We’d all love to have a linen closet worthy of a home design magazine, but despite our best intentions, these spaces often become the junk drawer equivalents for everything bed and bath-related.
But fear not — with a little resourcefulness and creativity, you can say goodbye to your teetering stacks of towels and piles of hastily folded sheets.
Learn more: How to Organize Your Closet in 6 Easy Ways
Maximize Your Space—Get Started with Our Storage Services Toda
The Value of a Well-Organized Linen Closet: Why It Matters
- Maximized Space Utilization: A meticulously organized linen closet ensures that every inch of space is used efficiently, allowing you to store more items in a limited area. This means no more cramming towels into corners or struggling to find space for extra sheets.
- Easy Access and Retrieval: When your linen closet is systematically arranged, locating what you need is easy without rummaging through piles of disorganized linens. Clear labeling and a logical arrangement of items make it possible to find what you need quickly, saving you time and frustration.
- Prolonged Linen Life: Properly folded and stored linens last longer. By preventing unnecessary wrinkles, creases, and damage caused by overcrowding, you’re preserving the quality of your fabrics. This keeps them looking fresh and reduces the frequency of replacement.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-organized linen closet contributes to the overall aesthetic of your home. Neatly stacked towels, evenly spaced shelves, and coordinated colors create a pleasing space that reflects order and care.
- Stress Reduction: Clutter can be overwhelming. An organized linen closet brings a sense of calm and control, reducing stress and making your daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. Knowing exactly where everything is brings peace of mind and simplifies household management.
Learn more: How to Organize Each Closet At Home
Structuring Your Linen Closet: The Building Blocks of Organization
The design plays a crucial role in maintaining order when structuring your linen closet. Consider these elements:
Shelves: Adjustable shelves are essential, allowing you to customize the height to accommodate different items. Whether you need to store bulky comforters or small washcloths, adjustable shelves give you the flexibility to create the perfect setup.
Drawers: Drawers are ideal for storing smaller items like pillowcases, hand towels, and washcloths. They keep items neatly tucked away and easily accessible, helping to maintain a clutter-free appearance.
Built-In Compartments: Compartments or cubbies are excellent for separating items by category, such as bath linens, bedding, or tablecloths. They offer a structured way to keep similar items together, making locating precisely what you need easier.
Baskets and Bins: These are perfect for corralling loose items and keeping everything in place. Use them to store extra toiletries, small towels, or seasonal linens, and label each bin for quick identification.
Hanging Rods: If your linen closet is large enough, add a hanging rod for items like tablecloths, ironing board covers, or even extra shower curtains. Hanging items keeps them wrinkle-free and easily accessible.
Learn more: 13 Best Closet Organization Ideas to Maximize Wardrobe Space
11 easy steps to organizing your linen closet
1. Purge your non-essential linens.
Be honest with yourself about how often you actually use your cheetah-print towels or the faded lime green sheets you got when you were in your “bold color” phase.
Chances are good that you don’t use at least half of what you store in your precious closet space. Rather than finding a spot for the hideous floral towel set you loved five years ago, donate it instead.
Organizing is so much easier when you have less stuff to work with.
Need some decluttering help?
Check out our awesome 15 decluttering tips from certified professional organizers.
2. Line your linen closet shelves.
This simple preventative measure goes a long way in maintaining the quality of your linens. Certain wood and melamine shelves can cause fading or discoloring on your sheets over time, so to avoid permanently damaging them, cover your shelves with liner. You can go basic and practical or patterned and pretty — the options are endless.
Want more info on cleaning and storing your bedding?
We’ve got you covered.
3. Always put things away clean.
This should go without saying, but washing your sheets and towels before you stack and organize them is crucial. That way you know you’re always reaching for a clean item when you need to make your bed or resupply the guest room with fresh towels.
Want to go the extra mile?
Iron your sheets after drying them and learn how to fold them in such a way that they stay wrinkle-free even when stacked.
Bonus Tip: Learn how to fold and store shirts the KonMari way.
4. Sort and organize your linens by category.
There are a few ways you can do this: by type, size, or location. If you have distinct sheet sets and linens for each room in your home, separating them by space is easiest. If, however, your towel and sheet sets are more versatile and interchangeable, you may want to organize them by size, type, or color.
Keep everything else — beach towels, dish towels, table runners, duvet covers, quilts, and the like — organized alongside their fellow items.
Make sure to put your most frequently used items at the front and center of your linen closet for easy access, and relegate off-season or little-used items to the top shelf or back of the closet.
5. Use boxes, bins, and baskets to store and separate your linens.
If you have a ton of different types and sizes of linens, designated mini storage zones are the way to go to keep everything neat and easy to locate.
You can use fabric boxes, cloth bins, or straw and wire baskets to separate your different items: bath towels in one, dish towels in another, guest bedroom sheets in another, and so forth.
