Yes, we are going to gut it! Really poor design and dated! Unfortunately I don't have the measurements as of yet, since I'm new to this sight. Will post pics though with more info. As far as you wondering if there is another way to access the closet? No, if we were to say put it on the outside of the bathroom, it would interfere with the fact that we want to really consider putting a shower stall where the closet is now. And I am hoping for a clawfoot tub in there as well. Not sure if this will all work out. But, we were thinking about possibly putting some sort of linen "cabinet" near the doublesinks, somehow! Still confused...

If you said stat, does that mean you are a nurse or other healthcare provider. Sounds like it! Since we cannot see your space. You might put barn door in the HOUZZZ search engine. They are really in now and perhaps if your space allows you could use one of those instead of a door that swings open. Do not think you will get optimum suggestions till pictures are up. But, I am sure you will get a lot of ideas when you do. Happy New Year!

Our linen closet door is behind the door to our bathroom also and it causes us no problems. Actually, we don't have to get into the linen closet all that often, just every few days when we change towels, and also when we change sheets. If it's cosmetics that you store in there, then I think your problem may be more of lacking adequate storage where it is needed, which would be in the vanity.

@ Carolyn Have a Happy New Year!! We never go out on New Year's; too crowded.

Barn doors can be noisy, which is not the kind of door I'd want on my bathroom.

And to you Carolina Photo, Happy New Year! May the new year bring us all happiness, prosperity and good health!

Carolyn, I have slide-in doors on my bathrooms, had no choice spacewise, and agree with the noise problem, especially late at night. Happy New Year to everyone and hope your Pollies get the Fiscal Cliff sorted before it affects us all.

I also have a bathroom with a similar linen closet and door--1940s house. The bath's size is only 5x9. We're gutting it and having a simple, open, and more slender "closet" built in its place. Something like this: http://img2-2.timeinc.net/toh/i/g/09/interiors/03-built-ins/07-smart-storage.jpg

Good luck on your renovation!