The Antique Upcycle That Can Help You Organize Pillow Covers Better Than A Closet

Closets may seem like the default storage option for your linens, but they tend to be dark, cluttered, and hard to keep organized — especially when it comes to loose items like pillow cases or table runners. Finding the right storage system for these items can be tough in homes where closet space is fairly limited. But with a little help from an antique upcycle, you can organize pillow covers better than a closet. The key is using a thrifted hutch with several interior shelves to store and display your smaller linens. These vintage kitchen accessories are making a surprising comeback in modern homes, especially with a simple glass-panel upgrade. Think of it as turning your linens into a curated collection, rather than something stashed behind a door.

To get started, look for a solid wood hutch or cabinet at your local thrift store or antique market. These antique gems were turned into show-stopping kitchen storage throughout the '90s, so you should have no problem sourcing the right one for your space. You'll want to find one that has sturdy interior shelves and front door panels that can easily be modified. If you want to avoid any DIY work, you can also source a hutch that already has glass panels on the front — typically used to store fine china. Swap out the wooden panels with glass or refurbished window panes to instantly lighten the look and let your linens shine. This simple closet alternative brings more than an aesthetic quality to your home; it also encourages better organization as everything is directly on display. 

To replace the panels on your antique hutch, start by removing the doors and placing them on a flat work surface. Depending on the style, you may only need to pry off a piece of trim that holds the front panels in place. If the doors are solid wood, you will need to use a table saw to carve out a large rectangle on the back of your doors. Do not cut through the trim on the front of the door, as this will help secure your glass panels in place. With the wood out of the way, measure and cut your glass if necessary and lay each piece into the newly-created wooden frame. Using a few glazier points, hammer each one into the side of your wooden panel to secure the glass in place. Continue this process around the interior of your cabinet doors until the glass panels are set in place. Reattach the doors onto your hutch and enjoy your functional linen display.

Once you've given your antique find a sleek refurbish, it's time to decorate with your assorted pillow covers. It can be an excellent opportunity to rotate your covers depending on the season, with cotton florals for spring or moody fleeces in the winter. Place your hutch in a front hallway or spare bedroom to keep your linens close at hand. Perfectly fold your pillow cases to keep your linens neat and organized, allowing them to become part of your home's décor in the process. With a simple upcycle, you no longer have to hide your colorful collection of linens, keeping them organized and aesthetically-pleasing.