This linen closet makeover was one of these quick and easy DIY projects that instantly transform a space from an episode of “Hoarders” to a magazine worthy corner for “The Home Edit”. The custom wood shelving gave the small space not only a lot more storage space but also an elevated look and feel. All it took were some fresh paint, 4×8 plywood, 1×2 trim boards and a few hours of work. It brought me so much more joy and ease to organizing sheet sets, bath towels, and cleaning supplies. If you are ready for an organized linen closet and want to know how to make your own custom shelving, this blog post is for you.
The $3,000 price tag that led to this linen closet makeover
Back when we built our house, my husband and I were determined to save every penny possible (whether that is a good idea remains to be seen). Among all the savings(or sacrifices), the $3,000 closet service was the easiest one to make. We didn’t like the wire shelves the suppliers quoted us for and thought we could get better bang for the buck by customizing the shelves ourselves.
We moved into the new house with completely empty closets (talk about chaos!). In the first year, we slowly designed and finished each of the closets. In the bedrooms, pantry, mud room and then living room. This linen closet was the last one we tackled. For the longest time, it stored all kinds of blankets, sleeping bags and junk that we tried to hide before guests came over.
Then one new year’s eve, I decided it was time to get rid of the messy linen closet and give it a complete makeover. It made a HUGE difference in terms of functionality. The best part is this DIY cost under $100!
Materials and Tools
1×2 Trim Board as shelf cleats (other scrap wood of similar sizes would do too)
¾” thick 4’ x 8’ Birch Plywood (you can also use MDF or melamine shelves)
Birch Veneer and Top Coat for plywood shelves
Flathead screws (1 1/2″) and Drywall Anchors
DIY linen closet makeover
This is an easy project. Anyone can tackle this.
1. Map out stud and shelf locations.
First step, use painter’s tape to visualize where the shelves will go and adjust the spacing. I wanted to fit a laundry hamper under the bottom shelf, so I left 28” above the floor for the first shelf and kept the other shelves at 15” apart. Unfortunately, the stud was right in the middle. I had to add drywall anchors to both ends to support the shelves (step 5).
2. Measure the closet.
Measure the closet to determine the length and depth of the shelves.
3. Cut shelves and cleats to size.
You can have the 3/4″ plywood cut at the home improvement store, or do it at home with a circular saw (I don’t recommend using a jig saw like I did in this picture, it was hard to get straight edges). For each shelf, cut 3 cleats with a miter saw. One for the back wall, two for the sides.
4. Add edge banding (optional).
Apply edge banding to the plywood shelves. You only need to do that for the front of the shelves. This gives the shelves a more finished look. It’s also a good idea to apply sealer (e.g. polyurethane) to protect the surface.
5.1 Attach the cleats.
If your closet has studs in the right location, you can attach the cleats directly to the studs. If you don’t have studs where you need them, make sure to use drywall anchors.
Place a level on top of the 1×2, make sure it’s level and predrill into the wall from the front of the 1×2 cleat.
5.2 Attach the cleats.
Hammer in the wall anchors.
5.3 Attach the cleats.
Screw in the screw to the cleat ever so slightly, so a small tip of the screw comes out of the opposite side. Then use the tip of the screws to fit into the anchor opening, before fully fastening the screws.
6. Finishing touches.
Paint the cleats the same color as the wall, so they would blend in.
One thing to consider: If your shelves are long, to prevent sagging, consider adding a middle support that runs across the entire length of the shelf.
Linen closet organization tips
Right after I finished putting up the new shelves, I went online to find cute baskets and containers. Most of the storage bins and woven baskets have the perfect depth for a linen closet (less than 15 inches). It was a matter of figuring out the best way to organize everything to maximize the space.
Here are a few tips that I found extremely helpful:
- Use a hamper or large baskets at the bottom. Leave enough space at the bottom when designing the shelves, so you have easy access to oversize items.
- Clear containers (e.g. clear glass jars) are great for small items, such as detergent pods, cotton balls, or travel-size toothpastes or toiletries.
- Woven baskets or wire baskets are versatile for grouping cleaning supplies or white towels together. My woven baskets are from the Container Store. I love how they add warmth to the closet space.
- Place less commonly used items on the top shelf. I like to put seasonal pillows or extra sheets there, so I don’t need to reach high very often.
- Utilize the back of the door for more storage. Add a door organizer, an over-the-door hanger or an ironing board. They are hidden behind closed doors, but allow you the flexibility to gain extra space.
These are just a few small changes to turn an empty space into a functional space. If you have a good system for organizing linen closet, I could definitely use some advice. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Bonus DIY
Notice the cute little tangerines in the pictures above? This DIY was inspired by the sponge wall trend in 2020. I love how I can quickly hack the high-end wallpaper look with just a few simple items. It’s easier than drawing freehand, and much more affordable than buying wallpaper. Total cost was only $7 in 2021. You can’t get any cheaper than that for this size of a wall!
Here are the materials:
Cardboard (doesn’t need to be fancy, cutouts from a cardboard box will do)
Paint and paint brush (sample size paint, I chose Mandarin and Perennial Green from BEHR)
Double-sided Tape or Glue
The steps are really simple.
- Draw the pattern on the foam sheet with pencil. I kept my tangerine branch at about 2” tall and tested the pattern on some paper.
- Cut out the shape of the pattern.
- Use a small piece of cardboard as a backing and tape on the cutout foam sheet to make simple stamps.
- For the tangerine, I first drew a few stems using the green paint. This makes sure the shapes are spaced out.
- Apply paint to the stamps with a paint brush and stamp on the wall.
If you have a large wall, this may take a couple of hours. For this small closet, it took me about 30 minutes. This idea not only works great for linen closets, but can also be applied to a laundry room, a playroom, or any accent wall that can use a splash of color. Don’t you love this kind of low cost big impact DIY?
Thanks for reading! You can check out the process from start to finish on my Instagram page: $60 Easy DIY Linen Closet.
If you want more storage solutions around the house, you will love the following posts on the blog:
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