How To Choose Hampers & Baskets

Hampers come in a surprising amount of materials. Below we'll help you know which one is right for you based on your design and organizational goals.

Wood

These often have a solid painted wood exterior or a ribbed bamboo texture. Choose wood if you're looking for something that fits in with the furniture and looks understated.

Wicker

Choose wicker if you're looking to give your space some texture. They tend to go great in rustic or classic spaces. But wicker baskets also have a timeless appeal, especially if they are painted a neutral color, so they can fit in with transitional spaces, as well.

Fabric

It's also common to find hampers & baskets made out of fabric as the base. These are often supported by wood or wireframes. The main benefit of these is they collapse when empty. Choose this option if you want lighter carrying. Often, you'll find these in polyester, mesh, cotton or a blend. Fabric also fits in well with any room style.

Plastic

You can also find a classic standby plastic bin. Often, these may have bolder colorings and other designs. Many come in solid white designs. Plastic looks best in casual room designs.    

Mixed materials

Some hampers and baskets have a variety of materials for added features. For instance, a hamper might have a mesh base that allows you to sort your laundry into three different compartments. Then, for the most stability, the design might have a plastic frame and metal side tubing for durability. Chose a product with mixed materials if function is your first priority.     

You also have many different features that you can consider. Below we'll explore the main ones and when each makes sense for your goals.

• Foldable or collapsible: As touched on above, many options allow you to fold or collapse the basket. It might be a good idea to choose a foldable design if you have to carry the basket up and down stairs, since you can fold them and they are lightweight. These are also great for smaller spaces, where you can fold and put the basket away when it is not full.   
• Wheels: It's also common to see wheels on baskets. Choose a wheeled design if you move the basket between spaces on one level, like between a laundry shoot space and the washer and dryer. 
• Pull-out: Some designs have a sturdy base that you slide the basket in and out of. Choose a pull-out design if you want the laundry hidden or want the hamper to match surrounding furniture. These are good for sleek and clean household designs.
• Compartments: Some hampers and baskets have compartments inside. If time management is a priority, choose this option. That way, you can sort your laundry right as you put it in the hamper.
• Handle type: A lesser-considered feature might be the handle type. Some handles are set into the basket itself, while others tend to be rope pieces you hang on to. Set-in handles might be a better option if you consider comfort a priority, as rope handles can leave your fingers scraping the outside of the bin.  
• Liners: Another feature to keep in mind is whether the hamper comes with liners. Liners can be a handy feature, since removing the liner allows for regular washing. Without a liner, dirt and hair can accumulate at the bottom of the hamper and require actual hosing out. So if cleanliness and convenience is a must, look into a liner.
• Shelving: Some designs might have shelving on the top where you can place detergent or folded laundry. Choose shelving if you're looking for a multi-functional piecethat will be a key fixture in a laundry room.