Laundry Basket and Hamper Size Guide

Furnishing a new home? Or just trying to bring a little more order to your laundry routine? Either way, choosing the right laundry basket or hamper is important. With a wide range of shapes, sizes and capacities suited for countless needs, laundry baskets have certainly gained “everyday essential” status.

But if you’re still not sure how many or which size you need, we got you! In this guide, we’ll walk you through laundry basket and hamper sizes, helping you determine what’s best for your home, your family and your laundry habits.

Laundry Basket Sizes & Dimensions

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Just as their name suggests, laundry baskets are designed to transport laundry from room to room and are often open-topped and easy to carry. They’re typically lightweight and come in sizes that fit everything from a single outfit to multiple loads of clothes. Choosing the right basket size means balancing your storage space, carrying needs and laundry frequency.

What is a Standard Laundry Basket Size?

The standard laundry basket measures about 24 to 26 inches long, 17 to 19 inches wide, and 10 to 14 inches deep. This translates to a capacity of approximately 1.5 to 2 bushels, or enough for one to two full loads of laundry. These baskets are usually made with easy-to-grip handles and lightweight materials, making them practical for everyday use. Standard baskets work well in most homes and offer the flexibility to carry laundry to and from the bedroom, bathroom or laundry room.

Small Laundry Baskets

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Typical Dimensions: 15–20 inches long × 12–15 inches wide × 8–10 inches deep 

Capacity: Up to 1 bushel or one load of laundry

Pros:

• Compact and easy to store in tight spaces like under counters or inside closets
• Lightweight and manageable for kids or older adults
• Convenient for quick loads or specific tasks (like delicates or baby clothes)

Cons:

• May require frequent trips to the laundry room
• Not ideal for washing bulkier items like towels or bedding

Best for:

• Individuals living alone or in dorm rooms
• Daily or frequent laundry-doers
• Spaces with limited storage, such as apartments or RVs

Looking for a space-saving solution? Our Laguna Rattan Basket with Liner combines form and function in a compact, stylish design.

Medium Laundry Baskets

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Typical Dimensions: 21–24 inches long × 15–18 inches wide × 10–12 inches deep 

Capacity: About 1.5 bushels, or 1 to 2 loads

Pros:

• Strikes a good balance between size and portability
• Great for average households with moderate laundry needs
• Comfortable to carry while still offering ample storage

Cons:

• May still be too small for families with frequent, large laundry loads
• Can be awkward to store in small bathrooms or closets

Best for:

• Couples or small families (2–3 people)
• Weekly laundry routines
• Homes with average storage and laundry space

Try our Kobo Rectangular Basket with Liner for a medium-sized option that’s as beautiful as it is practical.

Large Laundry Baskets

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Typical Dimensions: 25–28 inches long × 18–20 inches wide × 12–15 inches deep 

Capacity: 2 or more bushels, or up to 3 loads

Pros:

• Reduces number of laundry trips
• Perfect for bulkier items like blankets, jeans and towels
• Can accommodate laundry for multiple people at once

Cons:

• Bulky and may be hard to maneuver when full
• Takes up more floor space

Best for:

• Large families or shared households
• People who do laundry once a week or less frequently
• Homes with large laundry rooms or storage areas

Our Kobo Rattan Laundry Basket with Handles offers generous capacity with a stylish silhouette, perfect for high-volume laundry needs.

Hamper Sizes & Dimensions

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The stationary equivalent to your laundry basket, Laundry hampers tend to be stay-put containers where dirty clothes are collected before being washed. Unlike baskets, hampers often feature lids, liners or compartments to keep clothes sorted and out of sight. Size matters here, too—especially if your laundry piles up quickly or you have multiple people sharing a space.

What is a Standard Hamper Size?

A standard hamper usually measures 18 to 24 inches in diameter and stands around 24 to 28 inches high. These dimensions provide about 1.5 to 2.5 bushels of space—enough for a couple of loads. Standard hampers fit well in bathrooms, bedrooms or laundry rooms and are often equipped with a liner or removable bag for easy transport.

Small Hamper Baskets

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Typical Dimensions: 14–16 inches wide × 20–22 inches tall 

Capacity: Up to 1 bushel (1 load)

Pros:

• Ideal for small living spaces
• Discreet and often stylish enough to leave in plain sight
• Lightweight and easy to clean or move

Cons:

• Fills quickly
• Not suited for families or bulk laundry

Best for:

• Kids’ rooms or bathrooms
• Households that do small, frequent loads
• People who live alone or in small apartments

Our Loma Round Rattan Hamper, Apartment Sizeis a customer favorite for compact elegance and everyday use.

Medium Laundry Hampers

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Typical Dimensions: 17–19 inches wide × 24–26 inches tall 

Capacity: About 1.5–2 bushels (1 to 2 loads)

Pros:

• Works well in most home sizes
• Offers sufficient space without being bulky
• Often available with lids or liners for added functionality

Cons:

• May still require frequent emptying in large households
• Not ideal for large comforters or oversized items

Best for:

• Couples or small families
• Moderate laundry routines
• Bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallway closets

The Cambria Rattan Laundry Hamper is a great pick for adding warmth and texture while keeping laundry tidy.

Large Laundry Hampers

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Typical Dimensions: 20–24 inches wide × 26–30 inches tall 

Capacity: 2.5+ bushels (2 to 3+ loads)

Pros:

• Reduces laundry trips for larger families
• Handles bulkier items with ease
• Often doubles as a decorative storage piece

Cons:

• Heavy and hard to move when full
• Takes up more space in a room

Best for:

• Households with 4 or more people
• Weekly or biweekly laundry routines
• Laundry rooms or large closets

Our Rattan Cane Clothes Hamperoffers impressive capacity and visual appeal.

Key Considerations for Choosing The Right Size

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Before buying a new laundry basket or hamper, it’s important to assess your space and your laundry needs. Some things you may want to consider:

How often do you do laundry?

Daily washers can get by with smaller baskets, while those who wait for the weekend should look for larger options.

How big is your household?

One person? Small will do. Two to three people? Medium is best. Families of four or more need large baskets or multiple hampers.

How big is your space? 

Small bathrooms or apartments need compact solutions. Larger homes can handle oversized hampers or multi-compartment systems.

Is ease of carrying important?

If you carry laundry upstairs or to a laundromat, choose lightweight baskets with sturdy handles or removable liners.

Do you need to sort laundry?

 Consider hampers with dividers or owning multiple baskets—one each for lights, darks and delicates.

Do you care about aesthetics?

Choose handwoven or natural fiber baskets to add style and texture to your space—laundry doesn’t have to be an eyesore.

Do you want a lid or liner?

Lidded hampers keep laundry out of view. Liners make washing and transporting clothes easier and more hygienic.

 

Like it or not, laundry is part of life. Choosing the right basket or hamper for your needs can bring order and efficiency to your daily routine. Whether you need a small basket for tight spaces or a large hamper to handle the entire family’s clothes, Kouboo offers stylish, handwoven options for every home. Take time to consider your household size, laundry habits and available space—then browse our Laundry Baskets & Hampers Collectionto find a beautiful solution that will work as hard as you do.