A white laundry basket can be tall and narrow or shorter and wider. A tall design takes up less floor space, while a wide design offers a larger opening. The right choice depends on your room's dimensions, the basket's height including its lid, and the space available to lift the lid.
Which white laundry basket takes up the least floor space?
I know it can be tempting to choose by height alone. But the diameter tells you how much floor space a basket needs. Molly's Heart currently offers a tall white design in Small, measuring approximately 50–55 cm high including the lid and 25 cm in diameter. Medium measures approximately 65–70 cm including the lid and 35 cm in diameter, while Large measures approximately 75–80 cm including the lid and 45 cm in diameter.
A tall design is therefore worth considering when floor space is limited. Always compare the measurements for the size you choose. The baskets in our large storage basket collection are handwoven, so dimensions are approximate. Use a tape measure to mark the basket's diameter on the floor before deciding. This lets you check that there is still room to walk around it.
When is a wide white laundry basket the right choice?
A wide design needs more space from side to side, but also has a wider opening. Our current wide white design comes in Small, measuring approximately 46–48 cm high including the lid and 31–33 cm in diameter. Medium measures approximately 58–60 cm including the lid and 40 cm in diameter. Large measures approximately 75–77 cm including the lid and 48–50 cm in diameter.
This makes the difference clear. The wide Small is shorter than the tall Small, but takes up more floor space. Consider both the height and the opening width that suit your room. If you are exploring other covered designs, take a look at our baskets with flat lids. Their lids and the clearance above them need to be considered separately.
What should you measure before choosing a basket?
Start with the floor. Measure the width and depth you actually have available. Then measure the height up to any shelf, windowsill or other fixed surface. Finally, check the space above the basket. You need to be able to lift the lid without hitting anything and reach the basket comfortably in everyday use.
I recommend a simple test. Mark the basket's width on the floor using paper or small objects. Stand where you would normally walk past it. Can you open the lid and stand in front of the basket without moving other things? Remember that the dimensions of Molly's Heart's handwoven baskets can vary slightly. Use the product measurements as a guide and allow room for natural variations in shape and weaving.
What does handwoven mean for your basket?
Our current white designs are handwoven in Senegal using natural fibres and plastic thread. Some also have leather details. Colour, shape, weaving and dimensions can vary slightly from one basket to another. These differences are part of their handmade character.
For me, this is what makes the choice more personal. You are choosing a piece of craftsmanship made by another person's hands. At Molly's Heart, we work towards fair pay and long-term relationships with producers. You can read more about our production. Once you have measured your space, my advice is simple: choose the shape that works in your everyday life, as well as looking right in a photograph.
Thank you for reading and choosing thoughtfully made craftsmanship.
Warm wishes,
Birgitte