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Ever tried carrying a mountain of clothes in a flimsy carrier and ended up with a pile on the hallway floor? A good laundry basket is like a trusty sidekick — it keeps the chaos contained, makes laundry day less of a workout, and even contributes to how tidy your home looks. Whether you live alone in a studio or run a busy household, choosing the right basket saves time, back strain, and frustration.
Think about how you live. Do you need a basket that stands in a tight cupboard, one you can sling over your shoulder, or a two-compartment model that sorts whites and colours on the go? Consider capacity in gallons, weight, materials, whether it fits under counters, and if it looks like it belongs in your living room rather than hidden away. Those simple choices determine if your basket becomes an everyday hero or an awkward clutter magnet.
Nordic Nest specialises in stylish, functional homeware with a Scandinavian twist. Their range covers streamlined plastic solutions, woven designs, and clever modular pieces that feel at home in modern UK homes. Below are notable pieces that blend form and function.
This trio-style hamper is perfect if you’re into sorting ahead of wash day. With a capacity of about 24 gallons, it gives you multiple compartments to organise lights, darks, and delicates. Think of it as three baskets in one — neat, compact, and great for small flats where floor space is at a premium.
A fabric rectangular bag with roughly 14.5 gallons of capacity blends soft lines with serious storage. It slides into cupboards easily and is ideal for those who prefer a discreet, textile look over hard plastic. It’s lightweight to carry and usually collapsible, so it tucks away when not in use.
Woven or braided baskets add an organic touch to laundry storage. At around 23 inches across, this style sits proudly in a bathroom or bedroom and doubles as décor. Natural fibres breathe, which helps reduce stale smells, and the texture disguises bulging piles better than a basic bin.
Colourful and playful, the Moira offers a large, rounded shape that’s roomy without being bulky. It’s a great option for families who like design-led storage — practical, sturdy, and easy to carry from room to room. The height makes it ideal for holding bulky items like towels and jumpers.
If you want muted tones that blend with a minimalist interior, Scandinavian brands like Broste Copenhagen deliver. These baskets often come in soft greys and neutrals, offering a discreet but stylish option for hallways and utility rooms, while being roomy enough for several loads of laundry.
A black-and-white wash-instruction styled bag is practical and decorative. It typically features a fabric construction that’s light to carry and easy to fold away. These bags are fantastic when you want a temporary laundry collection point that can be moved around the house with ease.
Need a compact solution for those tight spaces? A lidded plastic basket of roughly 9.25 gallons keeps laundry out of sight and prevents odors from escaping. The lid also makes it easy to stack smaller items on top, which is handy in tiny flats or under sinks.
With a diameter of roughly 15.75 inches and standing around 11½ inches tall, this soft-grey basket is a neat fit for shelves or bathroom corners. Its modest footprint makes it a clever choice for people who want a balance between capacity and compactness without compromising on style.
Ebebek may be better known for baby and family-oriented products, but their laundry solutions are ideal for busy households. One standout is a multi-purpose double compartment basket that tackles sorting before you even reach the washing machine.
This 21-gallon double-compartment unit is a classic example of practical thinking for families. Two large sections mean you can separate colours from whites, delicates from heavy items, or keep baby items isolated. It cuts down on pre-wash sorting and saves time — especially when laundry day is a family production line.
Beyond the brands highlighted above, the UK market is rich with options. Popular national stores offer varied styles, price points, and delivery choices to suit every budget and taste.
IKEA is a go-to for practical, budget-friendly laundry solutions. Expect collapsible bags, stackable hampers, and lightweight baskets that fit easily into tiny flats. Their designs often prioritise space-saving and easy assembly.
Dunelm carries a wide range, from woven baskets to practical plastic hampers. They’re known for accessible prices and occasional designer collaborations, making them a solid stop if you want variety without a designer price tag.
John Lewis typically stocks higher-end options and brands that focus on durability and refined aesthetics. If you want something that feels more like furniture than a utility item, this is a good place to browse.
For those who need a quick, cost-effective solution, Argos and Wilko offer simple hampers, lightweight laundry bags, and basic baskets that do the job. Their assortments are ideal for students, temporary housing, or as secondary storage.
