How to Organize a Linen Closet Neatly When You’re Not a Fan of Folding

Baskets and pillowcases will be your BFFs.

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If you don’t know how to organize a linen closet, towels and sheets can easily get out of control, leaving you searching for the right pillowcases every single time. But trust us: Taking your space from catchall to stylishly serviceable is doable. Start by clearing out stuff you haven’t used in forever, like half-empty shampoo bottles and frayed hand towels and donating what you can. (Psst: We suggest sticking with two sets per bed to save space.) Then check out these tips from Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects, and Sho and Co owner and principal designer Shoshanna Shapiro, to carve out the most functional linen closet layout.

Stock your linen closet with these Domino-approved staples:

How to Organize a Linen Closet: Bath Towels

The Supplies

The Standard Way

Most of us have folded towels in stacks at one point or another. One thing to consider: You can do it in thirds the long way or in half twice, but either way, face the edges facing toward the back for an especially neat look.

The Expert Way

According to Shapiro, bath towels are best placed on a middle shelf for easy access. Kersey stacks rolled towels and stands them upright to save space, then uses dividers to create individual storage units. This allows you to pull a fresh towel off the top without worrying about the pile leaning into its neighbor. Dealing with minimal ledges spaced far apart? Adjustable shelves will be your new best friend. She also recommends a large basket for mismatched textiles or beach towels that aren’t for everyday use. 

How to Organize a Linen Closet: Bedsheets

The Supplies

The Standard Way

A fitted sheet, top sheet, and two pillowcases in a vertical stack is most typical, but we’ve seen it all, including laundry baskets filled with folded linens.

The Expert Way

Seasonal textiles can go in baskets on the tippy-top shelf and be rotated out as needed. If you’re like Shapiro and don’t want to fuss over folding sheets perfectly, simply stick good-enough sets inside their corresponding pillowcases, then stack them in twos and place them next to other bedding items like blankets for a quick grab-and-go system. Allow for an entire shelf or half depending on how many sets you own.

How to Organize a Linen Closet: Extra Duvet Covers or Comforters

The Supplies

The Standard Way

Folding and sliding your comforter into a top shelf space that can be reached with a step stool.

The Expert Way

To take up less real estate, fold your comforter into thirds width-wise, then roll it as tight as you can. Secure it with a piece of ribbon or cord and store it in a large basket or bin. Not planning on pulling it out for a while? Protect your seasonal bedding from moisture, dust, and bugs by securing it in a vacuum-sealed bag first.

How to Organize a Linen Closet: Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies, and Other Miscellany

The Supplies

  • Storage baskets in multiple sizes
  • Clip labels (we like these reusable ones)
  • Lazy Susan
  • Over-the-door organizer

The Standard Way

It’s common to categorize these items by use (you can’t have your face wash next to glass cleaner!) in separate plastic caddies or slide-out drawer organizers on one shelf.

The Expert Way

Leave the top and the bottom shelves for extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies, says Shapiro. For quick access, keep irons, cleaning products, wastebasket bags, and similar items on the floor beneath the last shelf in concealed baskets you can easily tote around. 

Kersey’s go-to label trick? Clip-ons that attach to the side of baskets for quick identification of what’s inside, like medicines, cleaning products, and backstock toiletries. Use every bit of empty space—even the door, says Shapiro. Over-the-door organizers can hold smaller items that don’t require much depth, like cotton swabs or fabric spray.