Vintage Fishing creel basket hanging in antique store on old door.

Discover how to enhance your home decor with antique baskets! Find the best old baskets at flea markets, and start elevating your decor today.

Are Antique Baskets Still a Good Idea?

Antique baskets are a timeless addition to any home decor, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Vintage baskets, often made from handwoven wicker, can be found in various styles and sizes, making them a fantastic accessory for any room in the house.

Antique blue hutch with antique basket with blue hydrangeas in living room next to fireplace.
Magazine Photo Shoot: Country Sampler

Whether you use an old basket as a beautiful antique tray on your coffee table or as a storage solution, these fantastic accessories bring a touch of history and charm to your space.

Discover unique and high-quality antique baskets at flea markets and second-hand retail shops, where you can find treasures that add character and elegance to your home.

Large basket, painting, blue pitcher on antique shop counter.  A Vintage Haul.

Basket Blog Hop

If you are looking for all the basket decorating ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Cindy from County Road 407 hosts and sponsors today’s all things basket blog hop with ten highly talented bloggers you won’t want to miss at the bottom of this post.

Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop

Antique Baskets in Home Decor

An antique basket is typically at least 100 years old and characterized by its historical and collectible value.

Antique baskets are often crafted using traditional methods and materials such as wicker, reed, or other natural fibers. They may feature intricate hand-woven designs and are valued for their craftsmanship, durability, and unique aesthetic appeal to home decor. They can serve functional purposes, such as storage or display, and decorative roles, adding a vintage charm to any setting.

Antique Blue Basket at flea market.
Antique French Basket at Vintage Market Days Vermont.

Pro Tip

Find more inspiration in this Vermont Fall Foliage and Autumn Vintage Market Days post.

“Wicker baskets hold more than just things; they cradle memories and moments.”

Author Unknown

Antique Baskets vs. Vintage Baskets

An antique basket is often more expensive than a vintage basket primarily due to its age, rarity, and historical significance. As a piece that is typically at least 100 years old, an antique basket represents a bygone era, showcasing craftsmanship and materials that may no longer be commonly available. These factors contribute to its higher price.

However, despite their initial expense, antique baskets may not always hold their value over time due to several factors:

  • Market Demand: The value of antiques can fluctuate based on current trends and market demand. If interest in a particular type of antique wanes, its value may decrease.
  • Condition: The condition of an antique basket dramatically influences its value. Over time, wear and tear, damage, years of use, or restoration can impact its worth.
  • Provenance and Authenticity: An antique’s history and authenticity can affect its value. The basket’s market value may be reduced if the provenance is lost or authenticity is questioned.
  • Economic Factors: Broader economic conditions can influence the collectibles market. During economic downturns, discretionary spending on luxury items like antiques may decline, reducing value.

In contrast, vintage baskets, which are typically between 20 to 100 years old, might not have the same historical significance but can still be highly sought after for their style, quality, and good condition.

Their lower price point makes them more accessible and may allow them to retain or increase value more steadily than an antique basket. Does that make sense?

Antique Basket of purple Lilac on antique wooden trunk on the porch.
Lilac Bouquet Ideas: Color, Scent, and Whimsy

Antique and vintage baskets come in a variety of materials and a variety of shapes.

Wicker Baskets

A wicker basket is a type of basket made from weaving together pliable plant materials such as willow, rattan, reed, bamboo, or other similar fibers.

The term “wicker” refers to the technique of weaving these materials into a sturdy and functional structure.

Wicker baskets are known for their durability, lightweight nature, and aesthetic appeal.

Wicker baskets can be used for various purposes, including storage, decoration, and carrying goods. They come in many shapes and sizes, and their natural, rustic appearance also makes them a popular choice in home decor and practical use.

Different Styles of Old Baskets

There are so many styles of old baskets and ways to use them in our everyday lives. Here are just a few favored antique baskets that we love to use today in our modern lives.

