When children wake up on Easter morning, the first thing they look for is a basket. The Easter basket is a pretty, and delicious, reminder of the season that brightens the entire home. But you don’t have to wait for the one special Sunday to enjoy the cheer that baskets bring. Any time you want, you can invite spring into your house with these mood-lifting woven containers.

And they’re not only beautiful; they’re useful! They store things! Sure, you might stack items on shelves or arrange them in plastic or cardboard containers, but those solutions don’t do anything to add panache to a room. Whether they’re corralling a collection of yarn in a corner, sorting toys or crafts on a shelving unit, hiding that ficus planter or showing off curios on a coffee table, baskets are a stylish, pleasing way of adding organization and appeal to any living space.

Think of all the types of baskets. They can be round, square, short, tall, dark, light and multicolored. There are picnic style baskets, wall hanging baskets, Pavati baskets, trays. Baskets with or without handles. With or without lids. Those that sit on a table and those that stand on the floor. There are tight weaves, loose weaves and open weaves that are proud to show you what sits inside. There are baskets for all seasons, and it’s especially pleasing to choose ones that fit in now that spring is here.

Consider the different ways these useful containers can store items. Picture the lower shelf of a bookcase where books, toys, and crafts are stacked end to end in a jumble. Now visualize that same shelf with an attractive row of handsome baskets, each securing its assigned set of belongings. Where else might storage baskets be put to use? What about that wasted space on top of the refrigerator or above the kitchen cupboards? How nicely would a few baskets spruce up and organize that area?

A tall, cylindrical basket holds umbrellas in an entryway. Broad and open wickerworks contain towels and toiletries in a bathroom. Shallow woven trays display shells or driftwood on an end table. Deep rectangular floor-standing receptacles hold books and magazines next to a couch or sofa. A column of matching baskets organizes vertical shelving in a closet. A basket or two adds a touch of interest to a wall-side entertainment center. A large and study container keeps firewood ready at hearthside. A round basket hides a plastic planter on a tabletop or in the corner on the floor. A set of handled trays stand ready to carry picnic items to the back yard. A receptacle under your desk collects recyclable paper. A square basket on a countertop keeps cookbooks handy. An openweave or two next to the wall exhibits a many-colored assortment of yarns. A judiciously placed wicker container is a repository for incoming mail. A colorful basket flower arrangement proclaims spring.

Every room can get a facelift with a few of these woven beauties. Unlike plain and utilitarian bins and boxes, baskets beautify. When you look at a playroom organized with baskets, it’s no longer just coloring books, dolls, and toys, but instead you see woven artwork. Also, collect and display your bathroom supplies rather than stacking them on the counter or hiding them in a drawer. Set a basket on a bedside table in the guestroom to hold keys and spare change. Use a few tall baskets to create storage in your hallway. Corral those kitchen utensils. Make your closet shelves easier to deal with.

And don’t forget about storage furniture with baskets. This category includes not only basket-holding shelving units but also fine pieces with basket-style drawers. In many chests and cabinets, some or all the drawers boast a cheerful wicker composition. These can play off other standalone baskets in the room. There are even desks with basket drawers. Multi-shelf stands feature baskets neatly fitted into each level. There are basket-drawer nightstands and basket benches. Some end tables and coffee tables come with either basket drawers or loose baskets on their lower shelves. A storage bench with baskets sports containers under its seat. There are basket ottomans and even table-height baskets with tabletop lids. These opportunities to combine style with storage are as limitless as one’s imagination.

A few hints: in an individual room, be careful about mixing colors and materials in your baskets and basket furniture. Or, if you use multiple styles, keep all your containers about the same size. If you’re going to store sheets or linens, be sure to choose a weave that won’t shed. If it pleases your fancy, festoon a basket or two with a ribbon.

Finally, you might want to add a few items with that baskety look. Woven-look rugs, lampshades and stool backs coordinate with the baskets and basket furniture already present. A wicker chair, rocker or other piece of furniture can emphasize the spring-like feel of a room. Wall hangings and other artwork can add the finishing touches to your basket-happy spring look.