By Jen Knight

Although often merely an afterthought, storage baskets can really do a lot to enhance the decor of your home -- especially if they're crafted by artisans who use natural materials and techniques passed down through generations. Basket-making is an art with a long and impressive history, and modern examples can be quite expensive. However, there are a lot of amazing artisan-made baskets that are quite reasonably priced -- especially when you consider the expertise required to create them.

Here are some of our favorites:

Above: Woven West African Storage Baskets from VivaTerra are $59.00 each.

Combining local and recycled materials with traditional weaving techniques, Wolof women in Senegal craft these exquisite baskets which are roomy enough for storing a comfy throw and pretty enough to display in any room of your home. Not only are they beautiful, functional, and ecologically sound, you can feel good about supporting the livelihoods of rural families in West Africa too. All in all, quite a bargain, don't you think?

• Materials: Local grass, Njodax, and plastic strips from recycled prayer mats
• Dimensions: 8"L x 16"W x 11"H
• Colors: Indigo/White & White

Above: Eco Displayware Rattan Square Storage Bin from Bellacor.

While there are plenty of round baskets on the market, it's sometimes challenging to find a square basket that meets our standards in quality and style. The Eco Displayware Square Storage Bin from Bellacor definitely fits the bill.

• Materials: Rattan
• Dimensions: 24"W x 22"H x 23"D
• Price: Regularly $185.00 but on sale now with promo code: WINTER1

Above: White Dipped Round Baskets from Wisteria are $89.00 for a set of two.

Widely featured in magazines and design websites, these White Dipped Round Baskets from Wisteria are a truly inspired mix of function and style. And the the handy lids make it easy to hide your stuff in an attractive way.

• Materials: Palm leaves
• Dimensions: 17.75" - 20" diameter x 19.25" - 22.25" H
• Sold as a set of two

Above: Bansi Jute Storage Bags from Nkuku can be shipped from the UK.

Though technically bags and not baskets, these Bansi Jute Storage Bags from Nkuku are hand-loomed by artisans in Rajasthan and perform similar functions. The medium size bag is great for carrying heavy items back from the store, and attractive enough to serve as a storage basket in your home. The large is perfect for logs, or bulkier toys. 

• Material: Jute, a natural vegetable fiber, spun into course threads
• Dimensions: 60cm H X 40cm diameter & 40cm H X 30cm diameter
  
• Price: check the website for prices and shipping costs from the UK

Above: Roost Malu Baskets from Velocity Art & Design are $60.00 for two.

The versatile and tactile Malu Round Baskets from Roost are made of harvested seagrass, which is then woven or braided into contemporary pieces. The seagrass is starched for rigidity, so you can use the baskets to store firewood in winter just as easily as you can use it for beach towels in summer. 

• Materials: Seagrass
• Dimensions: 12.5" diameter x 14"H & 14.5" diameter x 15"H