The chest is considered the ancestor of a number of modern furniture elements: wardrobes, wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables and even caskets. Previously, in the absence of any other storage system, all the most valuable things were stored in it. Expensive fabrics, the best dresses given to a girl for her wedding, and jewelry were placed in the chests. During a major move, they were used instead of practical suitcases, which appeared much later. Nowadays, many mistakenly attribute a chest exclusively to vintage elements, which are suitable only for authentic interiors that imitate the decoration of premises of a certain era. In fact, if properly designed, this detail can become an adornment of many stylistic trends. You can decorate your “grandmother’s” chest and give it a chance for a new life with your own hands using scrap materials and a bit of imagination. In this article we’ll talk about what you can combine this colorful element with and how to update it yourself.
Chest in different styles
There is no generally accepted classification of chests. They can be roughly divided into:
- Vintage;
- Modern.
The definition “casket” or “chest” is found. This is still the same chest, but made more roughly, not for beauty, but for functionality. Previously, they were used to store food, mainly flour and cereals. The box is a light, elegant variation of the chest, the bottom of which is made of wood, and the side walls are made of bast. On ships, lockers are used - a marine analogue of a chest in which work equipment is stored. Chests differ in size, materials, decoration and lid shape (flat or convex). They can be either bulky cabinet replacements or tiny pieces for storing small items like rings and earrings. Antique chests are the same vintage models that highlight interiors decorated in ethnic (oriental, Russian), rustic or even classical style. There are original models made of frosted glass or plastic. Such options are suitable for high-tech, minimalism and luxurious loft. The main thing is that the smooth surface of the furniture does not have patterns and is painted in one of the neutral colors. Rough white wooden caskets with slightly cracked paint are ideal for a light Provence look. To highlight the decorative detail, it is decorated with a floral pattern using the decoupage technique. For free country living in the country, “grandmother’s” chests, which often litter attics, are ideal. They have an unsightly appearance, a rough surface, but with the help of sandpaper you can achieve a light shade of wood with an original pattern, which is varnished to fix it. The chests also go well with the exoticism of the colonial style, because the settlers transported their belongings in chests, which later became the first pieces of furniture in new houses in the territories they were developing.
Chests are historically associated with wedding preparations, but now, instead of storing dowries, they hide money given by young guests. Such models are decorated with openwork, rhinestones, satin ribbons and beads. The simplest options are made from ordinary cardboard and, as a rule, have a hole in the lid for envelopes, like a slot in a mailbox.
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What can you store in a chest?
Everything that can fit there: clothes, bedding, blankets, kitchen textiles and utensils, books, magazines, documents, shoes, hats, toys, sewing or tea ceremony supplies, things for cleaning the house, various little things. You can hide a safe or minibar there. It is easier to say what cannot be stored there: perishable foods and frequently used items.
Today, manufacturing companies offer a huge selection of such new furnishings. In addition, they can be purchased at flea markets, antique shops, and some lucky people inherit them. This is a way to add personality to any interior. Just don’t forget to support the chest with other decorative elements made in the same interior style: forged candlesticks, wooden shelves, mosaic wall panels, leather pouf.
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Materials used in making chests
Classic chests are made of wood. A little later, the element first began to be decorated with metal, and then completely made from it. The combination of wood and iron is considered the most reliable. Modern models are even made of plastic, but it is not durable, although it is light. Another disadvantage of PVC parts can be the unpleasant smell of plastic. Beautiful, neat chests are made from twigs using the weaving technique. They are also lightweight, but are used exclusively for storage. Such a chest cannot be used as a chair or table.
Hallway
A large storage chest can be turned into an excellent shoe storage and placed in the hallway. In addition, you can sit on it when putting on your shoes or taking off your shoes, and if you place a mirror above it, you will get a kind of dressing table.
