A blanket chest serves double duty as a beautiful furniture piece and linen storage

A blanket chest is a fine-looking wooden box used for storing linens, clothing, and valuables. In the olden days these chests were also used as extra seating. As seen in many of the antique blanket chests, beautiful, quality woods were used, making them pieces of art.

Wooden chests or what some may call hope chests, are used by the bride-to-be to store linens and other items that she will be bringing into the marriage. The chest can be used for a variety of things. Place it at the end of your bed and store clean blankets in it. You could also use your chest as a coffee table in your family or living room, it will add so much character. If you own a chest with really ornate carvings, you may want to place it against a main wall and hang a picture above it.

In colonial America, chests for storing blankets were made of many different kinds of wood. Some chests were made of pine for a country look, while other chests were made of such expensive woods as cherry, walnut, and mahogany. Many of the chests were also lined with red cedar to keep those pesky bugs away too! They thought of everything!

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a blanket chest that is a family heirloom, then hang on to it for dear life. Some of the antique blanket chests available at fine antique stores can cost you thousands. A wooden chest would make a great gift for your daughter or niece too. Next time you need an engagement gift, think blanket or hope chest! It will be a welcome and much appreciated gift!!

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