IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack: Linen Closet Organization

This Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack shows how you can use this affordable piece of furniture to create a functional linen closet organization system! This post contains affiliate links.

One of the biggest drawbacks of living in an older home is the lack of storage. Old homes (especially those built back in 1865) don’t come with a whole lot of closet space. In fact, some of the rooms didn’t have any, which is normal because over 100 years ago furniture was used in place of built-in storage. When we remodeled our downstairs bathroom we knew we would be short on storage. We didn’t get a chance to renovate the hallway outside of our bedroom until recently when we did a complete renovation on our Master Bedroom for the One Room Challenge. With the changes we made in our bedroom we were able to create a bigger hallway space. This allowed us to add an Ikea Billy Bookcase to create some Linen Closet Organization where we could keep our sheet sets, bath towels, toiletries, etc.

I didn’t get a good before photo of this space, but if you head to my Instagram you can look on my highlight labeled “MB #1” for a walkthrough of the space we reworked.

IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack

Once we reworked this whole hallway right in between our bedroom and bathroom doors I started searching for something that could be a good linen closet. I played with the idea of doing a built-in closet since we were starting from scratch. However, it would’ve made the whole space feel much smaller. The Ikea Billy Bookcase with has doors was what I decided on. I definitely wanted some hidden storage, but the glass top gives me a place to display some more “pretty” storage. It also allowed the space to feel light and open.

Linen Closet Organization Ideas

I wanted to make sure everything was in its own bin. Since we don’t have any storage inside our bathroom this allows us to pull out the bin we need, take it in the bathroom if necessary, and keep everything together. The bins I used in the lower section were a tight fit and wouldn’t fit next to each other on the shelves that had hinges. Just keep that in mind if you purchase the same things! For the two next to each other I just put things in those we don’t use on a daily basis. They do fit, it’s just snug.

Storage Bins Used:

• Bins with Bamboo Lids (small)
• Bins with Bamboo Lids (medium)
• Lidded Storage Bin with Leather Handles
• White Bins | (The Container Store sells a similar version)
• Glass Jar with Wood Lid (similar product here)

We use the little white bins for the things we use every morning and evening. It’s been so great to have it easily accessible and keep it organized.

I also store my makeup mirror in here where it’s easily accessible.

Things You can use this Hack For

Let’s talk about how you can best utilize this new bathroom linen closet. 

Towel Storage

Towels were one of the biggest things we struggled with keeping organized. We do have 3 hooks in our bathroom, but that only held the current towels we were using. We needed a solution for extra towels. Having this Ikea Billy Bookcase with doors allowed us to display some prettier items up top like our towels, and then extra washcloths and such down below where it’s a little more hidden. 

Storing Toiletries

Toiletries were another big problem area. All those hair products, extra shampoo, soap, and other necessary items were often just stacked on the little shelf above our towels. But by being able to stack storage containers on the shelves provided somesuch needed hidden storage for some of the smaller items that seem to never have a proper place. I even utilized some clear glass jars to tackle the extra bars of soap. 

Extra Linens

I don’t actually have any extra linens stored in the Ikea Billy Bookcase in the photos. However, not too long after I got this all set up I did some rearranging and was able to store our sheet sets, extra pillowcases, and some extra blankets. We definitely prioritized our shelf space by choosing where I wanted to put the storage baskets and items that were stored in plain sight. I made it so the things I needed access to quickly were within reach.

Cleaning Supplies 

I didn’t actually use our linen storage area for any cleaning supplies, but you definitely could. I typically keep most of my cleaning items under our kitchen sink in a basket. But keeping some kid-friendly cleaning items in a linen closet is great for all your kids’ chores!

IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack: Linen Closet Organization

The Billy Bookcase has been used for many things, and I’m definitely not the first one to use it for storage ;). But I hope if you are limited on storage this provides some inspiration on how to solve some problems! 

Another fun idea for this Billy Bookcase Linen Closet Hack would be to place this in a guest room with all the necessary items your guests might need to utilize while staying in your home. That way they don’t have to come and ask for all the little things, but rather just have immediate access! Don’t forget the beach towels if it’s during the summer months! ; )

Shop this Bathroom and Linen Closet

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