The 10 Best Storage Chests
Special Honors
Didriks As an independent and locally-owned business, Didriks specializes in the sale of high-quality outdoor furniture, tableware, linens, and more. Founded in 2004 on Observatory Hill in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company now operates out of Belmont and Newton Lower Falls. Included among its products are large and small versions of the Reims Storage Chest by Barlow Tyrie. Roomy enough to accommodate furniture and cushions, these containers are equipped with safety gas struts for easy lid opening and special inserts that prevent water penetration. didriks.com
Scully & Scully Celebrating 85 years in business, Scully & Scully carries a wide variety of handcrafted English and American furniture in traditional woods such as mahogany and elm. The company also sells a variety of home accessories, including crystal, sterling flatware, lamps, and picture frames, many of which are exclusive products. Inspired by an 18th century design, the company's mahogany storage chest for blankets features dovetailed joints and a cedar-lined bottom to keep moths and other insects away from delicate fabrics. scullyandscully.com
Editor's Notes
May 19, 2020:
While you might first consider the purchase of a storage bin a rather mundane experience, we've done our best to provide a list of interesting options with enough capacity to hold anything from clothes and linens to outdoor patio furniture. An eclectic range of styles is included that complement all types of living spaces. As a practical example, having three dogs means there are tons (and I mean tons) of toys scattered throughout my home. I could benefit from having at least 2 or 3 of these chests in different rooms just to stay ahead of the mess and keep dog toy clutter down to a minimum. Granted, that's just one way these containers can benefit a household.
If you're concerned more with function than aesthetics, we've added options like the Lifetime Deck Box and Rubbermaid ActionPacker. Both are designed specifically for outdoor use, the former of which has a 130-gallon storage capacity while the latter is made with impact-resistant plastic to withstand heavy abuse when transported.
Let's admit that kids can be messy, especially those aged three and up. Therefore, we've included the KidKraft Austin as a dependable choice for a tyke's bedroom. While it has plenty of room to store toys, and a top surface that doubles as a comfy bench, you should monitor your little one just to make sure he/she puts their things away properly instead of climbing inside. Thanks to its safety hinge, the lid isn't very likely to slam shut. Because the lid doesn't lock, the danger of being trapped inside is minimal. However, it's still wise to err on the side of caution when it comes to furniture and children. Along with adult supervision, take this opportunity to teach your young one to understand cleanliness and that this chest isn't something to be chewed on or used as a play structure.
We've also added the Christopher Knight Mission Ottoman, which can be used as both a footrest and tabletop, making it a good option for bedside placement in rooms with limited space.
The Simpli Home Avalon is ideal for use in entertainment rooms, thanks to several flip-over seats that double as food serving trays.
I can imagine the BirdRock Home Abaca storing things like blankets, linens, and bulky pillows, as its lacquered finish helps to keep moisture out.
The Otto & Ben Smart Lift folds flat for easy storage and it can be opened from either side when fully assembled.
The Sauder Eden Rue is a nice complement to a country-style home and although its graphic panels are fun, it's nice to know that you can reverse them during assembly so that the sides with advertising on them can be faced inward.
Finally, the Suncast Wicker is an ideal outdoor storage solution for heavy lawn furniture and garden tools.