How To Store Linens Without A Closet

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

Proper storage makes all the difference in how your home looks, feels, and functions. If you don’t have a place for everything, clutter takes over, leading to stress and frustration. Blankets, sheets, towels, and similar items tend to accumulate, which means adequate storage is essential. Many homes feature linen closets for this very purpose, but how do you store linens without a closet?

Keep blankets in a pretty trunk, storage ottoman, or bench. Hang towels on a DIY ladder shelf or roll them up in a decorative basket. Stack folded linens on an open bookcase or inside cubby cubes. Other options for storing linens without a closet are over-the-toilet organizers, under your bed, various furniture pieces, or in your bedroom closet.

The number of items and the available space determine the best way to store your linens. You also should consider your style. Do you prefer things hidden or like them out in the open for easy access? No matter your preference, you’re sure to find the answer in this list of linen storage options.

1. Store Linens On A Ladder Rack

You can purchase ladder-style racks or even create a DIY version with an actual ladder. These pieces come in a variety of styles, allowing you to hang towels, blankets, and other linens over the individual rungs.

Place one in the corner of your bedroom for blankets and quilts. Use one in the bathroom for towels. This look goes especially well with the farmhouse aesthetic or shabby chic vibe. However, you can also find more modern versions that work well with a more industrial or urban look.

2. Use A Bookcase

Reimagining a bookcase as linen storage provides you with all sorts of options. You can simply fold or roll towels and other items and place them on the shelves.

Or, if you prefer to keep things hidden, tuck them away in pretty bins or baskets that fit on the shelves. Space the containers out and mix in a few decorative accessories to create a lovely display piece.

Another option is to use a tension rod and pretty fabric to create a curtain front for the bookcase. This quick and easy hack turns the entire unit into a freestanding closet of sorts.

3. Decorative Baskets

Baskets are a popular way to store all sorts of items. Pile extra blankets into a decorative basket in your bedroom or living room. Roll towels and place them in a basket near your tub or shower.

It’s up to you whether you want to hide away your linens or not. Select open baskets for quick access, or choose styles with lids for a more streamlined appearance.

You can also select smaller baskets that will hold things like kitchen towels, hand towels, or washcloths. Place these smaller baskets on a shelf in the room where you use them the most.

4. Storage Ottomans Or Benches

If your home lacks closet space, double-duty furniture is a lifesaver. Storage ottomans and benches provide seating and storage, making them a win-win.

A cushy bench at the foot of your bed is ideal for holding extra sheets and blankets. A plush storage ottoman is perfect for guest bedding or throw blankets. Use a storage bench in your bathroom for towels and to give the space a spa-like feel.

5. Try An Over-The-Toilet Organizer

A small bathroom with limited storage options can really benefit from an over-the-toilet organizer. These systems don’t take up any additional floor space yet allow you to store a variety of items. Whether you choose one with open shelves or a closed cabinet, it’s perfect for stowing small towels and toiletry items.

6. Hang Shelves Over Door Frames

An often overlooked storage opportunity is the space above your door frame. However, this little bit of wall space is an excellent spot for mounting a shelf. It stays out of sight but provides extra room for essentials.

Place a couple of decorative baskets or containers on the shelf to hold spare towels or bedding. Use this trick in the rooms you need these items. For example, a shelf above your bathroom door holds towels, while one in the guest bedroom holds extra sheets.

7. Utilize Under-The-Bed Storage

A classic spot for extra storage is under the bed. If you have room to spare under there, get a few under-the-bed containers or baskets to hold your spare linens. Beneath the bed is an especially good place to store linens you don’t need often, like holiday items.

If your bed doesn’t have enough room below to fit containers, consider using bed risers. The risers give your bed a boost and free up a few additional inches so you can create much-needed storage space. If you’re in the market for a new bed, look for a bed with built-in storage.

8. Share Your Closet

If you don’t have a designated linen closet, is there any room you can carve out in your bedroom closet? Perhaps there’s an empty shelf in a spare closet you can assign to bedding or towel storage? To help keep bedding sets together, store them inside one of the pillowcases.

9. Use Cubby Shelves

Cubby-style shelves are another popular option for storage, featuring multiple cube-shaped storage containers. The cubes fit snugly into each square opening and hold all sorts of things.

It’s the perfect setup for linens. Devote separate cubes to specific items, including towels, sheet sets, and blankets. Since the cubes keep things hidden, you can place these shelves anywhere you need storage in disguise.

10. Get A Pretty Trunk

A beautiful steamer trunk is the perfect way to add a unique element to your design while adding storage space. It can serve as a seat at the foot of your bed or double as a coffee table in the den. Seek out a vintage piece in your favorite thrift shop and use it as-is or give it new life with some DIY tricks.

11. Use A Dresser Or Server

A chest of drawers, a dresser, or a server can also function as a place for linen storage. A small dresser in the bathroom can hold towels and other linens while also providing extra surface space for getting ready.

A chest of drawers in the guest bedroom holds spare blankets, sheet sets, and extra towels. A beautiful server in your dining room offers ideal storage for tablecloths, runners, linen napkins, and more.

12. Hang Linens On Hooks

Opt to turn your linens into display pieces by hanging them on decorative hooks. This option works for towels in the bathrooms, dishcloths in the kitchen, and even a smaller throw blanket in the guest room.

13. Over-The-Door Storage

An over-the-door rack with pockets or baskets is a good place for holding tightly rolled dishcloths, hand towels, and washcloths. These storage options come in all sorts of styles, so you can find one that works well with your overall design.

14. Get A Freestanding Closet

If you have the space for one, purchase a freestanding linen cabinet. You can also repurpose a wardrobe or armoire into linen storage by adding shelves. This is a great way to add storage and a unique design touch to your space.

No Linen Closet? No Problem

Just because you don’t have a linen closet doesn’t mean you can’t store your towels, sheets, and other items neatly. It’s all about thinking outside the box and using alternative options, whether a bookcase, storage ottoman, or basket.

Tuck extra blankets and bedding below your bed in containers. Roll towels and place them on a shelf above the bathroom door or hang them on a cute ladder display. Choose the storage option that works best for your lifestyle and embrace doing things a bit differently.

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Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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