If you want your linen closet to look straight out of a Martha Stewart ad, invest in coordinating boxes so everything looks clean and uniform.
6. Don’t forget about fabric bags, zippered plastic pouches, and space-saving bags.
For everything that can’t be stored in a box or basket, get creative. That plastic zippered duvet bag you weren’t sure you should save? Pull it out from under your bed and use it to hold your duvet, down comforter, or even a spare feather pillow.
Extra beach towels, quilts, and pillows can also fit into fabric drawstring bags, which allow them to breathe a little.
For bulky, but easily squishable items, employ the help of a handy space-saving bag. These miraculous little bags will compress even the heftiest of bedding down into a neat square, saving you tons of room.
7. Store sets of sheets in corresponding pillowcases.
This tip is a lifesaver:
Forget pairing cream-colored pillowcases with your crisp white sheets because you can’t find their match.
Forget frantically digging around in piles of fabric to locate the one navy blue fitted sheet you know is in there somewhere.
And forget the tears of frustration.
Instead, fold your sheets neatly, then tuck the entire set inside one of its corresponding pillowcases.
Genius.
8. Label your linens.
Once you’ve got your linens sorted and organized into different stacks and storage bins, slap a label on everything.
Being able to distinguish between your full-size and queen-size sheets in a single glance will make it a cinch to find exactly what you’re looking for — both when you want to take things out and put them away.
9. Use an over-the-door rack to hang tablecloths and runners.
A rack on the inside of your closet door is perfect for storing table runners and tablecloths neatly.
Hanging these items doesn’t just make them easy to see and access, it also helps keep them dust- and wrinkle-free so you can pull them out for a dinner party with just a moment’s notice.
10. Keep your linen closet fresh.
Nothing destroys an impeccably organized linen closet faster than moths, must, and mildew wrecking your beautiful bed and bath necessities.
To keep your linens fresh while they’re tucked away, use a few of these tried and true methods:
- Stick a box of baking soda on your closet floor to absorb bad odors.
- Strategically place cedar blocks along your shelves to prevent moths and bugs.
- Put a dryer sheet inside your packaged sheet sets to keep them smelling clean.
- Toss a few lavender sachet bags or scented soaps in your linen boxes so they maintain that soft, just-washed smell.
11. Use MakeSpace to store the linens you can’t.
For all those off-season quilts or duvet covers that are too tricky to store, use MakeSpace.
All you have to do is schedule a pickup and pack your stuff. We’ll pick up everything from your home and transport it to our secure, temperature-controlled storage facility (which means no chance of mildew or moths).
And when the weather changes and you suddenly need the cozy knit throw your Grandma made you? Just browse the convenient online photo catalog of your stuff and click a button to get it back in no time.
12. Tiered Linen Storage Baskets
Imagine entering your linen closet and being greeted by beautifully tiered baskets, each labeled for easy access. These baskets can be arranged on shelves, with the most frequently used items, like towels and bed sheets, at eye level. The key is to roll the linens tightly, maximizing space while giving your closet a clean, organized look. Choosing baskets crafted from natural materials such as wicker or bamboo will bring your space an elegant and sophisticated touch.
13. Over-the-Door Hanging Organizer
An over-the-door hanging organizer is a game-changer if you need more space. Picture a sleek fabric organizer with multiple pockets, each housing a different type of linen—washcloths, pillowcases, hand towels, and more. The best part? It’s easy to install and keeps your linens accessible without wasting valuable shelf space. Opt for a neutral color that enhances your decor for a polished and harmonious aesthetic.
14. Labeled Linen Cubes
Linen cubes are practical and add a modern touch to your storage solutions. These cubes can be placed on shelves or in closet cubbies, each labeled for items like guest towels, duvet covers, or seasonal linens. Imagine the delightful feeling of effortlessly retrieving a labeled cube and discovering precisely what you need, neatly folded and ready for immediate use. Linen cubes are also great for keeping items dust-free and organized.
15. Vintage Linen Chest
Are you looking to add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your space? A vintage chest makes for the perfect linen storage solution. Picture a beautifully restored wooden chest at the foot of your bed, its lid lifting to reveal stacks of carefully folded linens. This adds a unique piece of furniture to your room and is a spacious storage option for blankets, quilts, and bed sheets. The chest can also double as a seating area or a display for decorative items, making it both functional and stylish.
16. Color-Coded Linen Shelves
Bring a splash of color to your linen organization with color-coded shelves. Imagine each shelf in your linen closet dedicated to a specific color or type of linen—white for bed sheets, blue for towels, and gray for guest linens. This method keeps your linens organized and adds a visual appeal whenever you open the closet. By folding and stacking linens neatly, you’ll create a rainbow of organization that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is functional.