  • Fruit Baskets: Designed for holding and displaying fruits, often shallow and open.
  • Garden Baskets: These are used to carry garden tools or harvested produce.
  • Storage Baskets: Utilized for organizing and storing household items.
  • Picnic Baskets: These are typically larger with handles and perfect for outdoor meals. See more in this Vintage Picnic Baskets: Beyond the Picnic post.
  • Sewing Baskets: Small to medium-sized baskets designed to hold sewing supplies.
  • Market Baskets: Used for carrying goods in markets, usually spacious and sturdy.
  • Harvest Baskets: Large baskets used for gathering crops and produce.
  • Decorative Baskets: Primarily used for their aesthetic appeal, often intricately designed.
  • Laundry Baskets: Large baskets used for carrying and sorting laundry.
  • Bread Baskets: Smaller baskets used to serve bread at meals.
  • Gift Baskets: Filled with assorted items, these baskets are given as presents.
  • Trays: Flat, shallow baskets used for serving or displaying items.
  • Carrying Baskets: Baskets with handles are designed for easy transport.
  • Sporting Baskets: Baskets like vintage fishing baskets and old backcountry backpacks.
  • Wall Baskets: Baskets designed to hang on walls for storage or decoration.
THE HUMBLE JOYS OF A PICNIC
Vintage Picnic Baskets: Beyond the Picnic | Photo courtesy of My French Country Home Magazine

Various Basket Materials

Antique baskets are made from various materials. These styles and materials offer multiple options for incorporating baskets into your home decor.

  • Wicker: Made from woven plant materials such as willow, rattan, or reed.
  • Bamboo: Strong and lightweight, bamboo baskets are durable and often intricately woven.
  • Reed: Thin, flexible strips of plant material used in weaving.
  • Rattan: A type of vine used to create strong, lightweight baskets.
  • Willow: Flexible branches used in traditional basket weaving.
  • Cane: The outer bark of rattan, often used in fine weaving.
  • Straw: Dried plant stalks, often used in rustic or decorative baskets.
  • Seagrass: Marine plants woven into durable, natural-looking baskets.
  • Palm Leaves: These leaves are used in tropical regions and woven into sturdy baskets.
  • Metal: Baskets made from wire or other materials offer a different aesthetic appeal.

How to Use Antique Baskets in Decor

Decorating with old baskets brings a unique charm and character to any home. Antique, vintage, and hand-woven wicker baskets can serve as beautiful antique trays and fantastic accessories. Sourced from flea markets or vintage markets, these affordable pieces add aesthetic appeal and functionality to your decor.

Let’s get decorating with antique baskets!

Metal Basket Ideas

Antique metal baskets, with their rustic charm and timeless appeal, make an ideal vessel for vibrant flowers, bringing a touch of vintage elegance to your home. Their weathered patina and intricate designs create a striking contrast with the fresh blooms, adding depth and character to both indoor and outdoor spaces with a cage-like style.

Wicker Antique Basket Ideas

Here is a wicker basket I thrifted and painted with blue stripes to match another flea market magazine basket. See more in this 21 Vintage Finds: 4 Days Thrifting in Coastal Maine post.

Today, I use this old wicker basket as a living room furniture side table.

DIY Basket Woven With Leather Belt

Discover the easy way to create a stylish DIY basket woven with a leather belt! This step-by-step guide is perfect for crafting a unique DIY gift basket that stands out. Enhance your home decor with this top-of-the-basket project!

Large Antique Basket Ideas

Large baskets make big statements while adding texture and character to your decor spaces. Here are a few ideas on how I have integrated larger antique baskets into our decor, from table centerpieces to craft room storage.

Picnic Baskets

Picnic baskets evoke memories of leisurely outings while enhancing the ambiance of any space with their quaint aesthetic appeal. They are fantastic accessories for spring and summer home decor. Learn more in this Vintage Picnic Baskets: Beyond the Picnic post.

Sporting Baskets

Examples of sporting baskets that add aesthetic appeal to home decor include antique wicker fishing creels, which can be repurposed as unique storage for magazines, flowers, or knitting supplies, and Adirondack Trapper Baskets, which make for charming front door holiday decor. With their intricate designs and weathered finishes, these pieces bring a touch of history and rustic elegance to any room.

Another favorite is the old-fashioned bicycle basket. With their flat backing and rounded front, these antique baskets work beautifully as front door ornaments.

Garden Baskets

Antique garden baskets, traditionally used for gathering flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are typically crafted from durable materials like wicker or metal. These baskets often feature intricate weaving and sturdy handles, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In modern home decor, they can be repurposed as charming planters, rustic storage solutions, or decorative accents that evoke the simplicity and beauty of garden life.

