Quick answer
Choose a neutral wall spot, layer a soft liner inside, and use the basket as a changing station by day and a storage catchall by night.
Why a rattan changing basket works as nursery decor
Rattan adds warmth and texture that contrasts nicely with painted walls and soft furnishings. A changing basket like the Bayu Rattan Changing Basket from Dinkum Dolls by Olli Ella is handwoven from naturally-sourced rattan and comes with vegan leather handles, so it already has a timeless, heirloom look. The trick is to treat it as both a functional changing spot and a decorative object that fits your nursery's color palette.
Trade-off: changing basket vs. traditional dresser
A rattan changing basket is lighter and easier to move than a bulky dresser, which is great if you want to rearrange the nursery or take it to another room. However, it offers less storage underneath and usually sits on a stand or the floor. If you need lots of drawer space for clothes and diapers, a dresser might be a better primary changing station. The basket works best as a secondary changing spot or in a smaller nursery where every piece needs to pull double duty.
Step-by-step styling guide
- Choose the right spot: Place the basket against a wall that gets indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, as it can dry out the rattan and cause cracking. A corner near a window or next to a glider works well. Rotate the basket every few weeks to keep the color even if it does get some sun.
- Add a soft liner: Use a cotton insert or luxe organic cotton liner inside the basket. This makes the surface comfortable for diaper changes and adds a pop of color or pattern that ties into your nursery theme. A common mistake is skipping the liner and placing a changing pad directly on the rattan, which can leave gaps and feel uneven. Choose a liner that is machine-washable for easy cleanup.
- Layer storage around the basket: Use a small caddy or basket next to the changing basket to hold diapers, wipes, and creams. The Bayu itself has no built-in storage, so keeping essentials within arm's reach avoids leaving the baby unattended. A wall-mounted shelf above the basket is another good option. Keep only the changing supplies you use daily in the caddy to avoid clutter.
- Style the top and surroundings: Hang a piece of art or a macrame wall hanging above the basket to draw the eye upward. Place a small plant or a framed photo on a nearby shelf. The basket itself can hold a stuffed toy or a rolled blanket when not in use for changes. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the basket when it is not on a stand, as the sides can flex.
- Use it as a storage catchall after baby outgrows changes: Once your child no longer needs diaper changes, repurpose the basket as a toy bin, laundry hamper, or blanket storage. The neutral rattan finish fits into a toddler room or playroom just as easily. Remove the liner and give the basket a gentle dusting with a soft brush before switching uses.
Product facts
-
Bayu Rattan Changing Basket: Handwoven from naturally-sourced rattan with vegan leather handles. The natural material and leather handles give the basket a refined, furniture-like look that blends into nursery decor rather than standing out as purely utilitarian.
Bayu Rattan Changing Basket
