The 10 Best Storage Trunks
Special Honors
DutchCrafters Amish Solid Maple The DutchCrafters Amish Solid Maple is the type of furniture that you can pass down to your children and grandchildren, thanks to a robust hardwood construction, leather handles, and a cedar tray. It also makes an excellent gift, since a brass plaque engraved with the recipient's name can be added. dutchcrafters.com
Four Hands Duncan For a piece with richly rustic appeal, the Four Hands Duncan is just the ticket. Instead of flimsy particleboard, it boasts strong, reclaimed wood, with warm brown tones and a natural grain that is sure to elicit plenty of compliments. It's pricey but has plenty of attractive touches, including a plinth base and sturdy hinges. interiorhomescapes.com
Wisteria Acrylic If you have items you want to show off, rather than hide, the Wisteria Acrylic is the way to go. Completely clear, it provides an excellent view of everything that's inside, for a modern decorative element that will fit perfectly into your bedroom or living room. It's easy to move, too, thanks to two rope handles. wisteria.com
Editor's Notes
May 13, 2020:
Storage trunks are everything from elegant to plain and functional, but they can also be dangerous to young children — so you'll want to choose carefully if you have young kids in the home. That's because a trunk's lid can close on small children who are exploring the inside, trapping them or hurting them as the lid slams shut. A plastic storage bin, even though they aren't as attractive, might be the better choice in a child-friendly home, since lids on these models don't generally close on their own. Or, look for options with a lid that closes slowly and that can be opened from the inside, like the Sauder Shoal Creek. Keep in mind, though, that wood options can also have sharp edges, so keep boisterous little ones who are just learning to walk away from them.
When it comes to a storage trunk with a traditional feel, we still like the Seward Trunk Rover and the Rhino Armor Camp & College. The wheels on the latter are removable, whereas those on the former are not, which perhaps helps to explain the price discrepancy between them — the Rhino model is the more expensive of the two. They're both lockable, however, a nice touch that makes them appropriate for camp or dorm use. If you're more concerned with style than with portability, the Beautify Vintage remains a good value, especially if you're a fan of rose gold accents. But we removed the admittedly attractive Southern Enterprises Cocktail Table, as for most, it's simply too frustrating to put together. For a combination table and trunk model, consider instead the Signature Design by Ashley Aldwin Farmhouse, a large, elegant coffee table that has two openings for easy-access storage.