Decorative Baskets

Decorating with antique and vintage baskets, including early baskets and Native American baskets, can also add a rich cultural and historical dimension to your home.

Antique baskets can be displayed on walls as art pieces, highlighting their intricate weaving and craftsmanship.

Used as storage solutions, vintage baskets can bring an old-world charm to modern living spaces—think of them as stylish containers for blankets, magazines, or even potted plants.

Vintage inspired living room in old home with antiques.
Magazine Photo Shoot: Country Sampler

Early baskets can be arranged on shelves or mantels alone or in clusters to create a visually appealing focal point in any room of the house.

Native American baskets, with their unique designs and great take with patterns, can be works of art as centerpieces on dining or coffee tables or used to hold decorative items, adding a touch of cultural heritage and artistic beauty to any room.

Handwoven Wicker Basket

A handwoven wicker basket made from intertwining natural materials like reeds, bamboo, or grasses is best used for stylish storage solutions, decorative displays, and functional purposes such as holding fruits, linens, or household items. It adds a touch of rustic charm and craftsmanship to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

I love these baskets for collecting and gathering. Here, I used a large handwoven wicker basket to collect lilacs in the spring. See more in the Lilac Bouquet Ideas: Color, Scent, and Whimsy post.

Bernese Mountain Dog lying in painted blue wicker chair with white sheepskins outdoors.

Stop spending hundreds of dollars on new wicker furniture! Learn how to paint wicker furniture in a few simple steps, making it shabby chic in this Paint Wicker Furniture: Step-by-Step Guide post.

French Floral Baskets

French floral baskets with wheels, designed initially for transporting flowers and produce in bustling French markets, are cherished as antique and vintage baskets in home decor. These charming French baskets often feature intricate weaving and sturdy wheels, reflecting their practical origins and craftsmanship. Today, they are repurposed as stylish planters or unique decorative pieces, adding a touch of rustic elegance and historical charm to any space.

French antique basket with pussy willows.

Nantucket Baskets

Nantucket baskets are a distinctive type of handwoven small basket originating from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. These baskets are known for their sturdy construction, oval shape, and use of wooden bases and rims.

Nantucket Basket on red and white tablecloth at flea market.

The tradition of making Nantucket baskets dates back to the mid-19th century when lightship crew members stationed off the coast of Nantucket first created them. These sailors would weave baskets during their long shifts as the best way to pass the time and supplement their income.

Initially used for practical purposes like carrying groceries or harvesting, Nantucket baskets evolved into prized decorative items, collectors’ pieces, or functional accessories in home decor. Today, they are still handcrafted using traditional methods, often featuring intricate carvings on their lids and sometimes adorned with scrimshaw designs.

19th Century Style Hanging Baskets

In the 19th century, hanging antique baskets was a common sight in homes, often suspended from wooden beams in kitchens, pantries, and living areas.

They served various purposes, from storing fresh produce and dried herbs to holding household essentials such as linens and tools. The elevation of these baskets helped keep their contents safe from pests and allowed for efficient use of vertical space, which was particularly valuable in smaller homes and cottages of the era.

Today, the charm of hanging older baskets from sturdy wooden beams continues to inspire modern decor, where they are often used in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Antique Fruit Basket

Fruit baskets, often crafted as vintage or antique baskets, are containers designed to hold and display fresh produce. In home decor, these charming baskets can be used as centerpieces on dining tables, coffee tables, or kitchen counters, adding a rustic and nostalgic touch.

Fruit basket on table with two vintage brown glasses and jar full of lilacs.
DIY Summer Backyard Picnic Ideas

Church Offering Basket

Lastly, one of my favorite antique baskets in perfect condition is this church offering basket I found while out Thrifting with the Gals in Downeast Maine. See more in this Thrift Vintage Scene at Cabot Mills Antiques Maine post.

The History of the Church Offering Basket

The church offering basket dates back to early Christian worship practices. In the early church, offerings were collected to support the clergy and assist the poor and needy within the community.

These offerings were initially gathered in simple containers or by passing around a communal basket.

As church services became more formalized during the Middle Ages, the use of a designated offering basket became more common. These baskets were often intricately woven or crafted to reflect the solemnity and importance of the act of giving.

