Antique Chests

By Author: Jamesrobinson
Total Articles: 20
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The antique chest is one of those pieces of furniture without whom life can be pretty inconvenient. Since these antique chests have come into my home, life afforded me so much space and easy management of my time. The antique chests and the antique chests of drawers as we know them today were as recent as the 17th century.

The antique chest has evolved from antique coffers. Antique coffers were basically crude deep boxes raised off the ground on legs or feet with a lift-up lid. Antique Coffers acted as trunks for storing treasure, secure places for weapons, food larders, and places to keep clothing clean and dry.

The antique chests are now serving as all purpose furniture in kitchens, bedrooms, and children's room and even in garage. Antique chest started featuring in libraries and personal study rooms. Sought by collectors who value true beauty, these antique chests became more popular. Newer uses for these antique chests were invented as time passed one of which is as a decorative accessory announcing to the world the superior social standing of the owner. In many homes, this crafted Antique chest served the ...
... basic function of a storage unit. Among the more affluent, the antique chests were a veritable treasure trove of ballroom gowns, corsets and stockings, and other costumes needed for special occasions. In humble homes antique chests were adapted to provide bedding areas for children and as a makeshift hutch or cabinet for family dinners

The antique chests underwent many changes in the manner of their decoration. Initially an antique chest was a simple marriage coffer. Later the sarcophagus form of the antique chests became more popular. In Italy decorative ornament in gesso spread over the surface of the carved wood of the antique chests was the basis of gilding. The Spain antique chests were ornamented similarly but had leather covering.

Initially the antique chests were serving the purpose of a marriage coffer and it was essentially a portable piece of furniture. The antique chests were claimed to be the most respected of any antique furniture. The antique chest has served as a seat, a couch, a bed, as a travelling trunk, and as a safe receptacle for valuable household goods and personal effects. As a curio the antique chest ranks second to none. The antique chest is a useful receptacle for bedding and luxurious textiles and upholsteries. The antique chest is a safe place to keep the textiles in. These antique chests are trusted containers for precious items and were easily loaded onto ships and horse carriages with their mistresses on long journeys.

The material of the antique chest:

These antique chests were crafted in fine hard wood planking for durability. Ornate carvings with raised ridges and exquisite designs were added to the antique chests indicating how much these antique chests were cherished by their owners. These antique chests further were stained and glazed with shiny surfaces and bright colors befitting the status of the owners.

Though the evolution of these antique chests can be traced back to the original simple marriage coffer but soon became extravagantly decorative. These antique chests no longer remained empty boxes with large capacity but evolved into antique chests of drawers with convenient division spaces.

The convenience of the drawers turned the antique chest a handy storing place for bed-linen and clothing. The antique chest of drawers can be raised on stands on twisted supports or legs or on ball like supports.

Antiques on Old Plank Road is one of the largest French Antique Furniture Dealer near Chicago, Illinois. We carry antique French furniture, English antiques, vintage furniture and specialized in Antique Chests.