What’s a Linen Closet?
A linen closet can be any closet, storage tower or collection of cabinets that you use primarily for:
- Bed Linens: Sheets, pillowcases, blankets and bedspreads are the most common bed linens.
- Bath Linens: Bath towels, hand towels and washcloths need to be easily accessible for regular use.
- Table Linens: While you might store tablecloths and cloth napkins in a hutch in your dining area, you can keep them in a linen closet as well.
Linen closets are typically separate from the closets you use for clothing and outerwear and they’re usually smaller — linen closet depth is usually between 24 and 30 inches — since they don’t need to accommodate hanging clothes.
Types of Linen Closets and Storage
You might have a single linen closet for bed, bath and table linens. But you might also need additional storage — such as a bathroom towel closet or a linen cabinet — in each bathroom or in a primary bedroom closet for extra convenience. Here are the most common types of linen storage.
Built-In Linen Closets Allow Customization
Many homes have a built-in linen closet, often in a hallway. This central location makes it convenient for the whole family to find the towels, sheets, etc. they need. Customize a built-in linen closet to fit your needs:
- Wire closet shelves and accessories offer configuration options and allow good air flow.
- Full wire closet systems let you completely redesign a linen closet.
- Wood closet shelves and towers offer storage with a sophisticated look.
- Wood closet kits give built-in linen closets a custom feel.
Linen Towers and Cabinets Offer Extra Storage
Freestanding linen towers and cabinets let you add storage to a bathroom or bedroom for extra convenience. They make great storage add-ons or storage alternatives if you don’t have a built-in linen closet. They’re convenient for keeping towels and washcloths near a tub or sink and can also be useful for storing soaps and toiletries. In a bedroom they can keep blankets and spare sheets out of the way. Different heights and widths suit different room sizes and you can find a variety of cabinet and shelf configurations in assembled and ready-to-assemble options. Here are some features to consider:
- Decorative hardware boosts the look of your linen storage.
- Adjustable shelves let you configure shelf height to fit both small and bulky items.
- Soft-close hinges improve the feel and functionality of the cabinets.
Freestanding linen cabinets offer additional options, such as decorative door overlays and space-saving corner designs.
Shelves Provide Open Linen Storage
Shelving can also provide a solution for linen storage in a bathroom. While freestanding, wall-mount and floating shelves might not provide the space you need for all your bath linens, they’re add-on organization opportunities that keep towels and washcloths in easy reach. They also create a lighter, more open feel than cabinets and storage towers. However, items on open shelves accumulate dust, so they’re not the best solution for long-term linen storage.
Other Linen Storage Options
Other storage options work for overflow linen storage or for small spaces where closets and cabinets aren’t practical:
- Storage baskets and cube organizers provide easy sorting and easy access.
- Clothing organizers work for short- and long-term linen storage.
- Hanging organizers let you store linens in standard closets.
- Underbed and over-the-door storage solutions maximize unused space.
Linen Storage Tips
Whatever type of linen storage you choose, keep these tips in mind:
- If you run out of space in a linen closet or cabinet, consider the add-on options above. Don’t overpack your existing storage.
- Choose breathable storage bins and baskets to keep your linens fresh.
- Make sure your storage solutions protect linens from direct sunlight.
- If you’re concerned about linens picking up scents from soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, etc. purchase separate storage for those scented items.
- Find separate storage solutions for anything that could damage linens, such as bleach and harsh cleaners.
Need ideas for keeping a linen closet neat and easy to use? Take a look at our tips for organizing a linen closet.
Conclusion
Whether you want to organize a built-in linen closet or you need other linen storage options for bathrooms, bedrooms and more, find your solutions at Lowe’s. Shop Lowes.com for full closet organization systems, as well as baskets and bins to add attractive storage to a guest bathroom or bedroom. You can even find new bedroom and bathroom linens as well as dining room linens. And a Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s can show you our linen storage options and help you find the right solution for every space.