The chest can be used in the hallway as a cabinet under the mirror
Use of chests for things in the interior
You can place such an item in different rooms, but there are some restrictions. If you find an old item, you need to repair it yourself or give it to a specialist. You can create an imitation of weaving, then such a chest can be used to create a retro style in the interior. You can also use a chest in a classic style; it will replace a chest of drawers or become a coffee table. Light colors are more suitable for an English interior, while dark colors can be used in a country style. For a Mediterranean style, you can take wicker chests for storing things.
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Bathroom
Wicker options will look good in the bathroom, where you can fold towels and bathrobes. Things like baskets for dirty laundry are often used. You can use them to store various small things you need in the bathroom: powder, soap, shampoos and gels, as well as a variety of sponges, rags and gloves. It is convenient to use the storage system and place baskets and boxes with necessary and frequently used household items on the shelves.
The bathroom will be decorated with a Provence style chest
An interesting idea for the bathroom would be a “refrigerator chest”, on the shelves and doors of which you can place a variety of jars with shampoos and gels.
Boxes and baskets: decor and functionality
Wicker interior items are comfortable, versatile, functional - they can easily replace familiar household items. They bring lightness, comfort, and originality to the interior of your home.
Plastic boxes for stationery in living room design
Shoe boxes in a classic interior
Rack with boxes for tools and small items
Wicker baskets in the interior, boxes and even chests will be appropriate for storing:
- magazines, printed publications;
- in the kitchen for fruit and kitchen utensils;
- in the bedroom for things, hobby items;
- in the playroom for children's toys.
Baskets made using weaving technique are relevant in interiors where you want to add a light breath of nature and a touch of antiquity. They bring warmth and comfort to the house.
Wicker baskets under the bed in Provence style Plastic transparent box for things
The use of boxes gives a certain atmosphere to the house. As you know, such products provide a place to store small things that are so necessary in the household. A large number of containers of various colors placed under the bed, on bedside tables, and cabinets will help rationally transform the comfort and order in a children's room, the little inhabitants of which love to explore the contents of drawers and boxes.
Plastic boxes in the bedroom interior
Living room
In addition, wicker items look good in the living room, serving as a coffee table. If you place the chest in front of the sofa, it will become a convenient place for drinking tea or placing newspapers. Or you can use it as a TV stand, but in this case you can only store in it those things that you will rarely need.
Large leather chest with aged effect
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Coffee table
A vintage suitcase is also perfect as a coffee table. For convenience, just install it on legs of the desired height. The lid of such a “table” will serve to perform traditional functions - for example, placing a vase with flowers, a favorite book, drinking tea or playing board games, but inside it will be possible to arrange a storage system for the same board games or other items that are always needed keep at hand (pen, notepad, first aid kit, etc.).
Chest in a modern apartment: placement options in different rooms
Like any element of the interior, the chest is chosen solely to suit the style of the room, and sometimes it is precisely this that sets it. Manufacturers picked up the idea of a passion for antiques and began to produce chests of various types, sizes and shapes, the most popular among them being artificially aged ones. But modern models, unlike their ancient predecessors, have more elegant, graceful and smaller forms, so now they do not stand somewhere in the back of the room, but occupy a central place in the interior. let's see where and how to place chests.
Most often, an old chest is placed in the interior of the living room. Here it is used as and even additional seating. Moreover, it is not necessary to push it against the wall or hide it from prying eyes in the corner; it is a full-fledged element of the interior, which has all the prerequisites to become the main one, which means its place is in the very center of the room, surrounded by armchairs and a sofa.
If earlier it was possible to put it on the chest, but the lid was not used for its intended purpose and was not opened, then modern technology, having increased in size, gradually moved to the wall, thus freeing the lid of a large casket. Now on the chest standing under the TV you can place not only magazines, but also CDs, or even give this element of the interior a purely decorative role by placing all kinds of figurines, vases and framed photographs on it.
Brief classification of chests
1. In appearance : with a smooth and rounded lid; with/without legs or on wheels; with/without lock; with/without decorative overlays; low for household items and high for long trips.
