As long as we can trace human history, we have made and used baskets. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, all meant for different uses. Now most are used for storage, carrying or decor. How you use your baskets is up to you, be creative! We have some ideas and we will also look at how to keep your baskets in good order.
There is a lot of information out there on how to identify vintage baskets. We’ll leave that to the experts. However, if you happen to collect or just have a few vintage baskets…what do you do with them? And how do you care for them? Baskets are not just for Easter candy.
A Few Ideas to Begin
Let’s start with what shape is the basket or what shape are you in need of depending upon how you will use it. Does your basket have or require handles? Will it be used to carry things? How large or small is it? What is it made of, and how was it made? Baskets can be made of various materials and types of weaves including coil, twine, plait, and wicker. Did you know that wicker is not a material, but is the act of weaving? Materials may include rattan, willow, bamboo, vines, grass, straw, bark, roots, metal or wood or plastic. Is it painted or stained? You might not want to put a stained basket somewhere it will get wet, as the dye can run. Does it have repairs that might make it fragile?
Determining how you want to use a basket will help to choose the right piece to fit your needs. For example, if you are looking for a small basket to hold cosmetics or small linens such as handkerchiefs, you want something deep enough to hold these items. A small basket with sturdy walls will help to corral small items. These can be used inside of a cupboard or drawer to help organize your space. Slightly larger baskets in similar shapes work well for pantry use, to hold spices or small jars. Place a small shallow basket in the guest bathroom to hold hand towels or sample sizes of toiletries for overnight guests.
Do you have a pile of shoes by the door that needs taming? A large deep round basket works well to keep everything off the floor. To hold winter throw blankets an extra large basket, perhaps even a repurposed vintage one made to hold laundry will keep those blankets close at hand but off the floor or sofa when not in use. Large baskets also make great receptacles for wrangling up kids’ toys. If you don’t have kids but have a pet, a smaller version works just as well as a gathering spot for dog or cat toys. In either case, bonus points if you can get them to put away their toys in the basket!
Grab a mid size basket with a sturdy handle to carry fruits and veggies from the garden. They can be displayed on the kitchen counter in a slightly smaller bowl-shaped basket. A shallow gathering basket meant to gather flowers can work well as a magazine or catalog repository. Tiny woven baskets with lids make lovely packaging for small gifts such as a special piece of jewelry. Adding tall rectangular baskets to the office is a great way to gather loose paperwork. Smaller baskets work well for envelopes, stamps, and other small office accessories.
Caring for your Baskets
You may wish to start with a good cleaning. Begin with an empty basket and start by shaking it out, turn it upside down and grab a medium weight brush. Brush the basket from the bottom to the top on the outside, then turn it right side up and do the same with the inside. You may want to vacuum it out as well to get any loose bits of dust remaining. If the basket shows signs of dirt, cleaning with a soft cloth dampened with a mild solution, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or mild dish soap, will remove any remaining dirt. Once clean, let the basket dry for a few hours before use. Don’t place it in direct sunlight as that may damage the material by drying it out, making it brittle and prone to breakage.
For delicate baskets, you may wish to line the inside with a scarf or vintage fabric to protect the surface from damage. You can also add ribbon, bows, or faux flowers to a basket to spruce it up and make it a part of your decor.
Lastly, is it a family heirloom or an antique that may warrant light use or perhaps display only? If so, make sure to keep it away from harsh light or heat and out of reach of animals who may inadvertently damage it. With care, vintage baskets can last for generations.
Read More:
This article from the Clarke Historical Museum has more information on caring and using vintage baskets.
In case baskets are not your thing, but you love vintage, we’ve written about collecting all sorts of items over the years. Check out some of our articles on vintage collecting here.
