A neatly organized linen closet makeover features two shelving units with pull-out bins labeled for storage. The top shelf holds stacks of white towels, rolls of toilet paper, and toiletries. A potted plant is placed to the left of the open closet.
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Linen Closet Makeover Organization with IKEA Trofast

ByLisa
8 Comments

Today I am kicking off the first major project of the year with my linen closet organization. If you follow me on Instagram you already know I started the new year by tackling the upstairs hallway which is SO close to being complete. Spoiler, I took a que from the downstairs hallway and it’s going to be so good! Coming soon 😉 Along side this renovation, I addressed the long overdue linen closet organization with an IKEA Trofast hack. If you remember my coat closet makeover, this will feel familiar. But after years of frustration with this space, I set out to finally have an organized linen closet. Are you ready to check it out?

An organized linen closet makeover features labeled baskets and neatly stacked towels on shelves. Below, a storage unit contains clear bins with additional items. A small plant sits beside the storage unit. Text reads "Linen Closet Organization" with a website link.

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DIY Linen Closet Makeover

Luckily and unfortunately I have a sizable linen closet in the upstairs hallway. It’s great having extra storage, but it also allows me to accumulate way too many things and leads to a messy linen closet. To say this closet was long overdue for some serious organization and a good purge is an understatement. This is what it looked like before I got started. Mind you, this had previously gone through several failed attempts of organization.

A neatly organized linen closet makeover features shelves brimming with folded towels, bins, and cleaning supplies. An ironing board with a colorful cover hangs on the inside of the door. The carpeted floor complements the closet's light beige wall for a refreshed look.

Linen Closet Organization with IKEA Trofast

Let me first explain what was not working in here. The closet is 59’w x 18’d which is not a small closet and it is nice for extra storage. But a closer look reveals is is very difficult to keep the long shelves organized without some sort of divider. All the extra towels are always toppling over and creating an even bigger mess. Not to mention the extra sets of sheets are basically just shoved in here because folding fitted sheets is a skill they really should teach you in school #realadulting.

Secondly, the spacing between the shelves is too much. It requires a lot of stacking which means I was constantly playing the shuffle game to put things away and take items out. This presented a big obstacle. If organization is difficult to maintain, you simply will not do it. This was definitely the case with the linen closet. 

Another issue I wanted to address with this linen closet organization makeover was the swing of the door. It opened towards the guest room rather than the wall which blocked the entrance to the guest bedroom. This never made sense to me. There is an entire wall with no use but instead it seemed like a better idea to block a doorway? What?! Time to fix that!  

A linen closet makeover reveals a neatly organized shelving unit. Towels and linens are stacked on the shelves, alongside plastic bins labeled for storage. An ironing board hangs on the inside of the door, while various cleaning supplies rest tidily on the floor.

The first thing I did was take everything out. Literally everything, including the carpet. Because this linen closet is part of a bigger project, it was not only getting an organization makeover but an aesthetic makeover as well with new flooring. I also decided the placement of the shelves on the back of the closet needed an adjustment. They were just too far apart and too hard to maintain, so those came out too.

An empty linen closet with partially painted walls showcases a gray paint swatch over an off-white backdrop. The door stands open, hinting at a makeover in progress, while a black drop cloth neatly covers the floor.

With everything out of the closet, I started by patching the holes in the back wall and the sides. Then the entire linen closet got a fresh coat of paint with some extra Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray from the fireplace paint debacle and the shelves got a fresh coat of white paint as well. Once everything was painted, the linen closet shelves went back in, but I spaced them a little differently this time and only used three rather than five.

An empty closet with four white shelves, perfect for a linen closet makeover, stands against a two-tone wall with dark upper and light lower sections. The white door complements the space as it rests on a dark hardwood floor.

Then there was a trip to IKEA. If you are new around here, I kind of have a thing for IKEA. They have so many affordable items that can be transformed and repurposed to fit your needs. And wouldn’t you know it, IKEA came to the rescue once again for the linen closet organization with the Trofast.

A small, open linen closet features an elegant makeover with white shelves on both sides. The left boasts four wide shelves, while the right is accented by a sleek black sliding door. The empty space is completed by a warm, wooden floor beneath.

The bottom of the linen closet was a constant problem before. Little things were haphazardly stacked all over the floor and I always had to dig things out to find them. It was definitely lacking organization but not because I didn’t try. The layout of the entire closet simply did not make sense.

The Trofast units allowed me to add drawers and keep like items separated while having ample storage space. One of the biggest obstacles I had in this hall linen closet was storage for smaller items. I buy a lot of toiletries in bulk, like contact solution, cotton balls, lotion, toothpaste, etc. and the Trofast was a great way to keep those extra toiletries organized while within easy reach. I even made some cute labels so no one would have to ask where something was. 

