Mette Dittmer
Opinion

Pia’s Picks: your mess deserves one of these baskets

Pia Seidel
21.7.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin

Brightly coloured, mesh baskets have gone from despised to desirable, changing both my home and my mind. Here’s why they’re good for more than just keeping things neat.

I always thought metal baskets had about as much charm as a supermarket stockroom. Sure, they were functional. However, in my book, any basket that wouldn’t look amiss in the canned goods aisle gave off anything but a homely vibe.

Then, brightly coloured mesh baskets came on the scene – some of which were even round – and forced me to change my opinion.

The basket comeback

Wire baskets are stable, durable and bring a sense of ease into your home. Their open design allows for a flow of fresh air, keeping the contents of the basket on show.

This wire basket combines functionality and style.
This wire basket combines functionality and style.
Source: Mette Dittmer
This one serves as eye candy in any interior.
This one serves as eye candy in any interior.
Source: Create

Unlike typical storage boxes, this saves you from having to rummage around for what you’re looking for – a big plus in children’s rooms, kitchens or bathrooms. Everything inside is visible and easy to grab, which kind of feels like a small victory over everyday chaos.

Handy everywhere: baskets are ideal for your utensils, cosmetics and toys.
Handy everywhere: baskets are ideal for your utensils, cosmetics and toys.
Source: Ferm Living

Colourful is the new cosy

The real game changer, however, is colour. Go for a basket in a punchy red or blue and boom, you’ll have industrial chic without veering into clinical territory. With a little colour, mesh baskets suddenly become a highlight – ideal for patterned towels, as a stylish toy box or to showcase fruit.

From towels...
From towels...
Source: Mette Dittmer
 ...to magazines, the grid design keeps everything in view.
...to magazines, the grid design keeps everything in view.
Source: Mette Dittmer

Mesh baskets have retro vibes, a touch of playfulness and, most importantly, are super practical. You can stack them, repurpose them or add a bag to turn them into a laundry basket. If you opt for a version with handles, it’ll be easy to move it from A to B.

In front of a laundry bag, the basket’s grid pattern almost looks like abstract art.
In front of a laundry bag, the basket’s grid pattern almost looks like abstract art.
Source: Mette Dittmer

From hater to cheerleader

Okay, so I once said wire baskets were unhomely. Now, however, I love them – mind you, only if they’re colourful and, preferably, round.

Ferm Living Cala Stackable Baskets (1 x, 36 x 26 x 20 cm)
Storage baskets
CHF47.70

Ferm Living Cala Stackable Baskets

1 x, 36 x 26 x 20 cm

In my Pia’s Picks series, I regularly showcase my favourite finds – things I might not need, but definitely want.

Header image: Mette Dittmer

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Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.


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