks.
Decorative buckets are great when you want functionality plus character. A Muurla bucket can be used to carry tools to the garden during the weekend or to stash toys in the living room. They’re easy to move and usually light enough for kids to help, turning a small chore into a family-friendly activity.
If you’re hunting for buckets and storage solutions in the UK, many reputable stores stock a good range that spans budget-friendly plastic options to designer pieces. Options include department stores, homeware specialists, and DIY chains that cater to different styles and price points.
John Lewis is a reliable place for mid- to high-end homewares. Expect quality plastic mop buckets, metal pails, and decorative baskets. Their stock often includes brands with good guarantees and design-led pieces suitable for display.
Dunelm is budget-friendly with a large selection of utility buckets, storage solutions, and laundry tubs. They’re ideal for people who want durable products without a designer price tag. You can find everything from small 2-gallon buckets to larger wheeled mop buckets here.
Lakeland focuses on clever kitchen and home gadgets. If you want purpose-built cleaning vessels, mop buckets with wringers, or compact caddies to carry supplies from room to room, Lakeland’s selection is worth a look.
DIY retailers like B&Q and Homebase are go-tos for heavy-duty plastic buckets, mixing tubs, and garden-ready pails. These stores often stock large-capacity buckets useful for gardening, decorating, and construction-type tasks.
Wilko offers affordable household basics, including small plastic tubs and mop buckets. Their pragmatic range is perfect for one-off projects or furnishing a first flat on a tight budget.
Amazon brings variety and customer reviews, which help gauge durability and real-world performance. You can find designer pieces from brands like Ferm Living alongside budget options and niche items like terrazzo trays or zinc-style storage boxes.
Picking the perfect bucket is about matching the tool to the task. Think about capacity, material, and ergonomic features. A 2-gallon bucket is great for indoor cleaning and tidying, while larger 5–10 gallon tubs are suited to heavier-duty work like gardening or paint projects. Materials range from plastic and metal to wood and terrazzo — each brings different strengths.
Consider the job: small tasks (2–3 imperial gallons) need a light, easy-to-carry bucket; larger jobs that require water or refuse removal benefit from 5–10 imperial gallon options. If you’re carrying water upstairs, smaller is safer and more manageable.
- Plastic: lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to clean, but can crack under heavy impact. - Metal (zinc or galvanized): strong and durable, good for outdoor use, and often weather-resistant. - Wood: attractive and sturdy for indoor storage, but may require more maintenance. - Terrazzo and stone-like materials: mostly decorative or used as trays; they’re brittle if dropped but excellent for stable, attractive organization.
Look for comfortable handles, tapered designs that nest for storage, and wide mouths for easy access to tools. A bucket with a pour spout can prevent spills, while a bucket that stacks neatly saves space in small apartments.
Buckets are multi-purpose. They mop, soak, store, water, and showcase. Here are the most common uses and why specific types work best.
For mopping, pick a bucket designed to handle water and wringing. A 3–5 gallon bucket is usually adequate for normal household floors, while larger 6–10 gallon options help when cleaning bigger spaces.
Storage buckets, especially decorative ones, are great for toys, linen, or tools. A wooden or woven bucket looks at home in a living room, while zinc or metal boxes work well in mudrooms.
Gardening often requires a durable, washable container. A 5–10 gallon heavy-duty plastic or metal bucket stands up to soil, water, and rough outdoor use and can double as a seat for certain tasks.
Small trays and shallow buckets — like terrazzo trays measuring roughly 11.8 to 15.7 inches across — make beautiful catchalls for keys, cleaning sprays, or plants. They’re also handy for creating a curated cleaning station near an entryway.
Sustainability matters more now than ever. Choose durable materials that won’t end up in landfill after one season. Metal and high-quality plastic last longer than cheap alternatives, while secondhand designer pieces can be an eco-smart pick. Multi-purpose items that serve both storage and aesthetic duties reduce the need to buy extra products.
Look for recycled materials, long guarantees, and repairable parts. A metal bucket with a replaceable handle or a wooden basket that can be sanded and refinished will outlast cheap single-use plastics. Buying a versatile item you can also use as décor increases its life and reduces waste.
Proper care extends a bucket’s life. For plastic, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun to prevent brittleness. For metal, dry thoroughly after use to avoid rust — a quick wipe with a dry cloth helps. Wooden baskets should be kept dry and treated with oil if they start to look dull. Terrazzo trays benefit from gentle cleaning and protection against heavy knocks.
Use mild detergent and warm water for regular cleaning. For metal buckets with stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water acts as a gentle scrub. For terrazzo and stone-like trays, avoid abrasive pads to prevent scratches — a soft cloth is best. If you store a bucket with water-sensitive items like cloths, give everything time to air-dry before putting it away to prevent mildew.
Buckets can be hidden or showcased. Group a small metal bucket with a wooden basket for a mixed-material vignette in a mudroom, or use a terrazzo tray on a kitchen counter to keep cleaning sprays tidy and appealing. For outdoor uses, place a sturdy metal bucket near the garden shed with hand tools, plant markers, and twine for quick access during gardening sessions.
Repurpose a 2–3 gallon bucket as a mini laundry sorter for delicates, or hang a small metal pail on a wall hook to hold brushes and gloves. If space is tight, nest smaller buckets inside larger ones to save room and keep sets together.
You don’t have to splurge to get a durable bucket, but investing a little more in a well-made piece can pay off over time. A mid-range bucket that lasts several years and fits multiple uses will beat several cheap replacements. If aesthetics matter, spend on one or two decorative pieces (like a Ferm Living basket or Humdakin tray) and balance them with economical plastic or metal workhorses.
Before you click buy, ask: What will I use this for? How often will it be moved? Is it easy to clean? Does it fit the space and look I want? If you can answer those clearly, you’ll pick a bucket that works for you.
Buckets are more than simple tubs — they’re versatile tools that can blend into your home, help with chores, and even make cleaning feel a bit more pleasant. Brands like Ferm Living, Humdakin, and Muurla (available through retailers such as Nordic Nest) offer design-forward options, while UK stores like John Lewis, Dunelm, Lakeland, B&Q, Wilko, and Amazon UK cover practical and budget-friendly choices. Whether you want a decorative terrazzo tray at roughly 15.7 inches or a robust 2.2-gallon bucket for outdoor work, there’s a solution for every need and style. Pick purpose over trend, invest in durability, and treat your bucket like a reliable sidekick — it’ll reward you with fewer spills and more tidy rooms.
| £ 125,- |