If your laundry basket doubles as room décor, check stores like Made.com, Habitat, or Next. These retailers often showcase unique shapes, high-quality materials, and colours that complement living spaces rather than hiding them away.
Capacity matters, and it’s best measured in gallons or cubic feet in this guide. A one-person household might need a small basket of around 5–10 gallons, whereas couples often prefer 15–20 gallons. For families, aim for 20–30 gallons depending on how often you wash. Think of gallons like the fuel tank for your laundry routine: choose a size that fits how often you “refuel” the wash.
For solo dwellers or couples, a compact 5–15 gallon basket often does the trick. It’s easy to tip into the machine and store on a shelf. If you prefer to do laundry less often, step up to a 15–20 gallon capacity to hold a couple of loads.
Busy homes typically need baskets that hold 20 gallons or more. Double-compartment units around 20–25 gallons are fantastic because they halve sorting time and keep spaces tidier. For very large families, multiple smaller baskets can be more manageable than a single massive bin.
Laundry baskets come in plastic, fabric, woven natural fibres, and metal. Each material has strengths and trade-offs.
Plastic baskets are lightweight, easy to wipe down, and often stackable. They’re not very breathable, though, which can mean damp smells if laundry sits too long. A lidded plastic basket keeps clothes out of sight and works well in bathrooms or under counters.
Fabric hampers are light, foldable, and great for storage. Look for washable liners for easy maintenance. They’re not as rigid for carrying heavy loads, but they’re ideal for tight spaces and frequent trips to the wash.
Woven baskets made from seagrass, rattan, or similar materials look great in living spaces and provide natural airflow. They require a little care to avoid water damage and are better for dry clothes or pre-sorted laundry that’s not damp.
Metal hampers are sturdy and can stand up to heavy use. They often have a utilitarian look that fits certain interiors. Ensure they’re coated to prevent rust in humid rooms.
Some small features make a big difference. Look for handles comfortable to grip, wheels for heavy loads, removable liners for washing, lids to keep smells contained, and compartments for sorting. Collapsible designs are great for storage, while stackable baskets help if you wash frequently.
Compartments cut pre-wash sorting time and make laundry feel less chaotic. Lids hide mess and help stackability. Choose compartments if you hate sorting; choose lids if you want a neater look.
Comfortable handles or shoulder straps reduce strain. If you carry baskets up and down stairs regularly, pick one with reinforced grips or wheels. Think of your basket like a carrying case — it should be kind to your back.
Your laundry basket can be a design element or a discreet utility item. Scandinavian neutrals and woven textures blend well with modern interiors, while bold colours or patterned fabric baskets can act as a playful accent. Match the basket to the room it lives in — a bathroom needs more water-tolerant materials than a bedroom.
Look for recycled plastic options or baskets made from sustainably sourced natural fibres if sustainability matters to you. For budget shoppers, stores like IKEA, Wilko, and Argos offer reliable, low-cost solutions, while higher-end retailers tend to provide longer-lasting pieces that may be a better investment over time.
Keeping a laundry basket fresh is easy. Empty it frequently, air it out to prevent damp smells, and wash fabric liners as recommended. For plastic baskets, a quick wipe with soapy water and a thorough dry keeps things sanitary. Woven baskets benefit from occasional dusting and avoiding prolonged contact with wet clothes.
Choosing a laundry basket is a small decision with a big impact. Think in terms of capacity, materials, and how it fits into your daily routine. Whether you pick a stylish woven piece from a design house or a practical two-compartment unit for family sorting, the right basket should make laundry feel a little less like a chore and a bit more like a system you can rely on.
Now that you know what to look for — from Scandinavian classics to family-focused double hampers — you’re better equipped to pick a solution that suits your home, your washing rhythm, and your sense of style.
Choosing the right laundry basket is a blend of practicality and personal taste. Brands like Nordic Nest offer design-forward options that keep spaces tidy, while Ebebek supplies family-friendly, practical solutions. UK retailers from IKEA to John Lewis provide a wide spectrum of styles and budgets, so there’s no shortage of choices. Consider capacity in gallons, material, portability, and whether you want a decorative piece or a purely practical one. With the right pick, laundry day becomes simpler, straighter, and even a little more stylish.
