Every closet is different, and every household’s needs are unique, but our experts gave us a few guidelines for how to lay out a linen closet to keep it accessible and tidy.
Upper shelves
Linen closets often have a couple of extra feet of vertical space above the top shelf; Adams suggested using that space to store bulky, oversize bedding like extra pillows for the guest room, blankets, and off-season comforters. She keeps everything contained in a bag or bin, like the blanket bag we recommend. “That way I can utilize the vertical space, but I don’t have this pile of blankets threatening to fall over and hit me in the face.”
If removing oversize items from a top shelf is a hassle, stick to storing smaller items that you don’t need to access every day (like extra toothpaste and shampoo, or backup first aid supplies), said Johnson. She recommends clear bins for higher shelves so you can see what’s inside, even if the bin is also labeled.
Middle shelves
Laughinghouse recommended storing the sheets and towels you use the most at eye level, where they’re easiest to see and reach. It’s fine to use opaque bins here, such as the felt and Y-weave bins we recommend. “Most of the time [you can] just look right into [them] from the doorway,” Johnson said, and opaque bins will hide any unfolded linens stashed inside.
If your closet shelves are deep enough, Laughinghouse added that you can store seasonal sheets in their own container behind the sets you’re currently using, and rotate the bins throughout the year. Or, just move out-of-season linens to the next shelf up or down.
Johnson also suggested keeping first aid and health supplies that you need easy access to at eye level.
The floor
If you have floor space at the bottom of your linen closet, you can use it to hold heavier items that might not be stable on a shelf, less-used items like travel gear, or general cleaning supplies like trash bags and extra wipes. Laughinghouse also suggested keeping pet supplies here if you store them in the linen closet (this is where I keep spare bags of rabbit litter for my daughter’s two bunnies).
Laughinghouse noted that this is often another space in the closet with extra height, so she uses stackable bins here when possible to add some additional storage space.
The door
If your linen closet has a door that can support it, an over-the-door storage rack can add some bonus space. “That’s where I put cleaning supplies and soap,” Laughinghouse said. Both Laughinghouse and Johnson recommended the Elfa Utility Large Over the Door Rack. The baskets are adjustable to different heights, and they’re available in mesh or wire.
Top pick
We’ve recommended Elfa closet systems for years, and this over-the-door organizer can also maximize space in your linen closet.
