16 Small Linen Closet Organization Ideas

A neglected linen closet is more than an untidy eyesore. When guests come to visit, you may struggle to find matching sheets, dig for missing hand towels, or topple a tower of blankets in search of the softest pillow. And if you're working with a smaller linen closet, you have all the more reason to tidy up. Incorporating details like labeled storage baskets and decorative vases and books will make your closet more functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Save yourself the stress, and the mess, by using the simple tips listed below to organize your linen closet.

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Alternate Storage Solutions

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Storage bins are essential for organizing any closet, but they don't have to be ugly. Consider some more attractive solutions, like woven and wicker baskets. This is an especially great option for skinny linen closets, since you can stack linens next to pretty bins and swap sides on each shelf for a clean look.
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Work With What You Have

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You don't need to spend a lot of money on matching storage bins to create a tidy space. Instead, search through your home for any under-utilized cubbies, boxes, and similar items. Store your linens in stacks and groups, keeping gaps between them, to create a clean, yet eclectic look.
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Incorporate Decor

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Small linen closets may be short on space, but they don't have to be short on style. Beautify your closet aesthetic with hard cover books and porcelain bowls. Find the sweet spot between pretty and practical.
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Label Everything

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For the ultimate tidy closet, opt for a simple set of identical storage bins and labels. This linen closet design from Neat by Meg is as uncluttered and cohesive as they come.

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Roll Fabrics

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When it comes to organization, sometimes a simple shift in habit can make all the difference. Instead of stacking your sheets, towels, and blankets, try rolling them instead. This quick and easy trick will change the look of your linen closet for the better.
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Aim for Neutrals

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Another easy way to avoid a chaotic closet is to keep your color palette subdued. Stick with neutral tones, such as grays and whites. Natural materials like wicker and rattan will complement the calming aesthetic.
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Sort and Stack Linens

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If you have a large collection of blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels, organize them by type and then stack accordingly. Arranging everything from hand towels to pillow cases in groups will make them easier to locate and will make your closet less susceptible to messes.
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Consider Frequency of Use

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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, you can store frequently used towels and sheets in the front, middle section of your closet, making them easier to access.

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Leave Breathing Room

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

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If you have complete sets of sheets and pillowcases to store, keep them together. When a guest arrives, you can grab a stack of sheets easily and avoid digging for what you need. If you'd like, do the same with towels, arranging them in sets of face cloths, hand towels, and bath towels.
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Use Plastic Bins for Liquid Products

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Worried about spills and stains from stored shampoo bottles and cough syrups? You might benefit from a set of clear, plastic cubbies. 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.
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Add Vertical Dividers

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This tip will require a little more work, but adding some vertical dividers to your linen closet shelves can create a more streamlined storage system. In this closet, organized by A Fresh Space, the stacks of white and gray towels look even cleaner divided.

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Mix and Match

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Don't be afraid to 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. Play with options and opt for the solution that fits your taste best.
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Limit Groups to Twos and Threes

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A common tip among interior designers is to group items in twos and threes, and this rule can be applied to your organizational strategy as well. As you group linens, aim to sort everything in small sets, such as three rolled towels and two stacked pillows.
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Arrange Pillows Vertically

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Another simple tweak you can make to your storage system is to arrange pillows vertically instead of stacked. This will not only add some variety to your organization, but it will also prevent you from toppling a tower of pillows in your attempt to retrieve one.
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Don't Overthink It

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Creating and maintaining an organized linen closet doesn't have to be complicated. Simple tips like grouping items in sets or two or three and keeping a neutral color palette can help you tidy up and cut down on clutter. Give yourself permission to utilize the ideas that make the most sense for you and your space and do away with those that don't.