Wicker Baskets Buying Guide

A good wicker basket will serve you for years—whether for firewood, plants, laundry, toys or as decor. In this buying guide you’ll learn which size and shape suit your purpose, what to look for in the material, how to care for wicker baskets properly, and what matters for outdoor use. Note for price-conscious buyers: At Eliassen, wicker and rattan baskets are often cheaper in Germany than at local retailers. Delivery to Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland; many models can be viewed in our showroom in advance.

Everyday uses

Wicker baskets are versatile heroes for storage and decor. In the living room they store throws and cushions or serve as a stylish log basket by the fireplace. In the kitchen they’re suitable for fruit, bottles and supplies; in the bathroom for towels or toilet paper. In the kids’ room they help tidy away blocks and cuddly toys in no time. With an inner liner they become robust planters for balcony, terrace and conservatory. If you want a quick overview of particularly sturdy variants, see our Rattan baskets – overview. For shopping and picnics, lighter, shallow baskets with sturdy handles are ideal. And if you frequently move heavy loads, a round 52 cm wicker basket with wheels is the back-friendly solution.

Advantages and material choice: willow, rattan or plastic?

Natural wickerwork convinces with feel, sustainability and long-lasting stability. Willow and rattan are both plant-based materials, but differ in appearance and properties. Plastic performs well in wet conditions, but loses out in terms of aesthetics and the environment.

• Willow – Elastic, dimensionally stable, with a lively grain. Peeled willow looks calmer and lighter; unpeeled more rustic. Ideal for living spaces, decor and classic storage.
• Rattan – Very robust, usually round, solid canes with high load capacity. Perfect for large, heavy baskets, firewood storage or large planters. Our collection uses strong, round rattan with a striking weave.
• Plastic – Unaffected by the weather, but visually less premium and with a higher environmental impact. OK for permanent outdoor exposure; often second choice indoors.

Sustainability is a major plus of natural materials: short transport routes with European production, long service life with proper care, easy to repair and biodegradable at the end. For planting or moist contents, an inner liner is sensible—it protects the weave and extends service life. If you expect maximum load capacity and many years of use, choose a hand-woven basket made of round rattan with strong handles. For material comparisons when planting, terracotta pots are also an option.

Buying criteria for your wicker basket

• Use – Firewood, laundry, toys, decor, shopping, plants: the heavier and more frequent the use, the sturdier the material and handles should be.
• Size and volume – For firewood, heights of approx. 50–65 cm are proven. For plants, the basket should be 5–10 cm larger inside than the pot. For shelves and sideboards, plan flatter.
• Shape – A cylinder offers lots of volume on a small footprint; oval is flexible beside sofa or bed; square fits perfectly in corners and along walls; round with wheels makes heavy loads easier to move.
• Handles and edges – Double-stitched handles, smooth edges and clean finishes signal quality and comfort.
• Lining – A sturdy liner protects when planting or with moist contents. Removable inlays make cleaning easier.
• Origin and craftsmanship – European production and artisanal weaving ensure stability and longevity.
• Look – Peeled willow appears evenly light; unpeeled looks rustic. Rattan adds a striking, refined weave.
• Value for money – At Eliassen, many wicker baskets are often cheaper in Germany than at local retailers—compare size, material thickness and workmanship.

If you prefer a particularly durable planter instead of a basket, natural stone pots are a robust alternative for outdoors and indoors.

Care, cleaning and storage

Dust your basket regularly or vacuum it with a brush attachment. For cleaning, a lightly damp cloth with a little mild soap is sufficient. Then let it air-dry completely; avoid direct heat. Treat willow or rattan 1-2 times per year with a thin film of linseed or furniture oil—this keeps the material supple and reduces brittleness.

Avoid prolonged moisture. Outdoors, use the basket preferably under cover and do not place it directly on wet ground. In frost, store the basket dry and well ventilated—standing residual moisture plus sub-zero temperatures can encourage cracks. For indoor storage: dry, shaded, with some air circulation. Remove mold immediately with a cloth lightly moistened with vinegar water, then dry thoroughly.

Sizes, shapes and recommendations

For orientation, here are tried-and-tested shapes with typical uses and example sizes from our collection.

Offering lots of volume on a small footprint is the Wicker basket cylinder XXL 80 cm. A classic round option with large capacity is the Wicker basket round XXL 80 cm. For corners and walls, the Wicker basket square XXL 80 cm is suitable. Medium-sized and versatile is the Wicker basket oval 58 cm.

For more styling, uses and combinations, find inspiration on our blog.

FAQ – Wicker baskets buying guide

How long does a wicker basket last?

With high-quality craftsmanship and proper care, willow or rattan baskets last many years—often a decade or more. Crucial are material thickness, clean joints, dry storage and regular re‑oiling. Avoid prolonged moisture and strong UV exposure. Baskets with wheels or solid handles stay more dimensionally stable under load.

Which willow is suitable for basket weaving?

Popular are willow rods from European cultivation—peeled for a calm, light look or unpeeled for a rustic appearance. For maximum load capacity, many workshops also use round rattan, which is particularly durable. Important are even rod thicknesses and expertly placed weave knots.

Is a wicker basket weatherproof?

Willow and rattan baskets tolerate short-term wetness but are not made for constant exposure to the elements. Use them outdoors preferably under cover, with clearance from wet ground, and oil the material 1-2 times a year. For permanently unprotected outdoor use, plastic has the advantage; in living spaces, natural materials lead. If you need large, easy-to-move solutions for unprotected areas, lightweight planters are a good choice.

How do you care for wicker baskets?

Dust regularly; if needed, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then let dry completely. Afterwards, apply a thin coat of natural oil. Avoid aggressive cleaners and strong heat sources. If mold appears, act immediately: wipe with vinegar water, let dry well and store drier in future.

Want to assess quality in person or save? Many wicker baskets are often cheaper at Eliassen than at local retailers in Germany. View selected models in our showroom or order directly with delivery to Germany, Austria or Switzerland.