2. Depending on the material : wood, metal, leather, fabric, wicker, plastic and even paper.
3. Depending on the purpose : functional, decorative, style-forming.
4. According to interior style:
– classic – wooden, forged with iron to give greater strength; decorated with patinated copper, bronze, brass plates; inlaid with wood; often aged a little, covered with special varnishes;
– vintage – seemingly old and shabby, with scratches and chips, even if made recently. To give the desired effect, their surface is coated with craquelure varnish, creating a scattering of cracks;
– retro – stylized new or high-quality restored, shimmering with fresh varnish or new leather;
– rustic – massive, rough, wooden, painted or stained;
– sea – neat small sailor chests;
– ethnic – the choice is simply huge: oriental rich and inlaid, Scandinavian minimalist, Mediterranean luxurious and with forged handles;
– modern – you can buy laconic high-tech chests or in an urban style, completely upholstered in polished sheet metal.
The chest will also look good in an interior in Gothic, Russian, Renaissance, colonial, as well as safari and Art Deco styles. It just needs to be given the appropriate look.
This can be done easily with the help of such types of decoration as
– painting with simple varnish or craquelure;
– artistic painting with acrylic paints or vinyl stickers;
– mosaic with pieces of tiles or cladding with tiles;
– installation of forged linings;
– wood inlay or wood carving.
Chest in the bedroom and in the nursery
The chest can also be used in the bedroom interior - here it can be used both as a temporary storage place for a robe and home clothes, and as a seat in front of the ladies' table. At the same time, you will certainly not leave the insides of such spacious furniture empty; unused bedding, blankets, and even pillows will be comfortably located here.
A children's room can also become a haven for an old chest, especially if it is decorated with pirate paraphernalia. Modern "" stores here not only gold coins and jewelry, but also talking dolls, controlled cars and construction sets. But even if the children remain completely indifferent to this piece of furniture, their mothers will still find a use for such a large “box” - clothes, old toys, books - everything here will remain intact and safe even after a long period of storage.
If your hallway is a full-fledged spacious hall, then this is the place for a chest! Seasonal or unused shoes, such as rubber boots, umbrellas and bags, stored in it will not gather dust on open shelves, but will remain clean even after three months of storage. In addition, a low chest with a flat lid can be successfully used as a seat instead. By the way, if you look hard enough, you can find a model with soft lining - you must agree, it will be more pleasant to sit on such a chest.
How to use a chest in the interior: ideas in the photo
There are items that are associated exclusively with retro style. For example, chests. Although this item can find a place in almost any home these days.
In the living room, a chest can easily replace a coffee or coffee table.
It can serve a more decorative function - be a stand for beautiful trinkets, candles, bouquets.
Depending on the style of the item, it can complement a classic or modern interior.
A chest is also appropriate in the bedroom. It can either harmonize with the color scheme of the room or be contrasting. In the latter case, the object will become an accent that attracts attention.
As a rule, chests in the bedroom are placed at the foot of the bed.
They can be used as a table or for storing bed linen.
The chest can also replace a bedside table.
Together with a mirror, it can be used as a dressing table.
In a child's room, the chest will become a place for storing toys and a participant in games.
New look for a shabby chest
A chest bought at a flea market or brought from grandma's bins is unlikely to be used to decorate a room, so a reasonable question arises: how to update an old chest? By the way, the decor of a large “box” created by yourself even has clear advantages, because its design will take into account the style orientation of the interior and its other features.
The easiest way to give a new look to an old chest is to open it with varnish. To do this, you need to remove the old paint, sand it and cover it with clear or colored varnish, or paint it with paint of the desired color. In order not to lose the spirit of antiquity, at the final stage of work use a self-cracking varnish (craquelure), which, after application, will immediately cover the surface with cracks.
How to update an old chest
If there is an artist in you, then you will not fail to take advantage of this by painting the outer walls and lid with intricate patterns. But if you don’t have artistic talent, then simply apply designs to the surface of the chest using stencils. At the same time, take note that it is better to use acrylic paints, they do not spread and lay down beautifully.
