A linen closet is designed with a slim profile, which makes it easier to fit into limited spaces. Therefore, it's small and narrow. However, its vertical shape provides ample space to store household supplies, such as towels, sheets, bedding, and other necessities.
The standard dimensions of a linen closet are 12 to 24 inches deep, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 60 to 80 inches tall. It is important to understand the dimensions of the closet, as this helps increase storage capacity. This blog provides guidelines for determining the size of a linen closet that fits in hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms.
What is a Linen Closet?
A linen closet is a storage spot for bedding, sheets, towels, and other household items. It can be a closet, storage tower, or a collection of cabinets used to keep bed linens - sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bedspreads for easy accessibility. Furthermore, homeowners can also use it as a main storage to keep bath linens, such as bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, and kitchen linens, like tablecloths and cloth napkins, for regular use.
A Linen closet is different from the regular clothes closet because it's smaller and narrower. It usually measures 12 to 24 inches deep, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 60 to 80 inches high. It's designed to stack folded clothes, unlike a regular closet, which lets you hang clothes.
What Are the Different Sizes of a Standard Linen Closet?
A linen closet has the following standard size:
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Depth - 12 to 24 inches
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Width - 30 to 36 inches
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Height - 60 to 80 inches
The above dimensions provide plenty of room to add several shelves for stacking towels, bed linens, and other home essentials. It's tall enough to make use of vertical space, keeping everything organized and accessible. Besides the height, here are a few important measurements to keep in mind.
Things to Consider When Designing the Linen Closet
Shelf Spacing
Shelf spacing determines what fits effectively. For standard folded towels, a gap of 10 to 12 inches is usually ideal. However, if you want to store larger items, like comforters or bedding sets, it will probably require more space, 12 to 15 inches, so that the shelves don't get overcrowded.
Easy Reach
Keep the daily usable items at eye level so they are easy to grab when needed. This makes a linen closet user-friendly. For instance, if the closet is over 6 feet (72 inches) tall, install rarely used items at the very top shelf and keep a small step stool nearby to reach them.
Door Clearance
Before finalising the closet layout, make sure the door has enough room to open comfortably. Importantly, bifold doors are a better option than traditional hinged doors because they require less space to open, especially in a tight hallway or a small bathroom.
Organized Storage
To make the most of the available space, it's highly recommended to use pull-out baskets or bins. Also, label the baskets and bins to keep smaller items like washcloths and toiletries neatly organized and easy to find. In addition, take measurements of the inner closet before adding any storage or buying any bins. This helps you to accommodate any items without overcrowding the space.
Floor Space
Floor Space is often ignored by homeowners. However, it's the best place for bulky items such as thick blankets and pillows. Therefore, ensure to leave a major empty floor space to fit these items without any cram.
Common Types of Linen Storage
Each space has its own storage requirements. For example, a bathroom should have a towel closet or a linen cabinet, whereas the master bedroom closet should be designed differently. Understanding the following common types of linen storage helps you determine the perfect size for your linen closets.
Built-In Linen Closets
Built-in linen closets are often found in the hallways of most homes. This placement allows easy access to towels, sheets, and other household items. They can be customized with wood or wire closet shelving systems to accommodate the necessary needs of homeowners.
Linen Towers and Cabinets
Linen Towers and Cabinets are usually used to add storage to a bathroom or bedroom, enhancing comfort. They are among the best storage options for a built-in linen closet. Remember, these are furniture that stand on the floor and are hence convenient for keeping towels and washcloths, or soaps and toiletries, near a tub or sink. In the bedroom, they neatly keep the spare bedding. Importantly, they often feature soft-close hinged adjustable shelves.
Open Shelving
Open Shelving is a great option if you don't have linen storage in a bathroom. Wall mount and floating shelving are effective alternatives for storing towels and washcloths. However, they may not accommodate all the bath linens due to the limited space. Lastly, keep in mind that open shelving items can get dusty. However, they can be the best solution if installed items are being used daily.
