In 1661, Pieter de Hooch painted this grand classic image of a woman standing with her maid while she took clean linen from an ornate freestanding closet inlaid with ebony and "surmounted" by porcelain.
Well, the linen closet is still the place for function and storage. Yet, in our opinion, no place for a carpentry snob. After all, behind closed doors who's really going to care? Well, maybe, maybe not. Not every space demands grand, custom cabinetry, even in Hollywood.
Wire Shelving - The Quick Fix?
If you're looking for a quick fix to store your flannels, we'd suggest you go for metal or wire "ventilated" shelving. Wire shelving allows for proper air circulation to pass around your sheets, pillow cases, guest toiletries, extra blankets and towels. And with the right accessories, you can create a space both functional and beautiful (even if you are the only one enjoying it).
Closet Maid, Shulte Storage and Elfa handle wire shelving. You'll want to think about designing the space with L-shaped shelves, or U-shaped wrapping the closet. Keep the shelves minimally deep, no more than 18-inches. When fitted sheets fold up to 1 square foot, who wants a 2.5 foot deep shelf? You'll waste space. Also, if your space is smaller, and you're looking up close to view the contents, we'd suggest you do shop for wire shelves, you'll see through through the shelves and up into the contents above.
Accessories:
If you can't stay organized with these collapsible linen closet storage pieces from KangaRoom, there's something wrong.
If you do have wood shelves, you can dress them up with these brass labels from Paxton Hardware.
Who wouldn't love these Ballard Designs antique bronze hanging labels for your linen closet baskets. Crafted of metal with a slot for your own labels and a hole for a ribbon or twine hanger (not included).
There is something oddly interesting about these blanket bags. They're boxey and create a sense of order without fussing and folding. These from Collections Etc. don't seem too cheap, even though they're crafted from clear plastic and polyester.
What elements of a linen closet are important to you? Design? Function? Beauty? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.
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