How to decorate an old chest
Decoupage can be an interesting option for decorating an old chest. At the same time, you are free to choose the image you like in order to subsequently transfer it to the surface of the chest. And in order for the main piece of furniture to take on an antique look, at the last stage of the work it is coated with either varnish or paste, which forms cracks after drying. Here it should be noted that the size and depth of the cracks are directly dependent on the layer of varnish - the more you apply, the deeper the cracks will turn out.
These simple methods can be used if the chest as a whole looks good, you just need to update its already rather shabby appearance. If it is seriously dilapidated, then restoration of the old chest will be required. To do this, you need to disassemble it down to the last screw, remove all fittings, hinges, locks and, if necessary, they can later be replaced with new ones. Most likely, the inner lining will also have to be removed and a new cover will be sewn in its place, and the outer walls will have to be decorated in any way described above. Only after all this work will the chest take a central place in your room.
Reading time ≈ 4 minutes
Over the centuries, chests have been used for a variety of purposes. In peasant houses, elegant clothes and canvases were kept there, and dowries for growing daughters were placed there. In rich houses, ladies used them to store love letters and albums with poems and drawings. Today, the chest in the interior is losing its original meaning as a storage place; recently it is often used as a decorative element.
DIY chest decor
Decorating a chest can be done using a number of popular techniques. Most often, old caskets are used as an experimental sample, which have been collecting dust for a long time, being forgotten, which is why they acquired a very unsightly appearance. There are several ways to correct the situation:
- Decoupage. The technique involves transferring or implanting images from napkins and printouts onto the surface of the chest and then securing it.
- Painting. The casket can be decorated with your own hands with a variety of thematic patterns. The painting looks original on ethnic chests. If the designer does not have brush skills, then stencils will come to the rescue, the contours of which are outlined “as a rough draft” and then filled with paints.
- Artificial aging using brushing. Only suitable for wooden chests. Their surface is treated with a special hard brush with metal bristles. It scrapes out soft wood fibers, resulting in an original texture. To emphasize the relief, it is coated with varnish.
- Painting. The easiest way to decorate. The chest is simply painted with one color or a combination of several shades on different parts of the furniture.
- Decoration with fabric or leather. Materials can be combined. Moreover, you can cover either one lid or the entire surface of the chest with textiles.
- Decoration with fittings, beads, eggshells, pieces of ceramic tiles.
- Decoration with strips of brass, leather straps with rivets, a padlock and letters that form an inscription.
- Decoration with forged elements (rings, chains to limit the opening of the lid, hinges, handles, corners) and carvings.
This is not an exhaustive list of options for transforming chests. All you have to do is use your imagination and skill. The methods can be safely combined with each other if the interior style justifies it. Let's consider a master class on aging a chest using the method of firing and brushing, followed by decoupage.
Master class on chest decor
A layer of varnish, paint or other type of coating is removed from the wood. The cleaned surface is lightly fired so that it becomes slightly smoked. Then, using a brush with metal bristles, they begin to clean the wood from soft surface fibers. You need to move along them to get a neat, natural relief. To make the texture rougher, press the brush with great force. Certain areas can be processed more strongly if they need to be emphasized. Accents are usually marked along the edges of the area where the picture will be located. This place must be selected in advance and the smoothness of the surface must be left untouched, since the relief will affect the quality of implantation of the image. After completing the brushing process, prepare the surface for decoupage. It is painted, and after the paint has dried, it is covered with two layers of water-based varnish. During the process, the dried composition is lightly sanded to give the surface additional smoothness. A layer of acrylic varnish is applied to the printout with a mirror image. After it dries, the procedure is repeated and the same composition is applied to the decorated surface of the chest. Then the image cut out from the sheet is immediately applied face down to it. It is covered with cellophane and excess varnish and air bubbles are carefully removed using a spatula or other tool with a flat, hard working surface. Now you need to wait 4-5 hours until the composition dries completely. After this, the implanted printout is moistened with a damp sponge and a layer of paper is rolled up with your fingers, periodically helping yourself with sandpaper. The drawing will gradually “be exposed”. When the paper remains are completely removed, the image is once again coated with varnish to secure it. Creating such a decoration will require skill. Not everyone can remove the paper accurately the first time. There are simpler ways to transfer an image, but implantation is considered the most beautiful.
