The alibaba laundry basket is one of those home accessories that is immediately recognisable but not everyone knows by name. That distinctive bulbous oval shape, wide open top and three external handles wrapped around the body have made it one of the most popular wicker laundry baskets in UK homes. Here is a guide to what makes an alibaba basket, how it differs from other laundry basket styles, and which option might suit your home.
What is an Alibaba Laundry Basket?
The alibaba basket takes its name from the large rounded urns and jars associated with the Arabian Nights story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The shape is distinctive: a wide, rounded oval body that narrows slightly at the top, giving the basket both a generous capacity and a sculptural quality that makes it a decorative feature as well as a practical storage solution.
The three external rope or wicker handles wrapped around the outside of the basket are what make it truly distinctive. They allow the basket to be carried easily even when full, and they give the basket its characteristic look that sets it apart from a standard rectangular laundry basket.
The White Alibaba Laundry Basket
Our White Alibaba Laundry Basket is the most popular wicker laundry basket in our range, and with good reason. Hand-woven from natural wicker with a crisp white finish, it combines the classic alibaba shape with a clean, contemporary look that suits bedrooms, bathrooms, utility rooms and landing spaces in any home style.
At 45cm tall and 55cm wide it holds a generous family-sized laundry load. The three integrated handles make lifting and carrying straightforward even when full, and the open weave allows airflow which prevents laundry from becoming musty.
The white finish suits coastal, Scandi, contemporary and traditional interiors equally well, and the natural wicker construction means no two baskets are exactly alike.
Other Wicker Laundry Basket Styles
While the alibaba shape is the most searched and most recognisable, the site offers several other wicker laundry basket styles worth considering depending on your space and needs.
The Banana Leaf Laundry Basket is a more compact option at 55cm tall and 42cm in diameter, woven from natural banana leaf in a loom style weave that gives it a distinctive organic texture. A good choice for smaller bathrooms and bedroom corners where the full alibaba shape might be too wide.
For those who prefer a taller, more enclosed basket, our tall linen bins are available in four finishes including Green, Candy Brown, Zebra and Banana Leaf. All stand 71cm tall in a cylinder shape with a cotton lined interior and a fitted lid with handle. Ideal for keeping laundry completely out of sight in bedrooms and bathrooms.
The White Tall Basket with Lid is another option for those who want a white laundry basket with a lid, combining the classic white wicker look with the practicality of a covered design.
What to Look for in a Wicker Laundry Basket
Capacity. Consider how much laundry you generate between washes. The alibaba basket at 55cm wide holds a generous amount but the open top means it needs to be emptied regularly. Tall linen bins with lids are better for concealing a larger build-up of laundry between wash days.
Ventilation. One of the main advantages of wicker over plastic or fabric laundry baskets is breathability. The open weave of a natural wicker basket allows air to circulate around laundry, preventing the musty smell that builds up in enclosed plastic bins.
Size and footprint. Measure the space before buying. The alibaba shape is wide at its broadest point so make sure there is room either side when positioned in a corner or alcove.
Finish. White suits most interiors and is the most popular choice. Natural wicker tones work well in warmer, more traditional schemes. The zebra two-tone weave is a bolder choice for those who want the laundry basket to be more of a feature piece.
How to Style a Wicker Laundry Basket
In a bedroom, an alibaba basket sits naturally in a corner beside a wardrobe or in a dressing room setting. The decorative shape means it does not need hiding and works as part of the room’s styling rather than against it.
In a bathroom, the smaller banana leaf basket or a tall linen bin with lid are often better choices than the full alibaba shape, where floor space is more limited.
In a utility room or on a landing, the alibaba basket comes into its own. The generous capacity and easy-carry handles make it practical for moving laundry to and from the washing machine, and the white finish looks clean and deliberate rather than purely functional.
Browse our full range of wicker laundry baskets at Garden Wonders, with free UK delivery on all orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an alibaba basket and a regular laundry basket?
The main differences are the shape and the handles. An alibaba basket has a distinctive rounded oval body that narrows at the top, and three external rope or wicker handles wrapped around the outside. A standard laundry basket is typically rectangular or cylindrical with handles at the top.
Are alibaba laundry baskets suitable for bathrooms?
Yes, though it is worth checking the dimensions against your available floor space first. The alibaba shape is wider than a standard laundry basket so suits larger bathrooms and dressing rooms better than compact en-suites.
Do the baskets come with lids?
The White Alibaba Laundry Basket has an open top. If you prefer a basket with a lid, our tall linen bins all come with a fitted cotton lined lid with handle.
Are wicker laundry baskets easy to clean?
Yes. Wicker simply wipes clean with a damp cloth. Unlike fabric laundry baskets, wicker does not absorb moisture or odours and the open weave prevents laundry from becoming musty.
Do you offer free UK delivery?
Yes. Free UK delivery is included on all orders.
