Stocking a Linen Closet

Whether you view sheets and towels as essential elements of household decor or think of them in strictly utilitarian terms, stocking your linen closet with attractive, good-quality sheets and towels is both practical and satisfying. Here’s what you should have on hand.

BED LINENS

Considering that a third of our lifetime is spent in bed, sheets and pillowcases that feel good next to the skin also make a big difference on a daily basis. Industry expert Liz Hough of Cotton Incorporated says sheets with a higher thread count (the number of threads in a square inch of fabric) last longer, and “the more you wash them, the softer they become.” If you have sensitive skin, or just enjoy the feel of soft sheets, you’ll be happier with a minimum 200-thread count. Not surprisingly, the price of the sheet goes up with the thread count, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good ones. Watch for sales, especially department store “white sales” in January and July.

1. Sheets. Two sets per bed will allow you to have one in the wash and one on the bed. A third (or even fourth) set is fun if you enjoy giving your bedroom a new look by changing the sheets. Make sure you have at least one set of sheets for every bed in the house, including sofa beds for those times when everyone comes to stay at once.

2. Pillowcases. Keep the same number of pillowcases per pillow as you have sets of sheets for the bed. Extra cases are nice if you like changing to a fresh one in the middle of a sweltering summer night.

3. Mattress pad. One per bed is the minimum for comfort and to protect your mattresses from wear and tear. If you stock an extra pad in the linen closet, you’ll be able to strip and remake your bed from the mattress up without rushing to do the laundry first.

4. Blankets. Keep at least one warm winter blanket per bed and one lighter or thermal blanket for the summer. If you don’t own a comforter or heavy quilt, stock a couple of extra blankets per bed.

5. Duvet. Duvets are also known as down comforters. They’re optional, but wonderful on cool or cold nights because they are very light, yet extremely warm. They don’t have to be made of down: lightweight silk or hypoallergenic synthetics are another option. They also come in light, medium, and winter weights. Choose yours based on the climate you live in and your preference for using it year-round, or only on cold nights. If you do invest in a comforter, buy a duvet cover to protect it.

FOR THE BATH

Since you use them every single day, large and absorbent bath towels can make a significant contribution to your quality of life. Thicker towels will also be around long after skimpy and skinny bargain towels go threadbare.

1. Bath towels. You need a minimum of two per person in the household.

2. Washcloths. Buy washcloths to match the towels you purchase, even if not everyone in your household uses them. When you have to put out towels for house guests, you’ll have more complete sets to choose from.

3. Hand towels. Follow the same principle as with towels and washcloths.

4. Fingertip or hand towels for guests. Stock at least three or four smaller towels for guests’ use so you can rotate clean towels in. You can get by with decorative paper hand towels in a powder room, but cotton or linen is a nice touch. Fresh hand towels are essential when guests use the family bathroom.

5. Bath mat. Keep two bath mats per bathroom so they can be changed at least once a week.

6. Bathroom rug. Keep two per bathroom so one can be laundered while the other is in use