DIY Linen Closet Organization Ideas: Getting Started
An organized linen closet can make a world of difference when it comes to grabbing clean towels, changing out sheets and having all you need easily accessible for overnight guests — even more so when space is limited. So, when determining how to organize a linen closet, be intentional. Really focus on what you need your linen closet to store and make a plan. To start the organizing process, take everything out of your linen closet and evaluate what you have. This is a great time to go through your items and decide what you’ll keep, what you may want to donate and what needs to be tossed. Dust and vacuum the shelves and floors while it’s empty so you’ll have a clean space to work in.
Store Most Used Items Front and Center
Regardless of how you decide to store your linens, make sure you put anything that’s used frequently on the front of the middle shelves. This way, you’ve got immediate visibility and convenient access to clean sheets, fresh towels or a new tube of toothpaste, and you won’t have to go hunting for these items in a pinch. If you plan to store these things loosely on your linen closet shelving — not in a bin or basket — consider adding shelf dividers to create a designated spot.
Door Storage
Linen storage can include items like ironing boards and brooms, so don’t overlook the unused vertical space on the back of the closet door. This is the perfect place to add an over-the-door ironing organizer. These have hooks for hanging ironing boards and a shelf to store the iron. Some even feature cord storage to keep it out of the way and untangled. Keep brooms, mops and other handheld floor cleaning tools in one spot with a broom gripper on the back of the door. You can also add hooks or towel bars to the back of the door, or an over-the-door organizer with extra shelves. Choose the storage solution that works best for your needs.
Use Storage Bins and Baskets
Bins and baskets are ideal storage ideas for linen closets that let you create designated spots for sheets, towels, extra toilet paper and more while simultaneously adding a stylish touch to your closet. From fabric options to woven sea grass and wood, there are a lot of different materials to choose from. Elevate the look by using two different styles of basket. If your linen closet is where you stash extra toiletries, consider clear bins for storage. The clear design makes it easy to see what you’ve got.
Labels
Labels are a great way to keep track of what’s inside your bins and baskets in the closet — especially if you’re using identical baskets. Decorative gift tags are great options to use, allowing you to tie the tag to the basket and easily change it if the items inside change. Paired with your bins, they help create a streamlined look that’ll leave you refreshed when you open the closet.
Linen Storage Ideas
As for how to store what you’ll keep in the closet, there are a few different options. Linen closet organization can be achieved by keeping things in sets, like sheets. A good trick to consider is placing the folded sheets inside one of the matching pillowcases, creating an all-in-one storage solution for quick access. Stacking items like sheets, towels and blankets is another option. For a more uniform look, keep like sizes together. Fabrics can also be rolled and then stacked, though smaller items like washcloths might work better stored in a bin or basket.
Whether it’s blankets, towels or sheet sets and whether they’re rolled or folded, smaller stacks can help keep things from appearing cluttered.
Add Décor
If space allows, add a few small décor pieces into the mix. Using items like decorative bowls and vases lend a pleasing aesthetic while still offering practicality. Plus, leaving some blank space to fill with decorative items can help lessen the cramped feeling with trying to store everything right up against each other.
Additional Linen Closet Ideas
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your linen closet organization, here are a few more ideas to consider.
- If you keep spare pillows, try storing them vertically on a shelf. They can also be kept in a large basket under the bottom shelf if there’s enough space.
- For items like guest room sheets, think about storing those in a dresser drawer in the guest room. This will help create more space for linens and other things that you’ll need access to more frequently.
- If you keep laundry baskets in your linen closet, maximize space by swapping out your current laundry basket for one that’s collapsible.