A few months ago we saw an inspiring image of open shelving and baskets and immediately began imagining the same transformation for our bathroom linen closet. What had felt like a cramped, awkward space suddenly seemed like an opportunity: remove the door, add a few attractive baskets, and convert the closet into tidy, functional open shelving. We’d been experimenting with more open living ideas, and this felt like a small project with a big payoff.
Before we jumped in, our linen closet door was causing real problems. The door frequently collided with the bathroom door, creating a cramped and inefficient flow. The constant bumping and awkward swing made the space feel poorly planned and frustrated us on a daily basis.
One afternoon, while John was at work, I took a screwdriver, hammer, and crowbar and removed the door. I also pulled off the jamb so the opening read more like a built-in niche than a mere doorless closet. The immediate result was an open, welcoming space that felt integrated with the bathroom instead of fighting it.
Next I erased all visual traces that a door had ever existed: I caulked the hinge holes and removed the latch. To make the niche feel cohesive with the rest of the bathroom, I extended the wall color—Glidden’s Sand White—into the opening and painted the trim and shelves a crisp glossy white. The contrast created depth while keeping the overall look calm and spa-like.
To furnish the shelves I reused baskets we already owned for sheets and towels, and I improvised container solutions from items around the house—two inexpensive white planters became holders for nail polish and toothbrushes. Small touches like neatly stacked towels and a designated spot for toilet paper turned the niche into a polished, usable storage area. The key was keeping everything organized and visually consistent so the open shelving would feel intentional rather than cluttered.
We did splurge slightly on two larger baskets for extra towels and placed them on the closet floor. Fortunately they were on sale, and the total cost for the pair was modest. For a relatively small investment and a little elbow grease, the transformation delivered a clean, airy look and added practical storage without the awkward door conflict we had before.
So, could you live with an open linen closet? For us it works because we prioritize neatness and enjoy the aesthetic of open storage. If you prefer everything hidden, this approach might not be right for you. But if you’re looking to improve flow, add accessible storage, and create a more open feel in a small bathroom, removing a troublesome door and styling a few baskets can be a simple, effective solution.