Children's
A well-restored version can be placed in a nursery. Then you should paint it in a bright color, and the baby will store toys in it. This disciplines the child and teaches him order, and the chest does not become deformed. Since it is stronger than the boxes, it will last much longer.
Homemade chest for toys in the nursery
Boxes, chests and baskets in a modern interior (28 photos)
Many of us have things that are so hard to throw away: souvenirs, old family photos, things that remind us of the best events, useful books, printed materials, children's toys and much more. Even the most pedantic and neat people have these items.
As you know, designers are involved in solving many problems of interior functionality and creating comfortable and cozy housing. Often, original methods of furnishing using boxes, chests, and baskets come to their aid. Boxes in the interior make it possible to quickly restore order by replacing the usual cabinets, chests of drawers and hangers. The use of such furniture makes it possible to create options for your own interior compositions. Of course, these types of furniture must match the style of the room.
Bedroom
By placing a floor chest for storing things in the bedroom at the head of the bed, you will create a unique interior. In such a place it is convenient to store pillows, blankets, blankets and the like. You can use it as a dressing table or banquette.
A chest upholstered in leather with gold fittings will complement the brutal interior of a teenage bedroom.
Where to put the chest?
The chest in the room always occupies a dominant position. Wherever you put it, it should be clearly visible. In the living room, in the communication area, it is placed in front of the sofa and armchairs as a coffee or tea table; in the TV viewing area - under a wall-mounted plasma or LED panel; in the reading area - near the chair as a table under a table lamp or a footrest upholstered in soft fabric. In the bedroom, the chest is placed either at the foot of the bed as a place to store linen or an ottoman, or in front of the trellis as a pouf option. In the hallway it can replace a bench and partially a wardrobe. In the nursery it is placed near the bed or against the wall, as a basket for toys or an additional soft place to rest.
Kitchen
Great place to store utensils and place them in the kitchen. Large pots and pans are placed in the chest, or you can place sets that are rarely used. The kitchen storage has enough space for napkins, towels and tablecloths.
An interesting idea would be to use the chest as a bar for alcoholic drinks and accessories. If you attach wheels to it, then it will become mobile.
Decoupage of a kitchen cabinet chest
Additional selection of photos:
Today the Decorol website demonstrated how the chest looks in the interior, and it’s worth noting that it looks excellent, really fresh and fashionable. But this thing appeared many centuries ago, it’s good that once forgotten things are coming back into our lives, especially such cute and practical ones! See you again on the pages of our website!
The chest is a kind of keeper of family life. It stood in almost every Russian house. Well, if there were several of them, the family was considered wealthy.
V.I. Dal also wrote in his “Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language” that “chests and boxes are indigenous Russian utensils.”
Although it came to us along with the Tatar-Mongols in the 13th century. Yes, and the word “chest” itself is of Turkic origin.
Types of chests
In the Russian north, two types of chests were common - with a flat hinged lid and a convex one. They also differed in size. There were small chests, close to caskets. They were intended for storing valuable jewelry, household items and money. The small ones included the “headrest” chest, the “teremok” chest, and the dowry chest.
There were also huge chests in the houses - for clothes or food. For strength, the chest was bound with iron strips, sometimes smooth, sometimes with a perforated pattern. Large locks were placed on large chests. Often the walls were covered with conventional painting: with plant or zoomorphic motifs.
These could also be fairy-tale subjects - heroes, herbs, a “wonderful bird”, as well as many other folklore characters and symbols, the meaning and meaning of which was gradually lost.
“Items decorated in this way brought a sense of celebration to a poor home.”
Surprisingly, the chest has not lost its relevance even now. Unlike the spinning wheel, which can only be seen in a museum, the chest is still used in some homes today.
