Which size Senegal basket fits your space?

A Senegal basket should fit both the room and what you intend to store. First, measure the floor space, consider the height with the lid, and then choose a small, medium, large, or extra-large model. Because the baskets are hand-woven, the measurements are indicative, and each basket may vary slightly.

I understand if the choice can be difficult. A picture shows the color and shape, but it doesn't always convey how the basket will fill your home. Therefore, a good decision starts with a tape measure and an honest look at your daily life.

How to measure the space for a Senegal basket?

Start with the floor. Measure the width and depth the basket can occupy, and feel free to mark the area with a rug or some sheets of paper. This way, you can visualize the proportions before choosing. Also, remember the height. A lidded basket shouldn't just fit under a shelf. You also need to be able to lift the lid and easily put what you're storing into the basket.

In our wide natural colored Senegal basket, for example, you can compare the size designations Small 47 cm, Medium 59 cm, and Large 75 cm. The multicolored model goes up to XL 95 cm. Measurements for hand-woven baskets are approximate, so use them as a practical guide and always read the specific product description before choosing.

Write down the room's measurements and keep them with you as you compare models. This makes the difference between size names much easier to understand.

Should you choose a small, medium, or large basket?

First, ask what the basket will hold. A smaller model may be easier to place when floor space is limited. A medium-sized model offers more volume without necessarily becoming the room's most prominent piece of furniture. A large or extra-large basket requires more space around it but can be relevant for laundry, blankets, pillows, or toys. These are uses we also describe on the relevant product pages.

You can clearly see the difference in our multicolored hand-woven laundry basket, which has size designations from Small 50 cm to XL 95 cm. Don't choose the largest just because it can hold the most. The best Senegal basket is one you can use easily every day and that still fits naturally into the room.

Also consider whether the contents need to be easily accessible. A lower basket can be practical for items you use frequently, while a tall model collects more in one place.

How much space should there be around the basket?

A basket can fit according to the tape measure and still feel too big. This often happens if it's placed tightly between a cabinet, a door, and a radiator. Therefore, leave a little visible free space around the basket, especially if it has side handles or a lid that needs to be lifted. Also, consider the path through your home. Can you carry the basket past doorframes and furniture when it's full?

If space is narrow, a wide model may be less suitable than a taller model with a smaller footprint. Conversely, a lower basket can work well under a sloped wall or next to a low bench. See our complete selection of Senegal baskets, and always compare both height and width. A single measurement rarely tells the whole story.

Consider taking a picture of the empty space. When you see the room on a screen, it can be easier to notice what already fills it visually.

What does it mean that the basket is hand-woven?

A hand-woven basket is not molded into a fixed shape. The current product descriptions therefore explain that measurements and appearance may vary slightly from basket to basket. This is not a defect, but a natural part of the craftsmanship. If space is very precise, you should give yourself a little extra leeway instead of choosing a basket that just barely fits.

You can also start broader in our selection of fair trade baskets or learn more about basket weaving if you want to compare different shapes. Molly's Heart is the sender, but the choice must work in your home. The most important thing, therefore, is not a specific size name. It is the interplay between measurements, function, and the space you actually have.

When comparing two baskets, look at both the measurements and the shape. The same height can be perceived differently if one model is wider than the other.

Thank you for reading. I hope this guide makes it easier to choose with peace of mind.

Warm regards,
Birgitte