Combine functionality and style with wicker storage trunks. Wicker chests are a great way to store items in your home. They are roomy, practical, easy to open and close, and good-looking as well. These versatile pieces provide ample storage space while adding a vintage touch to your home decor. Use them to store blankets, pillows, or even as a unique coffee table alternative. The woven design of wicker adds a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a perfect addition to living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways.
This storage unit can be part of an organized home – or it can act as a focal point and if you’re looking to get one but aren’t sure how to use them or which one is right for you, here are 6 tips on how to choose your wicker chest and what you should know about storing things there.
1. Look For The Right Size Chest
Your wicker chest should match your needs; it shouldn’t be too big that it takes up too much space or too small that things go missing inside. Choose one with enough space to meet your needs. A good rule of thumb is making sure all your items will fit in without having to stack stuff on top of each other.
To get a rough idea of what size you need, measure both sides, lengthwise and height-wise, then add those two measurements together. This will give you an approximate size you’ll need to find in a chest at any local furniture store.
If possible, bring a tape measure when shopping so you can check whether or not something fits. But remember that size is just one factor in choosing your chest – make sure it matches your aesthetic tastes as well.
2. Shop Around And Consider Your Needs
Wicker chests are sold everywhere from home improvement stores to department stores, depending on their size. It’s best to visit a few places first before committing because you don’t want to waste money getting something you don’t need and/or won’t use right away.
Make sure to ask about return policies if there’s any chance you might be unhappy with your purchase later.
3. Think About How You’ll Store Things
While some wicker chests come ready to put things into them, most require extra work before they can do so. Remember to think through how you’re going to use it. Are you using it primarily for clothing? Or are you putting more heavy objects in there? What types of materials (like paper products or ceramics) will you be storing in here? Will other people access its contents regularly?
These factors can help shape how large or small, plain or fancy your chest needs to be and determine which material is best for storing specific items.
4. Decide On The Type Of Lid You Want
There are three main types of lids on these storage pieces: hinged lid, lidless and flip top. Hinged lids have hinges attached to either side or underneath so you can open them smoothly and easily, often with minimal effort required; lidless boxes lack lids entirely while flip tops have removable tops you lift off after lifting down a flap on the front edge of your chest.
No matter the type of lid you choose, you must consider where you’ll place your chest and how you plan to access it. Will it stay outdoors or indoors? Can children reach it easily or will adults only use it?
Because of these questions, as well as your budget, personal taste and current décor choices, decide which type of chest might suit your purpose best.
5. Decide Whether You Need Lockable Security
Another key feature to consider is lockable security. Is your chest supposed to be hidden, and thus need locking? Or will it be visible in a room or hallway you use frequently?
All of these concerns will determine how important lockable security is for you and what kind of locks are best for your chest.
6. Accessories
Once you’ve found your chest, don’t stop there! Now is also a great time to pick out accessories like cushions and blankets that can protect your items during transport and help keep everything organized once it’s in place.
Ask a sales associate for recommendations or look online to read reviews of different brands, products and features before you buy.