20 Clever Linen Closet Organization Ideas You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

Start by Decluttering

Before beginning any organizing project, it's vital to declutter your items first. This is the perfect opportunity to identify and remove space-wasting items, such as worn linens, duplicate items, and expired products.

Categorize Everything

To help you design an organized system, arrange the contents of your linen closet into categories.

"I always like to take everything out and put things into piles," says Alisha Firestone-White of Northwest Housekeeping in Salem, Oregon. Some categories might include bedding, towels, and assorted products like excess toiletries.

Work With What You Have

You don't need to spend a lot for matching storage bins to create a tidy space. Instead, search your home for under-utilized cubbies, boxes, and similar items.

"Almost any job I've ever been on, I can repurpose their storage containers," Firestone-White says.

Label Storage Containers

Opt for a simple set of identical storage bins and apply labels to each according to the categories you previously selected.

"Everyone has different preferences when it comes to organizing, but I would definitely label bins," Firestone-White says.

This linen closet design from Neat by Meg is as uncluttered, tidy, and cohesive as we've seen.

Consider Frequency of Use

As you reorganize your linen closet, don't just fold and stow. Consider which items you use the most and arrange your linens accordingly.

For instance, store frequently used towels and sheets in the closet's front or middle sections for easier access.

Add Vertical Dividers

Add vertical dividers to your linen closet shelves to create a more streamlined storage system. In this closet, organized by A Fresh Space, the stacks of white and gray towels look even cleaner when divided.

Add Shelf Liners

Protect your closet with shelf liners so spills and other messes are easier to clean. They can prevent bins and other containers from sliding around or tipping over easily. Not to mention, shelf liners can add a fun pop of color or texture as well.

Aim for Neutrals

Keep your color palette subdued for an easy way to avoid a chaotic closet. Stick with neutral tones, such as grays and whites. Natural materials like wicker and rattan complement the calming aesthetic.

Use Plastic Bins for Liquid Products

Get a set of clear plastic cubbies if you're worried about spills and stains from stored shampoo bottles and cough syrups. Not only will these make for easy clean-up should you experience a spill, but the clear exterior will make it easy to spot what you need quickly.

Invest in Quality Organizers

Invest in quality organizers to get the most organized linen closet possible. And sure, while it's possible, and in certain cases recommended, that you reuse storage containers to organize your linen closet, a specially designed organizer can be well worth the investment.

"Repurposing storage bins makes sense from a cost perspective, but in some circumstances, the right totes make better use of the space," Firestone-White says.

Sort and Stack Linens

Organize a large collection of blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels by type and then stack them accordingly. Arranging everything from hand towels to pillowcases in groups makes them easier to locate and your closet less susceptible to messes.

Consider Storing Sheets in Sets

Store complete sets of sheets and pillowcases together.

"I prefer to keep all sets together," Firestone-White says. "I like to fold it all into a pocket, with the pillowcase over the flat sheet and the fitted sheet wrapped around them."

You can easily grab a stack of sheets and avoid digging for it when guests arrive.

Arrange Pillows Vertically

Arrange pillows vertically instead of stacking them. This adds variety to your organization and prevents a tower of pillows from tipping over as you try to retrieve one.

Roll Fabrics

Roll your sheets, towels, and blankets to store them instead of stacking them. This is a quick and simple shift in habit to change the look of your linen closet for the better.

Limit Groups to Twos and Threes

Take this common tip from interior designers and group items in twos and threes, even in your linen closet. As you group linens, aim to sort everything into small sets, such as three rolled towels and two stacked pillows.

Alternate Storage Solutions

Consider attractive storage solutions for organizing any closet, like woven and wicker baskets.

"Sometimes I like to make a pattern, alternating with different colored containers or arranging each shelf with a specific bin color or style," Firestone-White says.

Leave Breathing Room

When you begin reorganizing, make sure you're tossing or donating the items you don't use. Try incorporating some negative space in your design. Just because you have additional space in your linen closet doesn't mean you need to fill it.

Mix and Match

Play around with your closet organization. Some homeowners may prefer a minimal design with matching bins and labels. For others, stacks of mismatched towels and sheets may be more appealing.

"Every homeowner has a different preference," Firestone-White says. "Personally, I like to mix up colors for fun."

Experiment with options to find the solution that best fits your taste.

Incorporate Decor

Beautify your closet aesthetic with hardcover books, porcelain bowls, or decorative shelf liners. Linen closets can be short on space but don't have to be short on style. Find the sweet spot between pretty and practical.

Don't Overthink It

Creating and maintaining an organized linen closet doesn't have to be complicated. Permit yourself to utilize the above ideas that make the most sense for you and your space and do away with those that don't.