Do you need a linen closet?

When designing and organizing your home, you may be wondering if you really need a designated linen closet. Linen closets provide storage specifically for linens, towels, sheets, blankets and other bedding. While they are common in many homes, not every home needs one. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a linen closet should be part of your home’s floor plan.

What would you use a linen closet for?

The main purpose of a linen closet is to store linens, towels and bedding. Here are some of the items you may want to store in a linen closet:

  • Bed sheets
  • Blankets
  • Comforters
  • Duvet covers
  • Pillowcases
  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shower curtains and liners
  • Mattress pads and toppers
  • Tablecloths
  • Napkins

A linen closet provides a central, convenient location to store these essential household textiles while keeping them clean, dust-free and organized. Without a designated closet, these items may get crammed into cabinets and drawers throughout the house.

What are the benefits of having a linen closet?

Here are some of the key benefits that a linen closet provides:

  • Convenience: You’ll have all your linens and towels organized together in one location that is quick and easy to access.
  • Organization: Linens can be neatly folded and stacked on shelves, making it easy to find what you need.
  • Storage: A closet provides ample, dedicated space to store bulky bedding.
  • Tidiness: Linens will be tucked out of sight instead of cluttering up cabinets and other areas.
  • Accessibility: Shelves and cabinets make it easy for all household members to get linens.
  • Efficiency: You won’t have to go searching throughout the house to find a certain sheet or towel.

What are the downsides of not having a linen closet?

If you don’t have a designated spot for your household linens and towels, it can lead to some headaches. Here are some potential downsides:

  • No central, convenient place to store all linens.
  • Bedding and towels crammed haphazardly into cabinets and drawers throughout the home.
  • Difficulty finding certain items when you need them.
  • Wasted time searching the house trying to locate a specific sheet or towel.
  • Linens become wrinkled or dirty when not properly stored.
  • Clutter throughout the home as linens spread out into closets, bedrooms, laundry room, etc.
  • Towels being damp or musty from lack of proper ventilation.

What size linen closet do you need?

If you decide a linen closet would be useful, the next question is what size you will need. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Household size: The more people in your home, the more towels and linens you’ll use. Plan for at least 2-3 towels per person.
  • Number of beds/bathrooms: More bedrooms and bathrooms means more sheets and towels to store.
  • Linens you own: Take inventory of all your existing sheets, towels and bedding that will need a home.
  • Future storage needs: Will your linen needs grow in the future as your family expands?
  • Available space: A rough estimate is 24″ depth x 36″ width for a basic 4-person household linen closet.

Also consider the type of shelving you want in your closet. Deep shelves around 18-24 inches work well for neatly folding sheets and stacking towels. Shallow shelves can store smaller items like washcloths. Consider the height of the closet as well. Taller is typically better to have space available to grow into.

Where should you put a linen closet?

When deciding where to locate your linen closet, here are some ideal spots to consider:

  • Near bathroom(s) for easy access to towels.
  • Close to bedrooms for quick sheet/blanket storage and changes.
  • Next to the laundry room or utility room if possible.
  • Central area of the home like a hallway for convenient access.
  • Away from direct sunlight that could fade linens.
  • Away from heat sources like appliances that may damage items.
  • Near HVAC system to circulate fresh air through closet.

Take note of any wasted spaces in your floor plan that have the right dimensions and location for a linen closet. Using an existing nook or IKEA’s flexible closet systems are other options if you lack a dedicated space.

Do you have to sacrifice closet space?

A common concern is losing existing closet space to make room for a linen closet. But there are ways to add linen storage without major renovations or stealing space from clothes closets:

  • Repurpose a coat closet near bathrooms.
  • Use closet organizational systems to maximize existing closet space.
  • Utilize a tall cabinet or large armoire.
  • Add a freestanding closet unit in a hallway, laundry room or open area.
  • Look for unused nooks and crannies that could house a narrow linen closet.

If you’re remodeling or building a new home, consider adding a dedicated linen closet to the plans. But even in an existing home, creative storage solutions can often carve out a space for linens without significant renovations or losing hanging space for clothes.

Do you have alternate linen storage options?

While a linen closet is ideal, it’s not the only way to organize and store these household textiles. If you simply don’t have room for a closet, here are some other approaches:

  • Shelving unit: A tall bookshelf or shelving unit in a laundry room or hallway can neatly store folded linens.
  • Under bed storage: Use storage bins that slide under beds to store off-season bedding.
  • Armoire: An armoire or wardrobe can be repurposed to store linens if closet space is limited.
  • Cabinets: Designate a bathroom vanity or kitchen cabinet just for linens.
  • Basket system: Use decorative baskets or bins to corral linens in closets.
  • Wall racks: Mounted wall racks or ladder shelves work for folding towels and displaying linens.

If you get creative with your storage furniture and containers, you can keep linens organized even without a linen closet. But be wary of cramming linens into cabinets and drawers throughout the house, as this leads to clutter and difficulty finding items when you need them.

Should you convert an existing closet?

