5 Great Baskets to Use in Your Home Decor
Think beyond the picture frame to add some wow to your walls
Written by Becky Harris, Houzz
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
Just because you have a big, blank wall doesn’t mean you have to hang framed prints, paintings or photographs on it. While those are all perfectly fine decor choices, there are alternatives that will help your home stand out. One of my favorite objects to hang on a wall is a basket. It can add texture, print and style from far-off lands or bygone eras. A group of them can become a unique composition of weaves and patterns, creating a memorable display.
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
I’m noticing these more and more in some of my favorite designers’ rooms. These large, primitive baskets work well over a bed, a living room sofa or an entryway console. They have an open weave that lets the wall’s color show through and even adds a subtle X shape. Tobacco baskets in imperfect, tattered condition are even more desirable than those that are pristine.
- Photo by Jute Interior Design, original photo on Houzz
Many retailers and galleries offer these baskets, which are handmade by women in Africa, helping them to become financially independent while bringing exotic and beautiful patterns into our homes.
The baskets are available in different shapes, sizes and colors from several countries, including Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, Namibia and Ghana. In this photo, the group consists of platters in similar shapes, sizes and color palettes with a mix of patterns. Some keywords to use when searching on the internet are fair trade, African baskets and African platters.
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
I’ve heard these described as French, German and Swiss, as well as World War I and World War II baskets. I believe they first appeared during World War I in Europe. To simplify things in your internet search, type wicker ammunition basket and you’ll find the most complete list of sources.
These charming baskets are long and shallow, and many have straps on the side for carrying. They often have a combination of letters and numbers painted on the front in black, adding a graphic touch. While I’ve heard of people using them to store everything from umbrellas to cookie sheets, I love this designer’s idea to use one as a sculptural object on the wall.
Related: How and Why to Use Wicker Baskets
- Photo by Katerina Tana Design, original photo on Houzz
This woven tray is a sculpture by artist Jonathan Kline. In this bedroom it serves as an alternative to a headboard.
- Photo by Tracery Interiors, original photo on Houzz
For an unexpected texture, hang a wire basket. They work well with a range of styles, from vintage modern to new traditionalist. You might enjoy them plain and empty as sculptural elements or with objects such as small prints or postcards arranged inside them.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of baskets that look great on walls. I’ve seen round laundry baskets mounted sideways to hold stuffed animals in children’s rooms, as well as bread baskets mounted above dining room buffets. Keep your eyes open for interesting shallow baskets and picture them hanging on your walls every which way.
More like this...
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
Just because you have a big, blank wall doesn’t mean you have to hang framed prints, paintings or photographs on it. While those are all perfectly fine decor choices, there are alternatives that will help your home stand out. One of my favorite objects to hang on a wall is a basket. It can add texture, print and style from far-off lands or bygone eras. A group of them can become a unique composition of weaves and patterns, creating a memorable display.
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
I’m noticing these more and more in some of my favorite designers’ rooms. These large, primitive baskets work well over a bed, a living room sofa or an entryway console. They have an open weave that lets the wall’s color show through and even adds a subtle X shape. Tobacco baskets in imperfect, tattered condition are even more desirable than those that are pristine.
- Photo by Jute Interior Design, original photo on Houzz
Many retailers and galleries offer these baskets, which are handmade by women in Africa, helping them to become financially independent while bringing exotic and beautiful patterns into our homes.
The baskets are available in different shapes, sizes and colors from several countries, including Rwanda, Togo, Uganda, Namibia and Ghana. In this photo, the group consists of platters in similar shapes, sizes and color palettes with a mix of patterns. Some keywords to use when searching on the internet are fair trade, African baskets and African platters.
- Photo by Liz Williams Interiors, original photo on Houzz
I’ve heard these described as French, German and Swiss, as well as World War I and World War II baskets. I believe they first appeared during World War I in Europe. To simplify things in your internet search, type wicker ammunition basket and you’ll find the most complete list of sources.
These charming baskets are long and shallow, and many have straps on the side for carrying. They often have a combination of letters and numbers painted on the front in black, adding a graphic touch. While I’ve heard of people using them to store everything from umbrellas to cookie sheets, I love this designer’s idea to use one as a sculptural object on the wall.
Related: How and Why to Use Wicker Baskets
- Photo by Katerina Tana Design, original photo on Houzz
This woven tray is a sculpture by artist Jonathan Kline. In this bedroom it serves as an alternative to a headboard.
- Photo by Tracery Interiors, original photo on Houzz
For an unexpected texture, hang a wire basket. They work well with a range of styles, from vintage modern to new traditionalist. You might enjoy them plain and empty as sculptural elements or with objects such as small prints or postcards arranged inside them.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of baskets that look great on walls. I’ve seen round laundry baskets mounted sideways to hold stuffed animals in children’s rooms, as well as bread baskets mounted above dining room buffets. Keep your eyes open for interesting shallow baskets and picture them hanging on your walls every which way.
More like this...
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