We have all been there: the linen closet is bursting at the seams, the guest duvet is stuffed onto a high shelf, and your favorite throws are draped over every available chair. Blanket clutter is the enemy of a peaceful home, but the solution serves double duty as a beautiful piece of furniture.
The blanket chest (or hope chest) has made a massive comeback in 2026 interior design. No longer just antique heirlooms, modern trunks offer sophisticated storage solutions that sit perfectly at the foot of your bed, in the entryway, or as a coffee table in the living room. They protect your linens from dust and moths while decluttering your visual space.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the 5 best blanket chests and trunks of 2026. We analyzed them for storage capacity, safety features (crucial for households with kids), durability, and style to help you reclaim your space.
Buying Guide: Wood, Wicker, or Fabric?
Before you choose a chest, consider what you are storing and where it will go.
1. Material Matters
- Solid Wood/Cedar: The gold standard for long-term storage. Cedar repels moths and mildew, making it ideal for wool blankets and heirloom quilts.
- Upholstered (Ottoman Style): Perfect for living rooms or the foot of the bed. They double as seating, but make sure the interior is lined to snag-proof your fabrics.
- Wicker/Rattan: Offers a breezy, boho look. Ensure it has a fabric liner, or the wicker will pull threads on your blankets.
2. Capacity vs. Footprint
Measure your space! A “standard” chest is about 40-48 inches wide. If you are storing bulky items like king-sized comforters, look for a deep chest with at least 4-5 cubic feet of storage.
3. Safety Hinges
If you have children or pets, a “slow-close” or safety hinge is non-negotiable. This mechanism holds the lid open at any angle and prevents it from slamming shut on fingers.
1. Sauder Shoal Creek Storage Chest
Verdict: Best Overall Value & Design
The Sauder Shoal Creek strikes the perfect balance between traditional aesthetics and modern functionality. Finished in a warm Jamocha Wood or soft White, it fits almost any decor style. It features a standard ventilation slot and a lid stay for safety.
Pros
- Robust safety hinge prevents slamming
- Ventilated for airflow (prevents musty smells)
- Elegant design looks more expensive than it is
Cons
- Assembly required (can be heavy)
- Composite wood, not solid cedar
2. Lane Home Furnishings Cedar Chest
Verdict: Best for Protection (Heirlooms)
Lane is legendary in the world of chests. If your primary goal is protecting wool or vintage linens from pests, you need a cedar chest. The natural oils in the wood act as a repellent against moths and silverfish while imparting a lovely scent to your bedding.
Pros
- Real cedar lining for pest protection
- Solid construction and durability
- Classic aesthetic
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move
- Higher price point
3. SIMPLIHOME Ottoman Bench
Verdict: Best Dual-Purpose (Seating + Storage)
For those short on space, this rectangular storage ottoman is a lifesaver. Upholstered in durable faux leather or fabric, it serves as a comfortable bench for putting on shoes at the foot of the bed while hiding three king-sized blankets inside.
Pros
- Soft closing hinges
- doubles as comfortable seating
- No assembly required (usually just legs)
Cons
- Fabric can stain if not treated
- Interior capacity slightly less than wooden chests
4. VASAGLE Industrial Storage Chest
Verdict: Best Budget / Industrial Style
If you prefer a rustic or industrial look, the VASAGLE chest combines a sturdy metal frame with engineered wood. It supports up to 220 lbs on top, meaning it can double as a bench. It’s incredibly affordable and surprisingly spacious.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Sturdy metal frame supports weight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not air-tight (good for ventilation, bad for long-term protection)
- Industrial look doesn’t fit all homes
5. Household Essentials Wicker Trunk
Verdict: Best Boho/Aesthetic
For a lighter, breezier look, this hand-woven seagrass or wicker trunk is stunning. It adds texture to a room without feeling heavy like solid wood. Crucially, it comes with a cotton liner to prevent the wicker from snagging your delicate throws.
Pros
- Beautiful natural texture
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Includes protective liner
Cons
- Not suitable for sitting on
- Seagrass can have a natural scent initially
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Owning a blanket chest comes with a few responsibilities to keep your items fresh and your family safe.
- Child Safety: Tragically, old chests with locking mechanisms can be dangerous for children who climb inside. Ensure any chest you buy has a safety hinge that prevents the lid from dropping and sufficient ventilation holes or a non-locking latch.
- Cedar Refreshing: If you buy a cedar chest, the scent will fade over time. Lightly sand the interior wood with fine-grit sandpaper every few years to reopen the pores and release the protective oils.
- Overstuffing: Avoid forcing the lid shut. Overstuffing can damage the hinges and compress your blankets, ruining their loft (fluffiness).
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
For most homes in 2026, the Sauder Shoal Creek offers the best mix of style, safety, and price. However, if you are looking for true dual-purpose furniture to place at the foot of your bed, the SIMPLIHOME Ottoman Bench is an unbeatable comfort upgrade.
Choose the storage that fits your life, and enjoy the peace of a clutter-free home!