If your home lacks a good spot for adding a linen closet, converting an existing closet over to linen storage is an option. Here are a few things to consider if going this route:

  • Choose a closet near bedrooms/bathrooms for convenience.
  • Avoid taking over your primary clothes closet.
  • Pick a smaller closet that doesn’t get used much.
  • Make sure the closet is deep enough for shelves.
  • Add a closet system or replace with linen closet shelving.
  • Use breathable cabinets or open shelves to prevent mustiness.

Coat closets near main bathrooms are prime candidates for conversion to linen closets. Just be sure you won’t displace coats and clothing that need hanging space elsewhere in your home. Having enough room for hanging clothes should take priority over linen storage.

What kind of shelving should you use?

The type of shelving you choose for your linen closet can impact both its storage capacity and functionality. Here are some shelving options:

  • Fixed shelves: Permanent wooden shelves offer robust storage but lack flexibility.
  • Adjustable shelves: Shelves that can change heights provide customizable storage.
  • Wire shelving: Open wire shelves increase ventilation and visibility.
  • Linen closet systems: Modular systems like ClosetMaid allow you to fully customize your closet’s layout.
  • Drawers: Drawers provide enclosed storage for items like undergarments.
  • Hanging rods: Consider including a hanging rod for clothes storage.

Deep shelves around 18-24 inches work well for neatly folding sheets, blankets and towels. Make sure shelves are sturdy enough to handle the weight of dense linens. Breathable wire shelving prevents mustiness. Having some adjustable shelves provides flexibility as your needs change over time.

Should you have doors or leave it open?

Linen closets can either have doors or be open shelving. Here are factors to consider:

  • Doors hide clutter: Closed doors conceal messy piles of linens and create a tidier look.
  • Doors reduce dust: Enclosed storage prevents dust from settling on linens.
  • Open shelving allows ventilation: Important for drying towels and preventing musty smells.
  • Open makes accessing items easier: You can quickly grab towels and sheets without opening doors.
  • Doors provide noise reduction: If the closet shares a wall, doors reduce sound transmission.

In humid climates, ventilation should take priority so open shelving is ideal. If controlling dust is your main concern, doors help keep linens cleaner. Another option is to have some closed cabinets but mainly use open shelving for the majority of the space.

What finish and materials should you choose?

The finishes and materials you choose for your linen closet will impact both aesthetics and functionality:

  • Wire mesh is great for breathability and allows you to easily see contents.
  • Natural wood offers a classic, warm look and withstands moisture.
  • White melamine is stain-resistant, affordable and looks bright.
  • Sturdy metal stands up well to heavy use and humidity.
  • Moisture-resistant finishes like satin nickel hardware and vinyl shelves resist corrosion.

Make sure any painted finishes are formulated for high humidity areas. Choose storage baskets and accessories in cotton, canvas or other natural fibers that won’t trap moisture. Having adequate ventilation to allow air circulation is key to prevent mildew and mustiness.

Should you add special features?

Beyond basic shelving, you may want to incorporate some special features that enhance your linen closet’s utility:

  • Drawers to corral smaller items like undergarments, washcloths and towels.
  • Pull-out storage makes items in the back accessible.
  • Built-in hamper provides a spot to toss dirty towels and sheets.
  • Rod for hanging clothes lets you store garments if space allows.
  • Shelf dividers separate and organize categories of linens.
  • Lighting makes finding items easier.

Think about any issues you currently have accessing or organizing your linens and choose features to address those problems. Handy extras like drawer bases, pull-outs and lighting provide enhanced functionality.

What’s the best way to organize it?

An organized linen closet makes life much easier. Here are tips for optimizing your linen closet storage:

  • Categorize linens – separate towels, sheets, blankets, etc.
  • Fold sheets uniformly for tidy stacking.
  • Roll towels vertically and store upright.
  • Use shelf dividers to define sections.
  • Place frequently used items at eye/hand level.
  • Store out-of-season items up high or down low.
  • Label shelves for easy identification.
  • Maximize vertical space with tall storage.
  • Add accessories like bins and baskets to corral items.

Also consider using closet organizer systems if you need a fully custom solution. Maintaining organization will make grabbing fresh towels, sheets and other linens a breeze.

Conclusion

Linen closets offer handy centralized storage for household linens and towels. Key benefits include convenience, organization and efficiency. But they require sacrificing space that could be used for clothes storage. Consider your home’s layout, storage needs and style preferences when deciding if adding a linen closet makes sense.

With some creative thinking, you can often carve out a linen closet without major renovations. Converting an existing coat closet near bathrooms is a prime option. Make sure to incorporate features like ventilated shelving and drawer storage for the most functional and organized space.

While handy, a linen closet is not absolutely essential. Alternative storage methods like shelving units, armoires and basket systems allow you to neatly store linens even without a dedicated closet. But be mindful of clutter and convenience if you scatter linens throughout your home.

Analyze your household’s linen storage needs, problem areas, and available space. This will help determine if a linen closet should be part of your floor plans. A well-organized linen closet can be a great asset in most homes. But given limited square footage, you’ll have to decide if the benefits outweigh the lost space for other uses.

Leave a Comment