Antique Chests
Antique chests and trunks are evocative of journeys long since been travelled, a solid, strong, interesting piece of furniture that makes for great storage. The contrast of an antique chest or trunk next to a modern piece is eye-catching and makes a great addition to the home. An antique or vintage chest or trunk is a multipurpose item of furniture, doubling up as a foot rest, coffee table or an unique bedside table, as well as being used for its primary use to store clothing, valuables or blankets.
A Brief History of Chests
Chests and trunks have been a fundamental item of furniture throughout history, both as items of furniture, as a luggage carrier or for storage. Historically rich nobles could own hundreds of wooden chests, a staple item of furniture if you were a medieval noble. Antique chests were used to transport valuables from manors, it is important to note that very few antique chests remain from this period and those that do are considered extremely valuable.
In the 19th C and 20th C antique chests began to be referred to as blanket boxes, construction methods improved to include the popular dovetail joints, which made the antique wooden chests increasingly sturdy and strong. A Victorian mule chest is another attractive piece with two drawers underneath the chest. Antique chests and trunks were also referred to as coffers.
Different Types of Antique Chests
There are a variety of antique chests to choose from, namely wooden blanket boxes, metal trunks, vintage and antique trunks. Some chests and trunks have handle fixtures and make it easier to move them. The majority of antique trunks were wooden, with a domed top; they often had a canvas, leather, and paper, tin or steel lining. Some antique trunks also featured a key and lock. The woods used for antique chests and trunks were most often mahogany or oak for their strength, and also pine and cedar. 16th C and 17th C antique chests are often elaborately carved. In the 1800’s wheels began to be added to chests and trunks, for ease of transportation.
During the period between 1837-1901 popular antique chests and trunks were made in the Gothic and Rococo revival design. The Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movement also produced some attractive antique chests and trunks. It is possible to pick up an antique chest that is ornately decorated both with embossed metal and paintings and this makes for a very interesting addition of furniture to the home.
Over the years large wooden chests and trunks became impractical for travel, especially with the advent of air travel, although chests and trunks continued to be made, their purpose was mainly now for storage. Such a useful piece it is no surprise many vintage chests are now available.
An antique chest or trunk is the perfect piece of furniture to accompany your living room or lounge items; they conjure up nostalgic thoughts of journeys long ago taken whilst providing a practical attractive storage solution.