True, if you want to see ancient samples, you will have to go to the museum. The new museum of the Open Collection Foundation - "Peasant Art and Avant-Garde" in Skolkovo - can boast of a large collection of chests, open to anyone.
Anastasia Nekrasova
Reading time ≈ 4 minutes
Over the centuries, chests have been used for a variety of purposes. In peasant houses, elegant clothes and canvases were kept there, and dowries for growing daughters were placed there. In rich houses, ladies used them to store love letters and albums with poems and drawings. Today, the chest in the interior is losing its original meaning as a storage place; recently it is often used as a decorative element.
Different style solutions
Choosing a chest is a responsible matter. It should not be bought thoughtlessly; such a piece of furniture should resonate with the overall style of the room and be in harmony with other items. So most often you have to purchase a couple more things to create a certain ensemble, for example, candlesticks, picture frames. There are various options for chests on sale, ranging from artificially aged, ornate options, to laconic models that can fit perfectly into modern minimalism.
You can often find a chest in the interior of an apartment decorated in a classic style. Artificially aged varieties filled with many interesting details will look good here. Chests can be made of wood or metal, wicker and even plastic. Sometimes the upper part is upholstered with fabric, then it makes a wonderful place to sit.
However, modern chests should not be used in rooms that are decided to be decorated in a vintage style. No matter how well this furniture is made, it will be in dissonance with truly ancient things. But a real antique chest in the interior when creating a retro style is simply irreplaceable. If you are lucky enough to find a genuine item that has been preserved from bygone times, after appropriate restoration it will become a real decoration of a vintage interior.
Minimalism is much more difficult to accept chests. Chests in a modern interior, as in the photo, most often look more like cabinets, often serving as banquettes. In any case, they are a semantic accent here, adding variety to the appearance of the space. Today even sophisticated glamorous rooms cannot do without a chest. Only this piece of furniture is used here in a completely transformed form: in silver decoration or with a golden sheen.
Old chests often look harmonious in an interior decorated in a loft style. This detail perfectly conveys the atmosphere of a factory space converted into housing.
Wicker baskets and boxes in the interior
Nowadays, in interior design you can find all kinds of drawers, boxes, wicker baskets and even chests. Once they were removed from everyday human life, but they are beginning to confidently return to our everyday life and everyday life.
In some interiors it is appropriate to use baskets. For example, they can be found in the bathroom or in the kitchen interior.
In the age of new technologies, when modern furniture is used, containers, packaging materials, baskets and boxes serve as decoration and stylistic addition to the design.
Wicker baskets under the sofa in the eco-friendly interior of the living room
Wicker basket for toys in the nursery
Rattan baskets for small items in a modern living room interior
Basket for kitchen utensils
Making your own chest
First you need to select and prepare raw materials. Most often these are boards or vines (if the chest is wicker). We measure and cut the boards to the required size. Using a router, we make a quarter on the blanks and assemble the box. It is more convenient to connect boards to each other if you use self-tapping screws.
Do-it-yourself good-quality wooden chest
The most difficult step will be creating the lid. There are no problems if you decide to make it flat, but if you want to have it curved, you will have to try a little. You need to cut out its two side parabolic walls. Then everything is simple: you need to put boards on them, and you will get a lid onto which you need to fasten the hinges prepared in advance. Having made the chest, it must be decorated - varnished or painted. At the end of the process, fittings (handles and closures) are attached.
Bedside table from a chest in a marine style bedroom
You can also make a chest from lightweight materials: MDF, chipboard, plywood. To do this, mark the dimensions of the walls of the future product on a sheet of selected material. Using a jigsaw, cut out the blanks. Connect the walls with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. Then the hinges and handle are attached, and the product is coated with paint.
Beautiful wooden chest in Provence style with an additional cabinet for jewelry
Chests for storing things can be made with your own hands or bought inexpensively in a specialized store. For example, the Dutch trade group IKEA offers several interesting models.
Materials for creating a decorative chest
In the original version, the chest is made of wood, but you should not be tied solely to this factor. You can make your own exclusive chest.
