Blanket Chests

Blanket chests are not just boxes, but treasure troves filled with memories and hopes. Aside from adding a bit of extra storage at the end of a bed, a blanket chest provides an elegant finish to any bedroom. While there is nothing fancy or elaborate about this form, a big box with a lid, the details can be intricate and complex. This piece of furniture can be a stylish and functional addition to any room, whether it is used to store a winter blanket or a cherished memory. They come in woods such as pine, maple, oak alder, and cherry. At Bidsquare’s online auctions,  Blanket Chests for Sale are available in a variety of sizes, finishes, and woods allowing you to create your own unique space. 

With their beautifully crafted and well-distressed exteriors, vintage blanket chests are an ideal way to enhance any room with rustic charm. They are one of the most popular ways to decorate a room or adorn the foot of one's bed. Not only will they keep your space looking neat, but they will also provide you with the benefit of extra seating. Additionally, you may use them for storing toys, books, or winter sweaters in the summer instead of just blankets. 

Antique Blanket Chests
In early American history, settlers and wealthy Victorians who traveled by train and boat relied heavily on antique chests and antique blanket chests for storage. During the 17th century, antique blanket chests were simple wooden boxes with hinged lids, usually used to store blankets, linens, and clothes. After the 19th century, this important piece of furniture started to wane in popularity. Nevertheless, these beloved chests have been gaining in popularity as collectors' items. As the basic form evolved over time, drawers were added, increasing the height, and eventually, a completely different piece of furniture called the mule chest evolved. A mule chest contained drawers for storing slippers called mule by colonists. There were lots of different kinds of lumber used for blanket chests in colonial America, including inexpensive pine for country-style furniture and costly hardwoods like cherry, walnut, and imported mahogany. There were some chests with red cedar linings or constructions that were designed to repel insects while smelling pleasant. 

It is often possible to trace antique immigrants' chests back to their country of origin because of the carvings, paintings, or unique details they possess. In today's world, they are known as antique blanket chests. It is not uncommon for very early English Immigrant chests to feature heavy oak carvings and paneled sides, like the William and Mary style. It is possible to find an antique William and Mary chest with short straight legs as well.

There is a wide variety of antique blanket chests at Bidsquare, including cedar-lined blanket chests and mission-style wooden blanket chests that can be passed down through generations. Clean lines and simplistic yet elegant designs make our blanket chests a timeless piece of furniture. Browse our collection of wooden, vintage, and linen chests to see how a simple storage solution can breathe new life into any room. Besides being beautiful, they are also practical for storing blankets, cushions, throws, and so much more. Whether your decor is traditional or contemporary, one of our beautifully crafted, wood boxes is sure to complement any décor.

Quick Facts about Blanket Chests

As mankind has built houses from the beginning, wooden chests, trunks, and storage boxes have become one of the most common pieces of furniture in homes.

In 3,000 BCE, the Egyptians used dovetail joints on boxes and wooden chests they built for burials and ceremonies, including sarcophagi with incredible carving, jewel inlay, metalwork, and gilding.