LINEN CLOSET STORAGE IDEAS

Let’s talk about linen closets today shall we? Specifically, linen closet storage ideas.

Ours is desperately in need of some love and attention when it comes to this. When I shared a look at our current hallway upstairs, I mentioned that we had quite a few incomplete projects. Well, our linen closet is one of them. We have a decent amount of storage space but it’s not being utilized well. I’m on the hunt for ways to store, corral, and contain everyday items easily, but visually appealing as well.

Linen closet storage ideas

I have BIG plans for our linen closet. On the OUTSIDE as well as on the INSIDE! More on the outside later, though. Today, I am talking about the inside and taking a look at ways to better organize and store ALL the things.

Soon after we moved in, we decided to replace the shelves in our existing linen closet. There were only a couple of shelves and they were pretty dingy and beat up. We added adjustable wire shelving to give us more storage and flexibility. It’s been adequate but I think we are ready for an upgrade.

In addition to finding practical and pretty storage solutions, I want to replace our wire shelves with wooden ones and give the space a bit of personality. I’ll share more on this when we start sourcing and putting the closet together. For now, let’s look at some of the ways to get organized!

Corralling items with storage baskets

Is there anything better than a well organized and visually pleasing linen closet? Ok, maybe a few things but this has got to be right up towards the top, no?

In our linen closet, we have a ton of things that need corralling. Cleaning supplies, extra toiletries like toothpaste and soap, and other household items. With wire shelving its hard to store these simply by setting them on the shelf. Things fall over or get stuck in between the openings in the wires if they’re small.

I’ve found baskets to be extremely helpful for storing and keeping items within reach. And while this isn’t a new concept, I do think there are some tweaks I can make to ours so this works even better for us.

Finding baskets that are the right size for the shelves and space is one. I have two baskets that are a great size but they don’t fill the space perfectly.

Also, when searching for baskets originally, I could only find two matching ones at the time that were budget-friendly. I ended up grabbing whatever else we had on hand around the house to supplement in the interim. I wasn’t looking to invest a ton of money and was willing to sacrifice the aesthetic for the time being.

When sourcing baskets for our closet remodel I’ll take into consideration the depth of the shelves and hold out for the right ones.

Taking stock of what we have and making a plan for what we need will help ensure I source the right product for our needs and the space we have. Creating a closet that is both functional and visually appealing!

Trays in the linen closet

I love the idea of baskets for storage in a linen closet. In some cases, though they can become like the junk drawer in your kitchen. A bottomless pit holding everything and anything. Making it hard to find what you’re looking for.

While looking through Pinterest for some inspiration I came across a few pins where people utilized shallow trays in their closets.

GENIUS! Why didn’t I think of that?!? I flippin’ LOVE trays!

They are one of the essential home decor items I think everyone needs in their home! They are perfect for corralling things together to give visual order while also allowing you to see and locate what you want easily.

I love how Kierste from Old Salt Farm used a low woven tray that matched the baskets in her linen closet to hold extra towels and a canister of toiletries. It’s a small, visual trick that gives order to the items on the shelf. Without it, they’d look random and a little lost in the space.

I also love how Cyndy from The Creative Exchange used a clear tray to corral and hold a bunch of smaller containers. Again, visually creating order and grouping like or related items together. Making it easy to quickly spot what you are looking for.

This storage hack is one I want to utilize in our closet as well. We have a few toiletries that tend to get lost in baskets. This would make it much easier for the hubby (and myself) to spot the replacement when we run out!

Clear storage containers

Solid baskets or bins are great for organizing random items that are visually “messy”. Such as hair styling tools with cords, small handheld steamers, etc. I like the idea of incorporating clear storage though for storing replacement toiletries.

Currently, in our closet backup toothpaste, face wash, and shampoo and conditioner are just tossed into a basket. Making it hard to easily see what’s on hand when needed. Replacements are forgotten or require some digging to locate. I love the idea of mixing in clear storage containers to remedy this.

Elevating the look of our storage solutions and creating a visually appealing closet is also a goal of mine with this design refresh. Incorporating clear storage would be one way to achieve this. It’s simple, streamlined, and when done right, very chic!

After our bathroom remodel, I scooped up a couple of clear acrylic trays for the countertop. They hold everyday items that get used frequently. Keeping them contained and the counter visually clutter-free. They are a favorite find and I’m already on the hunt for more!

Storage ideas for Towels and Sheets

One of the biggest challenges to achieving a visually appealing linen closet is towels and sheets. And while towels are less of a challenge, I haven’t quite figured out the best way to store sheets.

We have three beds in our house, all different sizes, and each one has at least 3 sets of sheets. Storing backups in the linen closet hasn’t been the easiest or most visually appealing.

While hunting on Pinterest for inspiration it seems there are basically 3 ways to store sheets. If you are a perfectionist and talented at folding fitted sheets into a perfect square, storing sheet sets on the shelf may work for you. (Trying saying that 3 times fast)

If you’re like me and can’t be bothered, storing sheets in a basket that visually gives the look of order may be for you.

If you’re part ninja, this next one may be for you! Learning how to correctly fold a fitted sheet looks easy but I’m sure takes some practice to get it right. Once you’ve mastered it, it should make storing sheet sets on the shelf achievable. Or, you can stack the fitted, flat, and any extra pillowcases inside one of the pillowcases to keep sets together. Creating a cute little package all ready to go when it’s time to change the sheets.

While I would love to master folding the perfect fitted sheet, storing sets by bed size in a basket may be the way to go for me personally. Ideally, I think it would be great to have deep drawers in our closet to stash away sheets. Maybe something I need to work in to the design!

Labels

Another great storage idea for linen closets that I don’t often think of is labels. Adding labels, especially to baskets, would make locating items so much easier and quicker.

Especially if storing sheet sets in baskets. Labeling each one by bed size makes it easy to find the set needed and clear when putting clean laundry away where they go. Because it’s just Mike and me, I don’t often think labels are necessary. However, Mike would probably appreciate some direction.

Also, if you buy cleaner in bulk and store in pretty, uniform containers, labeling is a must for your sanity!

Designing storage that is functional and pretty

As we work through our design plans for our upstairs hallway, our linen closet will be a big part of the project.

Creating a closet that functions well, is organized, AND stylish takes some research and planning. Taking the time to source the right storage solutions that meet our needs for the space will be key to achieving this. Allowing us to get the best use out of the space we have.

What are some of your favorite storage solutions for linen closets?