A Senegal basket with a lid should be chosen based on the space around it and what you intend to store. A tall model uses vertical space, while a wide model provides a larger opening and is often easier to look into. Always measure both width, height, and the free space required above the lid.
I know it can be tempting to just pick the basket you like best in the picture. I do it myself. But the shape only truly works when it fits both the space and your daily life.
What's the difference between a tall and a wide Senegal basket?
The tall model has a slender appearance and uses vertical space. In our current selection, classic models come in several heights, from small baskets around 50 centimeters with lids to large models around 90 centimeters. The diameter also varies, so it's important to read the measurements for each size.
The wide model takes up more floor space, but the opening is larger. Current wide models include sizes around 59 and 75 centimeters with lids, with a diameter of approximately 40 to 50 centimeters. This makes them easy to access when you frequently place blankets, cushions, or laundry in the basket.
Both shapes are hand-woven in Senegal. Therefore, measurements and shape may vary slightly. See the full current selection of Senegal baskets with lids before making your decision.
When is the tall model the best fit?
A tall Senegal basket is a good choice when you have limited floor space and want to store a lot vertically. It can fit in a corner of the bedroom, next to a wardrobe, or in another place where you can open the lid without hitting a shelf.
Also, consider how often you need to reach the very bottom. For laundry, which is continuously added and removed all at once, the height can be practical. For smaller items you retrieve several times a day, a very deep basket might be less manageable.
At Molly's Heart, we see the basket as part of the decor, but it must primarily be functional. You can try placing an empty cardboard box or a chair in the spot you're considering. You'll quickly feel whether the height creates a calm impression in the room or if the basket will take up too much space.
When is a wide Senegal basket easier to use?
A wide model is worth considering when you want a large opening and easy access to the contents. It can be practical for throws, cushions, toys, or other items that you want to be able to see and retrieve without searching in a deep basket.
However, the wider shape requires more free floor space. Therefore, measure the diameter at the widest point, not just the base itself. Also, remember that handles and weaving may protrude slightly. Molly's Heart baskets are handmade, and small differences are part of the craftsmanship.
If the basket is to stand close to a bed or sofa, try marking the width on the floor with a tape measure or a piece of string. It's a simple way to see if there's still plenty of room to walk past. You can also see our wider selection of hand-woven baskets.
How do you measure the space before choosing?
Start with three measurements: the clear floor width, the desired height, and the space above the lid. Add a little air around the basket so that the weaving is not squeezed against furniture or walls. If the basket is to stand under a shelf, you must be able to lift the lid and get your hand into the opening.
Then look at the contents. Long textiles can fall nicely into a tall model. Larger cushions and toys may be easier to handle in a wide model. There is no single right choice. It's about what you use the basket for.
We collaborate with basket weavers in Méouane in the Thiès region of Senegal. The baskets are hand-woven from natural fibers and plastic thread, and some models have leather details. You can read more about our production and the craftsmanship behind it.
My best advice is therefore simple: First, measure, then choose the shape, and finally, let the color be what makes you happy.
Thank you for reading.
Sincerely,
Birgitte