FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

bathroom closet question

CCI | Posted in General Discussion on June 30, 2009 04:11am

New bathroom – still in the rough in stage and it was decided that we need a linen closet in the bathroom.  It will be small – like roughed out to 24″ x 30″.  Again, new construction so the room will have proper ventilation, vapor barriers, etc.

The question is – do I use a solid door or a louvered door for the linen closet?

I see it both ways.  Louvered lets the moisture out of the closet.  Solid keeps the moisture out.  Or does it?

I don’t want to trap moisture in the closet in the towels, etc. with a solid door, nor do I want to let moisture in with a louvered door.  Or do I?

I know the answer is to eliminate the closet, but that’s not happening.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Jun 30, 2009 05:39pm | #1

    Humidity is why linen closets are usually placed in hallways.  That and full time accessibility.

     



    Edited 6/30/2009 12:18 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter

  2. PedroTheMule | Jun 30, 2009 05:40pm | #2

    Hi CCI,

    New bathroom - still in the rough in stage and it was decided that we need a linen closet in the bathroom.  It will be small - like roughed out to 24" x 30".  Again, new construction so the room will have proper ventilation, vapor barriers, etc.

    That's your key point.....properly ventilated....as long as you have the proper ventilation the moisture you are concerned about will never be an issue. Fan on with proper flow, then shower, then leave fan on for approx. 15-20 minutes. As such you'll never build up enough moisture in the closet to be an issue. Keep rotating your towels and match the door to the decor.

    Pedro the Mule - Nothing like a fresh towel after a hot shower

  3. sungod | Jun 30, 2009 05:42pm | #3

    Either will be OK, it all depends on lifestyle. I would use solid because the wife throws baby powder all over the place and the towels are very dry from the dryer. I am in Southern Calif, so it is very low humidity.
    Louvered will freshen the smell of the room if you use Downey. Most wives always has a preference, so its her decision. Most men just do what the women say, even if it involves a change of mind.
    Also, you can order both doors, which is priceless for peace of mind.

  4. DickRussell | Jun 30, 2009 05:48pm | #4

    A normal closet door will be undercut at the bottom for clearance, and not be sealed at all four edges as in a casement window. Thus water vapor will migrate into the closet while you shower, and back out as the fan continues to run afterward, regardless of there being louvers in the door.

    Having access to towels, toilet paper, and various medications without a perhaps drippping wet trip to a hallway closet can be handy for the forgetful. Sheets and things like that can go elsewhere. It's a matter of preference and good use of available space. Just do the ventilation right; install a timer at least.

    1. CCI | Jun 30, 2009 06:33pm | #5

      I guess it is personal preference and I will ask her what she prefers.

      Since it is new construction with everything still open and accessible is it better to oversize the vent fan?  I know they go by square footage and I am at about 75 sq. ft. so technically a small unit is ok.  Is jumping up a size or 2 worth it?

      On a similar note - what is a good sone rating?  Some of the really quiet units are really pricey.  Is there a point of diminishing returns?  I don't need to hear a pin drop but I don't want to be in a wind tunnel either.

      Thanks for the input.

      1. DanH | Jun 30, 2009 06:40pm | #6

        Code generally calls for 50 CFM. Going to 75-100 CFM will make a major difference in how humidity accumulates. Anything over 100-150, though, will just turn the bathroom into a wind tunnel.I don't recall the sone ratings of units I've dealt with, but I do know that a deeper (farther in the ceiling) fan is much quieter.
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

        1. jet | Jun 30, 2009 07:26pm | #7

          I installed one of these in a clients house. The motor was in the attic, several feet away.

          Wired it up so either bathroom could turn the fan on. Can't hear it at all.

          View Image

      2. ranchodiablo | Jul 01, 2009 09:59am | #12

        We redid our small main bathroom recently and installed a Panasonic Ceiling Fan.  Love it. Super quiet (< 1 sone) and works like a charm.  Bought it at an electrical store that the trades tend to go to rather than a bathroom store or one of the big boxes and saved a bundle (the bathroom store wanted $600 and I bought it for about $150).  Also, it was easy to install.

      3. User avater
        popawheelie | Jul 02, 2009 02:29am | #24

        At HD they had a nice display of fans with a comparison chart for cfm and sone rating.

        With it right there it was pretty easy to choose.

        the ones that were quiet and moved more air were more money. I figure it is worth it."There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."Will Rogers

        1. CCI | Jul 02, 2009 05:58pm | #25

          I was actually playing with that display last night.  The quietest sound is actually pretty silent even compared to the next quietest.  The noisiest sounded like I was at the airport.  It looks like they only sell Nutone (and from the replacement parts it looks like Nutone and Broan are the same company now).  I have heard good things about the Panasonic (even before this post) so I will look for that as well since the best Nutone was about $125 and the Panasonic may be around that same cost.

          Thanks.

