Linen Closet 101
A linen closet of any size can be such an asset to a home. We all have those spare sheet sets, towels, and blankets that are necessary, but difficult to store without a dedicated home. However, left to our own devices—without any organizational structure in place—linen closets can become messy, unkempt, and overwhelming. The door to the linen closet can easily earn the “do not open” designation.
Today, we have a few solutions for keeping your linens tidy and accessible for seasonal changes and guest visits. Follow these tips for a closet you’ll be happy to open, and maybe even show off!
1. Sort your bedding sets.
You might be tempted to categorize your bedding for aesthetic purposes—fitted sheets stacked, pillowcases piled neatly—but that isn’t very practical. Store the fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillow cases together by folding them and storing them inside one of the pillowcases. This will present a cohesive look without sacrificing ease of access.
2. Sort towels by set.
Washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels should be nested together as one happy family. As you sort them, remove any outliers or odd colors that no longer fit in with your decor. This is also a great time to look for holes or stains.
Image via: BrklynView 3. Use zippered storage bags for guest linens.
For those linens that you set aside for guests, store them in airtight bags to keep out pests and moisture and so you can grab them quickly if you’re in a pinch. Pro tip: we love including a little sachet of lavender inside the bag to keep even long-stored linens from smelling musty! We recommend these PEVA Blanket Bags from The Container Store:
4. Use bins for extras.
If you keep a few extra mismatched towels for cleaning or pillow cases for extra guests, baskets are a great place to store them without creating a linen rainbow in the middle of your organized closet. Keep them out of sight, but within reach. Baskets are also fabulous for blankets and pillows that are difficult to store on shelves.
Try this White Montauk Rectangular Basket for towels and sheets:
This belly basket is perfect for pillows and large blankets:
5. Be thoughtful about what you keep.
These items are what you sleep on and use after you shower—choose them carefully and treat them respectfully! Make sure your linen closet is a clean, dry place for your linens, blankets, and pillows. Check them regularly and re-launder them any time you find that they don’t feel or smell fresh. You will want them to be ready to go when you need them!
If you’re lucky enough to have a linen closet, try implementing these tips and turn a potential eyesore into an aesthetic timesaver!
The Aesthetic Organizer is a professional, personalized service that helps New York City residents organize their homes, simplify their lives and maximize their precious space. You deserve a beautiful, well-thought out home. Curated closets, organized bathrooms, cheerful children’s play areas and functionally spaced kitchens are only the beginning. Contact me here to experience the benefits that come with Aesthetic Organization.