Organizing Essentials: Must-Have Tools for a Perfectly Arranged Linen Closet
To achieve and maintain a well-organized linen closet, these essentials are fundamental:
- Shelf Dividers: These handy tools help keep stacks of towels and sheets upright and separated. By preventing items from toppling over, they maintain neatness and make it easy to grab what you need without disturbing the rest.
- Label Makers: Labeling shelves, bins, and compartments ensure everything has a designated spot. This helps you maintain order and guides others in your household to keep things tidy.
- Storage Baskets: Baskets are versatile and can store various items. Opt for baskets with handles for easy access, and consider using clear or wire baskets to identify contents quickly.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Vacuum-sealed bags are a space-saving marvel for storing out-of-season items like heavy blankets or comforters. They compress bulky items, freeing up valuable shelf space for other essentials.
- Fragrant Sachets or Liners: Keep your linens smelling fresh by placing fragrant sachets or liners in your closet. These small additions add a pleasant scent and help keep moths and other pests at bay.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Linen Closet in Top Shape
Maintaining an organized linen closet doesn’t require a lot of effort, but it does need a little attention from time to time. Here are some straightforward tips to ensure your linen closet stays tidy and functional:
- Regularly Rotate Linens: To prevent certain linens from wearing out faster than others, make it a habit to rotate your linens. Place freshly laundered items at the bottom of the stack and move older ones to the top. This ensures that all your linens get equal use and wear, prolonging their lifespan.
- Seasonal Refreshes: At the start of each season, take some time to reassess your linen closet. Remove any items that are no longer needed for the upcoming season, and store them in vacuum-sealed bags or a separate storage area. This keeps your closet clutter-free and ready for the season ahead.
- Declutter Periodically: Every few months, go through your linen closet and remove any items that are worn out, stained, or no longer in use. Donate or recycle linens that are still in good condition but no longer serve your needs. Keeping only what you truly use and love helps maintain order.
- Dust and Clean: Don’t forget that your linen closet needs a little cleaning, too. Wipe down shelves and drawers to remove dust, and launder any linens that have been sitting for a while. Consider using a natural cleaning solution to keep your closet fresh and free from allergens.
- Revisit the Organization: As your needs change, so should your linen closet. Periodically reassess your organization system to ensure it still works for you. If you find that certain items are hard to reach or your closet is becoming cluttered, it might be time to adjust your setup, whether by adding more shelves, bins, or dividers.
Maximize Your Space—Get Started with Our Storage Services Today
Conclusion
An organized linen closet is more than just a neat space—it’s a source of daily convenience, peace of mind, and even a touch of luxury in your home. By investing a little time and effort into organizing and maintaining your linen closet, you’re setting yourself up for smoother routines, longer-lasting linens, and a home that feels more put-together.
So, take the time to design and maintain a linen closet that reflects your needs and style. With the right structure, essentials, and a few simple maintenance habits, your linen closet can become a model of organization and efficiency that you’ll appreciate every single day.
FAQs for Small Linen Closet Organization Ideas
How frequently should I tidy and reorganize my linen closet?
Answer: It’s a good idea to tidy and reorganize your linen closet every six months. This helps ensure that everything stays fresh, organized, and easy to find. Regularly sorting through your linens also gives you a chance to declutter and remove any items that are no longer in good condition.
What’s the ideal method for storing delicate linens?
Answer: To preserve delicate linens, such as fine tablecloths or heirloom pieces, store them in breathable cotton or muslin bags. Avoid plastic containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to damage. Fold them gently, with acid-free tissue paper between layers to prevent creases and ensure longevity.
How can I prevent musty odors in my stored linens?
Answer: Keep your linens smelling fresh by ensuring they are completely dry before storing them. Use natural deodorizers like sachets filled with lavender or cedar blocks to absorb moisture and impart a pleasant scent. Also, consider airing out your linens periodically to prevent mustiness.
What’s the best way to organize a small linen closet for maximum storage?
Answer: To maximize storage in a small linen closet, use space-saving tools like tiered baskets, hanging organizers, and shelf dividers. Roll your linens instead of folding them to save space, and store bulkier items like comforters on higher shelves. Utilize the back of the door with hooks or a hanging rack for added organization.
How can I make my linen closet visually appealing and functional?
Answer: Create a visually appealing linen closet by using matching storage bins or baskets, labeling each for easy access. Keep items together and arrange them by color or size for a tidy, cohesive look. Incorporating shelf liners or decorative baskets can also add a touch of style to your organization efforts.
This article was written by Paige Smith, a freelance writer from Orange County, California who specializes in lifestyle, wellness, and travel topics.
Related Articles
Clutter is more than just storage.
To find out how you can declutter in your life, talk to one of our space experts. We’ll get you started with the right storage plan for you.