Antique Blanket Chests
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French 18th Century Solid Oak Carved Coffer
$2,500.0024.50"H x 48.50"W x 22.63"D
Dimensions: 24 ½” H x 48 ½” W x 22 ⅝” D
A French, solid oak coffer from the 1700s, the heavy storage trunk has a paneled construction graced by various hand-carved patterns such as roses along the upper trim, and more abstract designs on the pillars. Note the “honest repair” of a circular metal patch in the far left panel on the top which adds to the rustic charm of this 18th century antique. Instead of mitered corners on each panel, the craftsman shaped little notches into the long planks to create a bevel which speaks to the thoughtful intentions that make this a cherished antique for future generations. The lid opens on hand-forged iron hinges to a spacious interior only interrupted by the presence of a small candle box to the left. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, this antique storage/traveling trunk is ready for your interior. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition.
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19th Century Swedish Painted Pine Marriage Trunk
$3,400.0010.75"H x 19"W x 12.38"D
Dimensions: 10 ¾” H x 19” W x 12 ⅜” D
A petite painted marriage trunk from 19th century Sweden, in tabletop scale. This colorful and cheerful trunk has a painted red faux bois background with floral illustrations on the top and front face, dedicated to “J A L, 1845.” The box has a domed lid using iron hardware to open on an undecorated, stripped-pine interior. Please view all the detailed images to see more.
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French 18th Century Solid Carved Oak Coffer
$3,450.0032.25"H x 55.50"W x 24.50"D
Dimensions: 32-¼”H x 55-½”W x 24-½”D
This solid oak coffer from the 1720s is full of gorgeous hand-carved details and a wonderful patina. Swirling acanthus leaves and floral motifs beautifully adorn the façade; and four columns break up the linear scale of the trunk adding further dimension. A small candle box with a hinged top is housed within the interior, great for organizing loose and easy to lose items. Perfect as an unexpected console table or at the foot of a tall bed to store a variety of blankets, games, or sweaters. One key is included for the functioning lock. Make sure to view the detailed images to get a closer look at this one of a kind storage piece.
Shop Antique Blanket Chests
Antique blanket chests are simple wooden boxes with hinged lids and handles on the side for easy transport. Chests are one of the earliest storage solutions and predate cupboards and cabinets by hundreds of years. Their simple and sturdy construction made them accessible to families that could not afford the expert woodworking skills of cabinet-makers, and blanket chests were the storage option for choice for European immigrants sailing to the United States.
As with any other type of antique furniture, blanket chests vary dramatically in style, size, and materials. For example, many come with decorative finishes, such as carvings on the sides or lid, drawers, and even wheels for easy transport. Some chests even have backs and armrests, effectively turning them into bench chests, which combine storage and seating in one handy package.
Blanket chests are still a great storage option and can fit in cupboards or function as coffee tables or even window seats. Fireside Antiques offers various styles, woods, and sizes of antique blanket chests. If you’re short on closet space or want a memorable conversation piece, check out our selection of antique blanket chests.
Common Antique Blanket Chest Materials
Woodworkers used a selection of woods to make blanket chests, including:
- Pine: An affordable wood that’s relatively light and easy to transport
- Cherry: A premium wood that has a distinct reddish-brown color and is known for its durability and longevity
- Cedar: A durable, premium wood that has a distinct fragrance that repels insects and protects materials from moths
- Oak: A premium wood with antifungal properties
- Camphor: A dark, fragrant wood that repels insects and mold
What Can You Store in Your Antique Blanket Chest?
As the name suggests, you can store blankets and linens in your antique blanket chest. The square shape and large size make it perfect for bedding, especially if you opt for a cedar or oak chest that protects the items inside from insects and mold.
However, antique chests can store several other items, including clothes, purses, jewelry boxes, hats, and collectibles, such as coin collections or magazines
Antique blanket chests can be functional or decorative, and with so many to choose from, the only limit is your imagination.