DIY chest
Materials that can be used to create a masterpiece:
- Cardboard. The simplest solution for creating a decorative chest that will be pleasing to the eye. To do this you will need rough cardboard and decorations. You can put the thing on a chest of drawers or a sideboard.
- Papier-mâché (a mixture of cardboard and paper) is also perfect for sculpting this piece of furniture.
- Polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam is an interesting solution if you want to create a chest that can be attached to the wall or even the ceiling, while simultaneously playing with the theme of the rest of the interior.
- MDF, plywood or chipboard - this is a more serious approach to work. This chest can be fully used for storing things.
To summarize, we can say that with the advent of the chest, the issue of storing things was partially resolved. There are different types of chests: classic, ethno, vintage, rustic and modern. The materials from which the chest can be made are also different (cardboard, papier-mâché, foam plastic, plywood, wood).
Chests can be used for many purposes (table, pouf, chest of drawers), as well as in all rooms in the house.
How to care for wicker products?
There are no special secrets; to care for a wicker chest, it is enough to sometimes wipe it with a dry cloth; you can use a damp one if you need to clean the item from heavy dirt. Special polishes for wooden furniture are also applicable.
Caring for wicker products will not take much time and effort
Remember that wicker items are quite fragile, so you should not put too much stress on them. Do not place too heavy things on such furniture, it may simply break.
Storage chests: where to buy?
You can choose a product in an online store or by visiting the hardware department of the market, large shopping malls, and furniture stores. You can order a chest from a craftsman, who will independently create a unique individual product for you.
First of all, you need to decide what type you need: will it be a lightweight wicker product or a bulky wooden chest. It all depends on your taste and preferences. It is also worth paying attention to the purpose and method of using the item, for which room it is purchased. The size, shape and color will depend on this. In addition, the cost of the product also depends on these factors.
Chest in the hallway made of chipboard with an aged effect
Interior items made from natural materials will always be in fashion, because they are hypoallergenic and safe for human health.
Where can I get a vintage suitcase or chest?
Knowing the mentality of our compatriots, who love to store various items that have not been used for a long time, searching for vintage suitcases or chests is unlikely to be difficult. It is recommended to start with the attics and closets of your grandmothers, aunts and just acquaintances. Surely someone will have something suitable.
A promising option for searching is flea markets, where you can pick up other vintage items. And, of course, do not forget about the possibilities of the Internet - the network will significantly expand the geography of your search.
Advantages of IKEA furniture and storage chests
The storage systems developed by the company are self-contained modules, the configuration of which can be changed and placed around the room at your discretion.
A convenient mobile decorative element that looks great in any role
IKEA products are being improved and simplified, while remaining as functional, comfortable and environmentally friendly as possible. They differ:
- thoughtfulness to the smallest detail;
- practicality in everything;
- variability and mobility;
- compactness;
- durability.
Classic chest in a traditional bedroom
IKEA storage chests can be easily integrated into any interior and combined with furniture. This is very important for small rooms.
As a “dresser” for storage
Another original and at the same time functional solution is to use a structure made from suitcases as a storage system similar to the principle of a chest of drawers or a locker. To do this, it is better to choose suitcases of the same size, but the height may be different. The next step is to create a solid wooden frame with niches at the height of the suitcases. The lid of the suitcase is removed or carefully cut off, and the suitcase itself is installed in a suitable niche. It then functions as a drawer in which you can store anything you want.
Benefits of the chest.
- Due to its spaciousness, you can store a lot of different things in it. So, let’s say you can put newspapers and magazines in it in the living room, store bed linen in the bedroom, hide toys in the children’s room, street shoes or items intended for cleaning (broom, dustpan, mop, detergents, etc.) in the hallway. ).
- In addition, this thing looks very colorful, and even stylish, despite its centuries-old period of life. Such an item in the interior will clearly serve as the main highlight, and the eyes of those entering will be directed exclusively at it.
- The chest can serve not only as storage for things, but also act as a coffee table in the living room or a chaise longue in the hallway, on which you can sit and put on your shoes comfortably.
