If you don’t know how to organize a linen closet, towels and sheets can easily get out of control, leaving you searching for the pillowcases every single time. But trust us: Taking your space from catchall to stylishly serviceable is doable. Start by clearing out stuff you don’t use like half-empty shampoo bottles and frayed hand towels then check out tips from Annie Kersey, the lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects, and Sho and Co owner and principal designer Shoshanna Shapiro, to carve out the most functional linen closet layout.
Stock your linen closet with these Domino-approved staples:
How to Organize a Linen Closet: Bath Towels
The Supplies
- Two clear or wire shelf dividers
- File dividers
- Large storage bin or basket with cover
…The Standard Way
Arranging neatly folded towels in stacks is straightforward and tidy that most of us have used at one point or another. Fold them in thirds the long way or in half twice with the edges facing towards the back for a simple, neat look.
…The Expert Way
According to Shapiro, bath towels are best placed on a middle shelf for easy access. Kersey stacks rolled towels and stands them upright to save space (face the edges to the back for the neatest look), then uses dividers to create individual storage units. This allows you to pull a fresh towel off the top without worrying about the pile leaning into its neighbor. She also recommends using a large basket for mismatched ones or beach towels that aren’t for everyday use.
Additionally, she offers a custom fix for linen closets with minimal shelves that are spaced far apart: adjustable shelves. Instead of feeling limited by a closet design, these accessories allow you to tailor your storage to fit specific needs.
How to Organize a Linen Closet: Bed Sheets
The Supplies
- Storage baskets the height of your shelf—go with one per every two sheet sets (we like this handwoven seagrass set)
…The Standard Way
We’ve seen it all, from laundry baskets with folded linens to closet shelves filled with bed sheets.
…The Expert Way
For starters, edit your linens down to two sets per bed to save space and donate the rest. Seasonal textiles can go in baskets on the tippy-top shelf and be rotated out as needed. If you’re like Shapiro and don’t want to fuss over folding sheets perfectly, simply stick good-enough sets inside their corresponding pillowcases then stack them in twos and place them next to other bedding items like blankets for a quick grab-and-go system. Allow for an entire shelf or half depending on how many sets you own.
How to Organize a Linen Closet: Extra Duvet Covers or Comforters
The Supplies
- Two-three large storage bins, depending on the number of duvets you plan to store (like these woven, iron-framed ones)
- A piece of decorative ribbon or cord
- Vacuum-sealed storage bag
…The Standard Way
Folding and sliding your comforter into a top shelf space that can be reached with a step stool is a fairly simple approach that most people take for stowing away larger pieces of bedding in between uses.
…The Expert Way
Fold your comforter into thirds width-wise, then roll it as tight as you can. Secure it with a piece of ribbon or cord and store it in a large basket or bin. Not planning on pulling it out for a while? Protect your seasonal bedding from moisture, dust, and bugs by securing it in a vacuum-sealed bag first.
How to Organize a Linen Closet: Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies, and Other Miscellany
The Supplies
- Storage baskets in multiple sizes
- Clip labels (we like these reusable ones)
- Lazy Susan
- Over-the-door organizer
…The Standard Way
It’s common to categorize these items by use then place them separately on a shelf (can’t have your face wash next to your glass cleaner). For items that are prone to spillage, place them in plastic caddies or drawer organizers with easy-to-access slide-out compartments.
…The Expert Way
Leave the top and the bottom shelves for extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies, says Shapiro. For easy access, keep irons, cleaning products, wastebasket bags, and other similar items on the floor beneath the last shelf in concealed, handled baskets you can easily tote around.
Kersey’s go-to? Clip-on labels that attach to the side of baskets for quick identification of what’s inside, like medicines, cleaning products, and backstock toiletries. Use every bit of space—even the door, says Shapiro. Over-the-door organizers can hold smaller items that don’t require much depth, like Q-tips or fabric sprays.
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