10 Clever Open Bathroom Linen Closet Ideas: Space-saving tips from my 10+ years designing small bathrooms

Once, a client asked me if we could turn an awkward bathroom corner into a ‘linen display’ — she literally wanted to show off her towels like art. I thought it was odd at first, but that request ended up teaching me that open bathroom linen closets are not only practical, they can be downright beautiful. In small spaces, the lack of doors can actually make the room feel bigger and airier, and it forces you to be more intentional with your storage solutions.

1. Floating Shelves Above the Toilet

One of my go-to tricks is floating shelves. They’re affordable, easy to install, and they make use of vertical space. The only catch — you’ll need to keep things neatly folded since everything is visible. I often pair this setup with moisture-resistant wood for longevity.

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2. Recessed Wall Niche

If you’re doing a remodel, carving out a recessed niche between studs can free up floor space while adding a built-in vibe. In one project, we combined a recessed linen shelf with LED strip lighting; the glow made fluffy white towels look like a spa display. You can even plan it during your bathroom layout visualization phase to get it perfect.

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3. Ladder Shelf Leaning Against the Wall

Ladder shelves are lightweight, portable, and perfect for renters. I love mixing rolled towels with a small plant for a casual but styled look. The only downside is they don’t hold as much as built-in storage, but for a guest bath, they’re plenty.

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4. Open Cabinet With Baskets

An open-front cabinet can be styled with woven baskets — great for hiding less photogenic items while keeping easy access. I once repurposed an old sideboard for this; the vintage wood added so much warmth.

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5. Glass Door Cabinet (Almost Open)

Technically not fully open, but glass fronts keep a light and airy feel while protecting from dust. Perfect for busy households where things might get knocked over. Make sure to measure precisely — I’ve learned the hard way when a gorgeous piece didn’t fit through a doorway.

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6. Industrial Pipe Shelving

This style is fantastic if you like that urban loft aesthetic. We paired matte black pipes with reclaimed wood planks for a client’s condo — it made the tiny bath feel like a boutique hotel.

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7. Over-the-Door Rack

You’d be surprised how much storage you can squeeze out of the back of a door. Ideal for hand towels and extra TP. It’s not the most ‘magazine pretty’ option, but in small city apartments, function sometimes trumps form — and good planning with a bathroom floor plan mock-up can help make it look integrated.

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8. Corner Shelves

Don’t ignore corners — floating triangle shelves can turn wasted space into a mini linen station. In one project, we painted the shelves the same color as the wall so they looked built-in, which kept the small space uncluttered.

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9. Styled Open Cubby

Open cubbies are great if you want to mix towels with decorative items. The hard part is keeping it from becoming a catch-all space. My tip: limit it to 2–3 items per cubby for a clean look. Planning these cubbies during the 3D modeling stage can save you from awkward proportions later.

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10. Rolling Cart Linen Station

For the ultimate flexible storage, a slim rolling cart can tuck beside a vanity or bathtub. Bonus — you can wheel it away when cleaning or hosting. The challenge is finding one that fits your exact gap, but when you do, it feels like striking gold.

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FAQ

Q: How do I keep linens fresh in an open closet?

A: Good ventilation and regular rotation help; I also pop in a few lavender sachets.

Q: Won’t open storage get dusty?

A: Yes, but in a bathroom, towels are used often enough that dust is minimal. Just wash anything that sits too long.