Seagrass baskets are my favorite kind of “pretty practical.” They soften a space the way a rug or a throw does, but they also swoop in and save you from the random clutter that seems to multiply overnight. I started collecting them when I was styling a tiny rental living room and needed storage that could sit out in the open without screaming “plastic bin.”

Below are seven creative, boho-friendly ways to use woven seagrass baskets that feel intentional, styled, and still wonderfully useful.

A natural woven seagrass basket with loop handles beside a low sofa in a warm boho living room, holding a folded throw blanket and magazines

1) Use one as a planter cover

Seagrass baskets make gorgeous planter covers because they add texture without competing with the plant. The trick is keeping the weave and your floors safe from moisture.

How I do it (without ruining the basket)

  • Keep the plant in its nursery pot and slip that pot into the basket.
  • Add a truly waterproof barrier inside (a plastic saucer, a plant tray, or a fitted liner) so no dampness ever touches the seagrass.
  • Water at the sink whenever you can, let it drain fully, then place it back in the basket.
  • Double-check for drips before it goes back on wood floors or rugs. Trapped moisture can lead to mildew and floor damage fast.

This works especially well with floor plants like a snake plant or rubber tree. If you love the lush, layered look, pair this idea with a few tips from The Indoor Jungle and you will be halfway to that cozy, greenhouse vibe.

A tall snake plant in a black nursery pot set inside a round seagrass basket planter cover on a light wood floor near a sunlit window

2) Make wall basket art

If your walls feel a little bare but you do not want another framed print, a small cluster of baskets can read like sculptural wall art. And if you choose a few shallow ones, they can still hold lightweight items.

Where this looks best

  • Over a console table or bench in an entry
  • On a kitchen wall near open shelving
  • Above a headboard for a textured “boho halo” moment

What to put inside (keep it very light)

  • Rolled cloth napkins
  • Mail or papers (a small stack, not a heavy pile)
  • Extra washcloths in a bathroom

Quick safety note: use proper wall anchors or hang into studs, and keep the weight minimal. Gravity is not forgiving.

If you like the layered, collected feeling of mixed materials on the wall, you might also enjoy Eclectic Gallery Wall With Mixed Frames and Art. Baskets mix beautifully with small framed pieces.

A cluster of three woven seagrass baskets hung on a white wall above a narrow wood bench in a bright entryway

3) Tame coffee table clutter

One deep basket on a coffee table is the fastest way I know to make a living room feel calmer. It turns loose items into one styled spot.

My favorite basket fill formula

  • Soft: a folded throw
  • Useful: remotes, coasters, a lighter, hand cream
  • Pretty: one book or a small wood bead strand

Tip: if your basket is very textured, keep what you put in it simple so it does not look visually noisy.

An oversized rectangular seagrass basket centered on a wooden coffee table holding TV remotes, a small candle, and a folded neutral throw

4) Add under-table storage

Under a console, under a side table, under a bench. That shadow zone is prime real estate for storage, and seagrass looks much warmer than anything plastic.

What I stash under furniture

  • Board games and cards
  • Dog toys or kids’ toys (easy to scoop)
  • Extra candles and matches
  • Seasonal textiles like lightweight throws

If you are working with a small space, this pairs perfectly with the mindset in Maximalist Boho in Small Spaces Without the Clutter. You can still have layers and personality, you just need smart hiding spots.

Two shallow seagrass baskets tucked neatly under a narrow console table in a hallway, storing scarves and small accessories

5) Make a bedside basket

If your bedroom is tight on space, a lidded seagrass basket can replace a nightstand for the less glamorous stuff, while still looking relaxed and boho.

What goes inside

  • Charging cords and a power strip
  • Hand lotion and lip balm backups
  • A sleep mask, book, or journal
  • Extra pillowcases

Style tip: I like a basket with a lid if you want the room to feel calmer. If you prefer open baskets, keep the contents in a small pouch so it still reads tidy.

For more bedroom layering ideas, see How to Style a Boho Bed.

A lidded seagrass basket used as bedside storage next to a low boho bed with linen bedding and a woven rug

6) Tidy open shelves

Open shelving is beautiful, but it can turn into visual clutter fast. Seagrass baskets act like “soft drawers,” especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry corners.

My shelf-styling rule

Mix two baskets with one open zone. The baskets hide the messy categories, and the open zone is where you display the pretty things (a bowl, a plant, a favorite mug).

If you are using baskets in humid bathrooms, make sure the contents and the basket itself can fully dry between use. Natural fibers and trapped humidity do not get along.

If you have kitchen shelves, this will feel right at home with Styling Open Shelves in an Eclectic Kitchen.

Woven seagrass baskets lined up on open wooden kitchen shelves beside stacked plates and a small trailing houseplant

7) Corral extra textiles

If you love textiles as much as I do, you probably have a “where do I put all these throws?” situation. A big seagrass basket turns extra softness into decor, especially next to a sofa or reading chair.

Easy categories that actually stay organized

  • Cozy corner: throws only
  • Guest-ready: extra pillow inserts and covers
  • Seasonal swap: lightweight summer blankets in one, chunky winter knits in another

One extra note: seagrass can be a little rough on delicate knits. If you are storing loose weaves or anything precious, line the basket with a cotton cloth first.

Texture-on-texture is the boho sweet spot, so pair baskets with natural rugs for a grounded look. If you are layering rugs, Layering Vintage and Jute Rugs is a great next read.

A large round seagrass basket filled with folded neutral and patterned throw blankets beside a rattan chair in a cozy reading nook

What to look for when buying

Not all woven baskets behave the same once you actually live with them. These are the details I check before I bring one home from a thrift store or market.

  • Shape: rectangular baskets slide under furniture more easily, round baskets read softer and more sculptural.
  • Handles: stitched, reinforced handles hold up best for daily hauling.
  • Weave tightness: tighter weaves snag less on knits and towels.
  • Lids: lids are amazing for visual calm, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.
  • Smell check: thrifted baskets can hold odors. If it smells musty, I pass.

Keeping baskets clean

  • Vacuum with a brush attachment for dust in the weave.
  • Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully.
  • Avoid soaking since natural fibers can warp and loosen.
  • Rotate planter baskets to help reduce uneven fading if they sit in strong sun.

If your whole home leans into natural texture, you may also like Textiles & Natural Elements for more ideas that bring warmth without adding clutter.

Quick styling cheat sheet

  • Busy room: choose lidded baskets and keep them low.
  • Minimal room: use one oversized basket as a statement piece.
  • Colorful room: let seagrass be the neutral “rest” between patterns. If pattern mixing is your thing, How to Mix Bold Patterns Without Clashing makes it feel way less intimidating.
  • Plant-heavy room: repeat baskets in two sizes to make the greenery feel cohesive, not chaotic.