Decorating with Tobacco Baskets

A new season calls for fresh decor.  Tobacco baskets, a farmhouse home decor staple, is one that I personally love. They have a rich history and add a cool country yet modern vibe to any room.

Tobacco baskets date back to the 1800s and were used to keep tobacco off the floor when storing the tobacco leaves in the warehouse. They were also used to take tobacco to the local markets. I am not sure who came up with the idea of using them in home decor but whoever did, thank you!

They are the perfect pieces to have on hand as you change up your seasonal decor since they are so versatile. They make the perfect neutral background for gallery walls, fireplace mantels, or open shelving. they also provide just enough dimension and warmth with their beautiful texture and natural wood and look great on their own or layered.  Their open weave also adds pattern and texture without going too bold.

Years ago, the only way to get a nice authentic tobacco basket was to slap down a lot of dough. These days, we have a great selection of reproduction baskets that come in many colors, shapes, and sizes to fit your decorating needs. As of this writing, we currently have baskets in both a dark stain and in a whitewash, as well as square and round baskets available.

I love using them to decorate!  They are perfect for filling a large space on a wall, in an alcove, or even on top of an armoire. They are versatile and can go with most home styles and are perfect if you are going for a modern farmhouse look.

Below are some simple ideas to use tobacco baskets in your home.

Get creative by placing your basket upside down as we did here to create this centerpiece with a lantern. Use on a dining table, coffee table, or patio table with a citronella candle.

Fill in large spaces by leaning the basket against the wall and behind display items on an armoire or in an alcove. Here we took it a step further and placed the baskets at an angle for visual effect.

Create a warm welcome in your mudroom by placing several baskets on the wall and fill them with wreaths or signs.

Fill your basket with other decorative items like our metal star, which we filled with our realistic ferns and tulip buds.

Get creative, mix and match, and feature items you love! This is also a great way to display seasonal items.  Flowers are great for spring and summer, but imagine the possibilities for Autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Play around and have fun with it.

The easiest way to display a Tobacco Basket can sometimes be the most impactful. Just place a single basket on a bookcase or shelf, or hang it by itself on an empty wall for a simple and clean modern look.

Do you already use Tobacco Baskets in your decorating?  We'd love to see what you do with them! Give us a follow on Facebook to see all of our latest decorating ideas and new inventory, and while you're at it, tag us on your decorating pics!