The Popular Organizing Accessory You Shouldn't Use In The Closet (& What To Use Instead)

Wicker baskets have been a go-to for many home organizers for decades, helping individuals separate and organize household items and keep them neat and tidy. Their natural texture and neutral tones have continued to grace cupboards and shelves across decor blogs and social media posts, thanks to their ability to complement almost any design style. But while using these baskets in your home for stylish storage may seem like the obvious choice for keeping items contained, they may not be the best solution for certain areas of your home, particularly your closet. You want to go beyond aesthetics when it comes to choosing a storage bin for your closet and select something that is both safe and durable, such as fabric or wood.

One major concern with wicker baskets in small, enclosed spaces like closets is their vulnerability to environmental factors like humidity, especially when there's no ventilation in the room. Wicker is the process of weaving together materials like rattan, bamboo, or willow — all natural materials that are highly porous and easily absorb water. This can lead to structural damage, but more importantly, it can cause mold and mildew to build up as moisture gets trapped in the fibers. Not only can this cause a health concern, but it can also result in smelly closets. And since wicker baskets are intricately woven with numerous crevices, there are plenty of places for dirt, debris, and mildew to hide. What's more, the lack of a flat surface makes these storage containers difficult to clean. It kind of makes you wonder if they're worth the hassle at all.

In the world of storage containers, it's easy to find alternatives to wicker baskets. Opting for wood or fabric containers in closets is a far more practical choice. Depending on your needs and desired aesthetic, each alternative comes with its own benefits. Wood containers offer a solid, long-lasting storage solution while remaining beautiful if design elements are important. On the other hand, fabric containers are a budget-friendly option for organizing your closet. They are lightweight but still offer durability and are not susceptible to mold or mildew. They also come in a variety of patterns and colors, so it's easy to find a style that will fit your home aesthetic.

Unlike wicker, neither of these alternatives will shed, warp, or emit an odor over time, plus they are both stylish closet organizers that keep your daily essentials neat and at the ready. Adding to that, wood and plastic are easier to clean and often come in stackable designs, which is a huge win in tight closets. Even though aesthetics matter in the world of home organization, functionality should come first. While wicker baskets may win points for style, they fall short when it comes to long-term use in closets. Between the mold issues and scent problems, they can quickly become more hassle than they're worth. So next time you're revamping your closet, consider skipping the wicker and going with materials that offer both form and function.