For months, I’ve been hunting for a laundry hamper that wouldn’t dominate or disrupt the vintage charm I’ve been carefully nurturing in my small-but-beautiful bathroom. Most options were either too bulky, too contemporary, or too practical-looking to blend into a space where character and comfort come first.
Then, during a late-night scroll through IKEA while hunting for Black Friday deals, I stumbled across something so perfect I couldn’t believe it hadn’t crossed my radar sooner. Tucked away among the more utilitarian laundry pieces was the sweetest handmade basket – the TOLKNING laundry hamper – with all the vintage, wicker charm of an antique market find.
With its handy handle, soft fabric liner, and roll-anywhere design, it has all the practicalities you'd expect of an IKEA purchase, but also has the air of something that would feel at home in a Nancy Meyers bathroom or an English country laundry room. And the best part is, this gem is under $100.
Anyone with a small bathroom knows the struggle: every piece has to earn its place. Storage needs to be smart, functional, and – ideally – pretty enough to pass as part of the decor.
So many laundry baskets are plastic, bulky, and better tucked away than seen. But this one feels like part of the room’s aesthetic. The natural willow weave adds warmth and texture, giving my bathroom a softer, more layered look.
The wheels, though, are the real game-changer. I don't exactly have the space for extra manoeuvring, so being able to effortlessly roll the hamper between the bathroom and the utility room has made my routine genuinely easier. It glides smoothly, even on tile, and the curved handle gives you plenty to hold onto without bending or awkward shuffling, making it a great choice for those who might struggle to carry the weight of a full basket.
The lid is lightweight, hinged, and keeps things looking tidy (which matters when your bathroom is small enough that you can see everything at once). Inside, the cotton liner lifts out for washing. Together, these little details make this hamper feel far more expensive and like one of those 'silly adult purchases' that actually help to make your life easier – and chicer.
Handmade from natural willow, the TOLKNING laundry hamper brings vintage charm and modern ease together in one piece. Its lightweight body sits on smooth-gliding wheels, making it effortless to move around a bathroom, hallway, or laundry space, AND helps to prevent moisture from the floor being absorbed and damaging the basket.
Of course, once I fell down the rabbit hole of IKEA’s wicker storage pieces, I realized the TOLKNING hamper wasn’t the only design delivering those cozy, cottage vibes.
If you’re looking to bring the same natural warmth and woven texture into other corners of your home, there are a few standout pieces that pair beautifully with it below. From classic laundry solutions to surprisingly chic multifunctional storage, these are the items that caught my eye.
A structured and timeless option, the NATTGIBBA laundry basket offers clean lines and a slightly more tailored take on woven storage. The rectangular shape makes it ideal for slotting into tight spaces, while the rattan adds warmth without feeling overly rustic. A hinged lid keeps everything neatly concealed, and the removable cotton liner makes laundry day refreshingly fuss-free.
Lightweight and handmade from natural willow, this TOLKNING basket is the perfect companion to the wheeled version. It’s ideal for carrying small loads between rooms or placing beside a closet or vanity as an attractive storage solution. The soft cotton liner ties neatly at the sides while keeping delicates protected from the wicker, and would look just as lovely styled with rolled towels as it does full of laundry.
I recently visited a friend’s house and was rather impressed to find out how she was using this at the foot of her bed. At first, I thought it was simply a chic bench – perfect for sitting down to get ready or laying out outfits. But then she lifted the lid to reveal the most genius twist: she uses it as an incognito laundry hamper. The woven exterior keeps things looking effortlessly elegant, while the hidden storage inside is surprisingly roomy.
At a time when so many home essentials feel purely functional, finding pieces that genuinely elevate the everyday feels like a small luxury. That’s what I love most about this IKEA wicker collection: each item solves a practical problem, yet brings a soft, handcrafted warmth that suits cottage, vintage, and modern interiors alike.