Today, the tradition continues with offering baskets being passed during services, symbolizing the congregation’s support for the church’s mission and charitable activities.

“A house without a wicker basket is like a face without a smile.”

― Author Unknown

If you love the look and feel of wicker in a room, you might like one of my other favorite collections: wicker demijohns discussed in the posts Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds, Vintage Turkish Rugs: Elevate Your Living Room Design and Firelight, Evergreens, and Snow: The Christmas Bottle Project of Swedish Homes.

Coffee Table Decor, tulips, demijohns and magazine.
Vintage Turkish Rugs: Elevate Your Living Room Design

I hope you found plenty of antique basket inspiration here today. Don’t forget to check out the other gals who are joining me in sharing their basket-decor ideas, too!

Lifestyle of Love Basket Blog Hop

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A Vintage Affair

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com

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28 Comments

  1. Oh wow Ann, what an informative post! I am definitely pinning for future reference. I love all of your gorgeous baskets and how you have styled them, as well as your entire home and aesthetic!

    I went to an estate sale this morning at a pre-civil war home filled with antiques.There is a huge blue gathering basket that I wanted but was overpriced, but will be marked half off on Saturday. It probably won’t last but I will be going back bright and early Saturday morning hoping to score it!

    Thanks for all the inspo!

  2. Lora Bloomquist says:

    Wow, what an informative post! I learned so much! I’ve never seen an offering basket with a handle; totally new to me. And those demijohns-I love them, but have seriously never spotted them anywhere. Must be my area? If I every spot one, I’m scooping it up! Great post!

    1. Thanks Lora. That’s the only church offering basket I’ve see too but I do find Demijohns here regularly. But they can be pricey🙌🏻🧺🧺

  3. Debra@CommonGround says:

    What an amazing wealth of knowledge, Ann. Such a great post. You have a wondrous collection and so much imagination in how to use them. I’ll be going back through this post several times to take it all in. Pinned!

  4. Laura Ingalls Gunn says:

    Ann, this entire post is a work of art! I learned so much. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information. Your collection of baskets is truly amazing. I am so inspired by all the gorgeous vignettes you created!

  5. Ann, you have so many gorgeous antique baskets and fun ways to use and style them! I just got lost down a happy trail of articles 😉 Thank you for all the inspiration! Pinned and saved xx

    1. Thanks so much Cindy, LOL I did too yesterday as I sat in my chair at the beach. I scrolled for over an hour!

  6. Cindy@CountyRoad407 says:

    I want so badly to hang some baskets from an archway but we have no place tall enough. I adore all of your ideas but that little metal basket with legs has my drooling! I will be hunting for one of those. Thank you too for all of the info and tips. I had no idea the treasures we find in some of the old baskets or how they were used. Love your post! pinned again and again!

    1. Thanks so much Cindy, I love the hanging baskets too. I switch them out regularly and add dried flowers and more sometimes too. Thanks for having me!

  7. Debbie- Dabble says:

    Loved seeing all your wonderful vintage baskets and how you used and styled them! Thanks for sharing!! Enjoy the rest of your week!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

  8. Such a fun history of baskets, Ann! I love the church offering basket you shared and the sporting baskets you shared. It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen either one “in the wild.” The hanging baskets makes me want to redo the shelf in my entry too. They’re amazing! Sending you hugs and hoping your summer season has been all that you’ve needed it to be, CoCo

  9. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says:

    You have so many amazing vintage and antique baskets! And thanks so much for all of the information you shared about different types of baskets. I had no idea there were so many varieties!

  10. Kathy Munday says:

    Hi Ann
    I so loved reading about the history and original uses for so many basket types! My Mom had literally dozens of baskets from floor to ceiling, I have many and want more, my daughter also loves hers. Three generations and three different home decor choices and still, baskets play a role. Practical and pretty, they are part of our “genetic code!”❤️

  11. I love this post, Ann! So many great baskets and ideas to display them! Sharing this weekend in my Mitten Moments. Have a great rest of your week. 💙

  12. Rachel Harper says:

    Ann
    I knew you’d have tons of great baskets to share. I’ve always wanted a fishing creel basket but like many of our treasures, they aren’t plentiful in my area. Maybe when in Maine! lol.