Organizing linens & towels

Mrs MK sent me an e-mail and asked how I organize my clothes and linens. The clothes I'll show you at a later date, but I thought I'd show you where the linen and towels are stored in our home.

I'm a great believer in storing stuff where it's used the most. This means I've tried to incorporate at least a little storage space in each area where linen and towels are used.

Towels are stored on a narrow shelf in the upstairs bathroom (top photo). In the main mathroom there are also some shelves which besides towels also hold the bath mats, wash cloths and all lotions and potions. All our towels are white which makes storing/displaying them out in the open more pleasing to the eye. I also fold them nicely so they are pretty to look at :) 

This is the top part of the wardrobe in our bedroom. Here I keep our bed linen. As you can see there isn't a whole lot. Some is being washed, some on the beds and the rest, basically one set for each bed is in here. I've edited out all the rest, We don't need more. Oh, the bath mats for the upstairs bathrooms are in here too.

I have a tiny narrow broom closet in the kitchen. Besides from cleaning stuff and a few basic tools it's where I keep teatowels, rags and potholders.

Next to the dining table there is a wardrobe which I revamped into storage with shelves for dishes which aren't used daily. At the bottom I keep table cloths, napkins and the prettier inherited teatowels with embroidery. The middle pile is of towels which we use for the cats. The kitty flap is in the livingroom closeby and I put a towel on top of the sisal mat on the inside. When Mini and Bonus get in from outside with wet paws they land on the towel.

That's basically it. Mrs. MK, I think the clue to storing these things in a small house is to first edit so there isn't so much to store in the first place and then try to find those small spots in your home where the items are actually used. They can also look pretty on simple open shelving if they're nicely folded and somewhat consistent in color. It works for me anyway.

Comments

[Mrs. MK]

Thank you so much!!! Wonderful ideas! I love the first photo....

[Niesz Vintage Home]

Wonderful storage tips!
I'm in a small house, too, and have to wisely use all available space.
I love the all white towels! It helps in keeping a clean and uncluttered look.

Kimberly :)

[Deb]

It is all beautifully organized. Thank you for sharing your ideas -- especially about editing out what is not absolutely needed.
I am newly enjoying your lovely blog!
Deb

[Kristie]

Who knew towels could be so pretty.

[Lindzi]

It looks so pretty with all the white. Gotta throw away my ugly linen and towels I feel...

[Barb (Australia)]

I love love love the white towels. How do you keep them so white? I find ours get less fresh looking over time and there is nothing worse than a off-white towel!

[Getting Organized!]

Thank you so much for these ideas! I just recently found your site and I'm already in love with it. :)

I absoultely love the last picture btw. I am a shabby chic freak and that is absolutely beautiful to me. :)