A white storage unit stands proudly, a result of a recent linen closet makeover. It features five labeled plastic drawers: "first aid," "sunscreen," "teeth," "eyes," and "extras." Through the translucent fronts, some essentials peek out, ready to serve.

The new shelves were arranged to accommodate the new storage bins I snagged from IKEA. These Drona bins are much larger than the bins I was previously using from the dollar store and allow more storage for things like extra sheets and extra blankets. I added these clip on label holders to make things easier to find. You can easily swap out the labels or clip them onto something else. 

The size of these new baskets has made a huge difference in here! I can fit multiple sheet sets in one bin while still allowing easy access. Each bin has different sizes of sheets and less frequently used items are on the top shelf. I used to have to dig for the right bed sheets on a regular basis and usually left a pile of chaos in my wake, but not anymore! 

Experience the ultimate linen closet makeover with neatly organized shelves featuring labeled black and white patterned storage bins. Towels are stacked meticulously, and tissues rest in elegant boxes. Drawers hold a spectrum of washcloths, all arranged with precision for a flawless tidy look.

Below the second shelf I have room for extra bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths. I also made the switch to all white towels so they are all the same. I had so many random sets that were never used and decided it was time to donate them. Plus white sheets and towels can be bleached. 

On top of the Trofast units I had a little bit of extra space for extra toilet paper and tissues. I normally keep most of this in the basement but it is nice to have a little extra in the upstairs linen closet so I don’t have to go downstairs every time I run out. 

The labels also make everything super easy to find and ensure everything is put back in its place, or at least that is my hope. 

During a linen closet makeover, labeled black clips displayed on a white surface make organizing linens effortless. The labels read: king sheets, blankets, duvet covers, bed skirts/table cloths, travel pillows, and queen sheets.

The linen closet also got some new trim and a new door with a proper swing! After nine years with our old 1970s doors, it was time for an upgrade. I painted the new doors Sherwin Williams Iron Ore which I also used in the family room and on the exterior.

A neatly organized closet with black doors showcases a stunning linen closet makeover. Fabric bins line the top shelves, with stacks of folded towels in the middle. Clear, labeled plastic drawers rest at the bottom. Nearby, a potted plant perches on a stool, adding a fresh touch.

The linen closet organization turned out even better than I imagined and it is a much more functional space now! It feels so fresh and clean and maybe even Barry will be able to remember where things go with all the labels now 🙂 

Shelves neatly stocked with rolled white towels, a basket of hand towels, toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes, and black-and-white patterned storage bins on the top shelf showcase the results of a stunning linen closet makeover.

Split image showcasing a linen closet makeover. Top: Cluttered space overflowing with assorted towels and items. Bottom: Transformed, organized closet with neatly folded towels, labeled bins, and decorative storage boxes. Arrows and "Before" and "After" text highlight the stunning change.

The rest of the hallway is also now complete! So much has happened up here and it has really made a big impact! What was once a tired, dated, and empty space is now modern and inviting, even if it is just a hallway. Make sure you check it out and follow along in my Instagram stories to see all the behind the scenes!

A neatly organized linen closet makeover reveals rolled and stacked white towels on top. Below, a row of toilet paper sits above white drawers labeled for travel items, first aid, and sunscreen. Everything is orderly and accessible.

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Experience a stunning linen closet makeover with shelves of neatly stacked towels, chic black and white patterned baskets, and labeled plastic drawers. A green potted plant adds a fresh touch against the rich dark wooden floor, completing this organized haven.

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A neatly organized linen closet makeover showcases stacked gray and white patterned towels on top shelves. The middle shelves hold folded white towels and rolls, while labeled storage bins sit below. A small plant adds a touch of greenery beside the open closet door.

This post, Linen Closet Organization with IKEA Trofast, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

8 Comments

    1. Haha! Honestly, I didn’t even think of using dental. Teeth and eyes were the first words that came to mind so I went with it 🙂

      Reply

  2. What color is the door and surrounding area? I saw you used the Dorian Grey for inside the closet.
    Also, I see only four towels. Where do you keep the rest? Do the storage bins hold more?
    I have many towels but I do not use the closet for extra TP or anything. Just sheets and towels. The problem I have is that someone will want the fourth towel down, not the top towel and mess them all up! It’s incredibly frustrating!

    Reply

    1. I used Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. Haha! There are actually six big towels on the shelf but I do have more than that under the sink in each bathroom too. If all the towels are the same no one can be picky and if the shelves are closer together you can’t stack as many which definitely helps 😉

      Reply

    1. Travel, toiletries, and extras. I buy a lot of things in bulk and we travel a lot and have travel bags and mini sizes of items.

      Reply

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