      4. User avater
        BillHartmann | Jul 02, 2009 07:58pm | #26

        If you go to a home horror store they usually have a display with several operating fans of different ratings and you can use those to get a rough idea of how quiet you want one.Of course that Is not the ideal test environment..
        William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

  5. User avater
    aimless | Jun 30, 2009 10:43pm | #8

    Not sure if this will help you - in our pretty small bathroom we  went with a linen cabinet with solid flush doors instead of a closet (which has to have clearance under the door). That way it is better sealed against the humidity in the bathroom and matches the cabinetry under the sink.  The towels and sheets all seem fresh to me, but we are in the desert and even towels hanging on the rod are completely dry by the next day.

    I vote with your counterpart that it belongs in the bathroom - I hate forgetting a towel and dripping out into the common room to get one.

    1. DanH | Jun 30, 2009 11:12pm | #9

      One trick is to provide some small amount of positive ventilation, by punching a hole in a passing HVAC duct.
      As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

  6. john7g | Jun 30, 2009 11:19pm | #10

    Don't build a closet and instead place a pantry cabinet with pull out shelves.  It's more expensive than walls & prehung doors but a whole lot more useful.

  7. mike_maines | Jun 30, 2009 11:47pm | #11

    We install linen closets or built-ins in pretty much every bathroom we build.  Never thought twice about it.  If you have and use a bathroom fan it shouldn't be a problem.

  8. User avater
    MikeMicalizzi | Jul 01, 2009 12:37pm | #13

    You're worried about moisture in your bathroom linen closet? Are you serious?

    I'm surprised this thread actually had 13 posts.

    1. CCI | Jul 01, 2009 04:16pm | #14

      I live in NY and we get some real serious humidity in the summer.  Anyone who has ever opened a closet or trunk that had been "sealed" for a while and smelled the musty odor will know why I was concerned.  Dampness in closed spaces can be a real problem that's why they make dehumidifiers.

      Sorry to have wasted bytes on this.

      1. User avater
        MikeMicalizzi | Jul 01, 2009 05:18pm | #15

        So it's a musty odor you're trying to elimate? Musty odor's anywhere come from people who are dirty and don't know how to wash linen's or re-paint, or basically keep anything clean. And of course there's the occasional dead animal in a wall that may also be decomposing which will cause a musty odor.

        You're new closet will only smell new and there will only be excessive moisture if you don't install an exhaust vent.

        1. CCI | Jul 01, 2009 09:10pm | #18

          I'm not trying to eliminate an odor I'm trying to prevent it from occurring by proper use of ventilation.  If you ever spent time @ a beach house you would understand how quickly trapped moisture can turn "funky". 

          It is not just from dirty people nor is it from from people who confuse possessive and plural.  And my housekeeper would be very upset if you criticized her laundry skills. 

          I appreciate the input, however.

        2. fingersandtoes | Jul 01, 2009 10:17pm | #20

          Linen closets in England were traditionally placed next to the masonry chimney flue and had louvered doors to avoid their contents smelling musty. When my sister lived up the coast in Bamfield she had to regularly take her clothes out of her closet and run them through the dryer to avoid mold. It is a problem, you just haven't had any experience with it.

      2. mike_maines | Jul 01, 2009 06:05pm | #16

        No need to apologize, it's a good question.  I have used louvred doors for closets and storage spaces that were known to be damp.  A better solution is to solve the moisture problem, but louvres are a valid low-tech option. 

      3. DanH | Jul 01, 2009 08:58pm | #17

        Consider my suggestion to add positive ventilation. You only need a small amount of air "spilled" from a nearby heating/AC supply duct to assure that air is "turned over" in the closet, preventing accumulating humidity and the musty odor.
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

        1. CCI | Jul 01, 2009 09:15pm | #19

          I like the idea of introducing "fresh" air.  Unfortunately, I have hydronic heat and I am not a fan of central air.  The concept is fine the execution is lacking (whole 'nother topic) so I don't have it in my house.

          How about if I put a small vent in the side of the closet?  Would that promote airflow through the closet when the vent fan is on?  Or am I back to the same problem of letting humid air into the closet as opposed to keeping it out?

          Thanks.

          1. DanH | Jul 01, 2009 11:27pm | #21

            If you used a remote vent fan you could in theory Y the duct and put a small vent in the closet, so the fan would draw air through. But then the fan would be drawing moist air into the closet, when it would be far preferable to flush fresh air through the closet.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          2. DanH | Jul 01, 2009 11:28pm | #22

            (But you could actually put a vent to the next room or whatever in the closet, so that when the fan was on air would be drawn out of the closet and fresh air would be drawn in from the adjacent room.)
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

  9. Pelipeth | Jul 02, 2009 01:53am | #23

    Could you design it so you had access from both the bath and hall?
    Door in the hallway, cabinet style door in the bathroom.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions

Listeners write in about fire-rated doors, using seven minisplits for cooling, and how to build a second-story addition.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Landscape Lighting Essentials
  • Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data