Down to the Wire: Baskets with Style

Traditionally used by fishermen and farmers, and in factories and schools, baskets made from thin, pliable wire have long been recognized for their utilitarian value. More recently, designers have latched on to these lithe vessels as a way to introduce a rustic or industrial touch.

Wire baskets of all shapes and sizes–both vintage and modern–are widely available; they add dimension to a room while providing some very handy storage.

Above: Fog Linen Work’s Large Grey Round Basket is $75 NZD ($62.75) from Father Rabbit, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Above: A Vintage Industrial Primitive Two Handle Wire Basket from Vagabonds and Caravans on Etsy; $85.

Above: Available in many shapes and sizes, French wire vegetable baskets are among the most versatile: You can hang them from the ceiling, place them on the counter, and even use them, as my friend does, as a salad spinner. (Whipping the lettuce around outside is so much fun.) When not in use, these baskets collapse flat for easy storage. Image via Vintage by Alex Keller.

Above: Fog Linen offers several stylish wire storage options, including this delicate Wire Mesh Oval Tray from Shelf Life; $25.

Above: Large egg baskets and their cousin the clam basket are generous enough to hold books, towels, or kindling, and they often come in jolly colors. Image via All Things Home.

Above: Vintage-style Pool Locker Baskets like these from Restoration Hardware are useful for storing everything from toys to linens; $39 to $59.

Above: Olive Manna sells a changing array of vintage and vintage-style wire baskets. 

Above: Brook Farm General Store offers a line of rustic wire containers made in India, including this Wire Wastepaper Bin; $45.

Above: Wire baskets even make great DIY Lamp Shades. This one, via Hruskka on Etsy, is sold out, but a similar Wire Pendant Shade is available for $69 AU (approximately $64) from Holy Funk of Melbourne.

Ready to get organized for fall? See all our Baskets & Bins posts, including 5 Favorites: Leather Baskets too Pretty to Hide and Baskets as Wall-Mounted Storage.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 27, 2012, as part of our Farmhouse Style issue.