One of the areas that can get out of hand in most homes is the linen closet.  Just like the junk drawer in the kitchen, the linen closet can become a catch-all for any and everything if not kept in order.

As an admitted ‘over-organizer’, I can’t stand an unruly linen closet.  I want my closets  to be organized, functional and pretty.  To help me keep my linen closets in order I employ a handful of organization and design tricks and the end result is always a winner.

 

Rule #1  Group Like Objects Together

One of the easiest ways to keep you linen closet organized is by keeping like objects together.  Dedicate a shelf for bed lines and another for towels.  Storing items together will not only help you see what you have but the organization will be easier.

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Rule #2  Use Baskets and Containers to Hold Personal Items and Small Things

Baskets and containers are the best way to corral clutter and keep personal items and smaller bathroom essentials under control.  I like to use a mix of baskets, jars and plastic containers which adds to the style of my linen closets.

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Rule #3  Use Labels to Identify Items

Labels are a simple and easy way to help keep your linen closets organized.  Hang wood tags, office supply mailing labels or use file labels on the outside of each basket or bin to identify the contents.

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Rule #4  Make Your Linen Closet Functional

Your linen closet is a storage space first and can also be used to additional functionality.  I love this idea of using the lower part of a linen closet for a pull out laundry basket.  This is a DIY project that anyone can do.

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Rule #5  Don’t Be Afraid To Make It Pretty

So now that you have the organization part of your linen closet in check, it’s time to make it pretty.  Place decorative jars on the shelf to hold bath soaps and sales and transfer store bubble bath into pretty bottles with pour spouts.

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Keep you linen sets together by tying them with a ribbon (and notice the shelf label).

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Rule #6  Light It Up

Many linen closets don’t have lighting in them and a great way to enhance the look of the space as well as the function is to add touch lights to the back wall or under each shelf.

(a lazy susan is another creative way to store medicine and smaller bottles)

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Rule #7  Maximize The Space

Don’t think that the floor space in your linen closet is usable.  A fabric bin or wood crate with casters (another easy DIY) is a practical storage option for the floor area.

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Rule #8  Use the Door

To maximize the efficiency of your linen closet, make sure to use the space on the door for storage and organization.  Towel bars can be mounted to hold quilts and blankets or use the door to hold the ironing board and ironing supplies.

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So there you have it, 8 Simple Rules to Help you Organize and Style Your Linen Closet!

And for those of you without a linen closets, take note of these clever ideas…

The space under the stair is often easily accessible but goes unused.  Cut an opening into the wall, add shelves and a door and you’ve got a space-saving linen closet.

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And there’s always the idea of using a free-standing piece of furniture to hold linens and bathroom items.  In a larger bathroom space, an open bookcase works great or you could also use a amorie with doors for a less open look.

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