What are they made from?
In fact, these days there is no strictly defined material for making a chest; previously, the emphasis was on metal and wood, but now it can also be rattan, willow, bamboo and even plastic. Here the choice is up to the consumer, from what material he wants to purchase this product, this is what he chooses!
Varieties of interior chests.
- Vintage - this product should appear aged in appearance, as if the chest has seen a lot of things and its age has been very long. Chips, abrasions, cracks - all this is welcome. Carved or forged elements will also suit him - this will make him seem more elegant and romantic.
- Ethnic - these models are traditionally bound with metal plates, very massive and heavy, and the inside is upholstered with expensive velvet fabric.
- Modern - such a product can be made of plastic, decorated with chrome inserts or covered with a mirror film.
- Rustic - this model is made of wood, outwardly it seems rough and angular, but its charm is not lost from this fact.
Where to get the chest.
The ideal option, of course, is considered to be a century-old chest passed down in the family as an inheritance, or just something that was collecting dust in the attic of the grandmother, seemingly unnecessary. So its time has come, quickly get it out of the attic, critically examine it and undergo restoration. You may have to change something, or simply clean it from dust or traces of rust, lubricate the hinges and lock, and paint or varnish it.
In addition, antique chests are sold in antique stores, where they are usually already restored and completely ready for further use.
But you can also find a chest in ordinary furniture stores, although it will be as modern as possible, but this will not lose its charm and functionality.
In addition, you can order its production from an experienced carpenter; he will definitely be able to make exactly what you need.
Recommendations when selecting a chest:
- If you decide to purchase a chest for a retro interior, then give preference to a model that is perfectly restored, without chips or abrasions, otherwise such an item will be unnecessarily disharmonious.
- In the case of a Vintage style interior, on the contrary, you need to give preference to a shabby chest, with chips and deep scratches.
- To prevent the chest from seeming like a foreign body in the overall interior design, you should select a few more items that match the style of the chest: paintings, candlesticks, a carved floor lamp or bronze wall lamps.
- If your apartment is made in a certain color, for example, white, and the purchased chest is brown, then it can be painted in a suitable shade.
Chest in the interior photo
Old chest in the bedroom interior.
In the bedroom, the chest is usually located at the foot of the bed; it can be used to store bed linen, towels, pillows, seasonal items, or fold a decorative blanket at night. In addition, you can store needlework and sewing supplies in the chest, as well as store jewelry or cosmetics.
Chest in the interior of the living room.
The most traditional solution for using a chest in the interior of a living room is to use it as a coffee table. But here it is important to understand that magazines, newspapers, a TV remote control, and decorative vases are traditionally placed on such tables, which accordingly makes it difficult to access items stored in the depths of the chest. That is, it turns out that if you decide to purchase a chest that plays the role of a compact table, then you should put things that are rarely in demand in it. In addition, the chest can be placed against the wall, in which case it will act as a miniature chest of drawers. And if you place it near the sofa and armchair, then you can install table lamps on it for reading.
Chest in the interior of a children's room.
A chest for a children's room is a real find; you can quickly put scattered toys, books or coloring books in it. In addition, the chest will simply perfectly emphasize the style of the interior; it will look especially harmonious in a marine or pirate design.
In fact, if you think about it, the chest will be appropriate in any room of the house, in the hallway it will serve as an excellent place to store shoes, in the kitchen you can put dishes, tablecloths, napkins, seasonings, bottles of wine in it, in the bathroom you can store shampoos in it , balms, packages of sea salt, etc.
What are chests made of?
In fact, the item in question is made from all sorts of materials: wood, brass, metal and even the most common plastic.
Where can I find an antique chest?
First of all, you need to check your grandmother's attic; in some cases, it is there that forgotten chests are discovered. In addition, you can go to an antique store, a flea market, ask around from relatives or friends, place an order at a furniture store, or, as a last resort, buy an antique chest in an online store. Friends, you often send letters with the question “in which online store can I buy a chest?” Look here and also here.
How to make a chest with your own hands (video):
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