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Our home isn’t necessarily considered small, but as our family grows we are always searching for ways to make better use of the space we have and incorporate as many storage solutions as possible, like our DIY window bench and modern farmhouse sideboard.
We are very conscious about the amount of “stuff” we keep, and make an effort to clean out our closets every spring and fall, throwing out or donating clothes, toys and decor that we have collected and no longer need. But despite that, we still have quite a few things we aren’t willing or ready to part with.
For me, a big part of that is home decor items, in particular throws and pillows (come on friends, I know I’m not alone in this!). You’ve probably noticed that a new blanket or pillow will sneak it’s way into our home each season (but Nick seems to think I get a new one each day…), and because of that, I have a pretty big collection. These are items that I like to rotate throughout our home depending on the season, but they tend to take up a lot of space when we’re not using them.
So when we decided to switch out the bench that was at the foot of our bed, we thought a DIY blanket storage chest would be just perfect!
I had tired of the bench and was looking for something with a little more substance to fill in the space. And of course, if it could have storage it was an extra bonus. We started talking about some sort of trunk or chest, like the beautiful variations you see at Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware and I knew it was something Nick would enjoy building for us.
So, as usual, Nick set to work sketching out a plan and I gave him the final go-ahead to start building.
And we ended up with this beautiful DIY blanket storage chest. Its simple lines give it a classic feel and an heirloom quality. It honestly reminds me something that has been passed down from generation to generation. Nick used a combination of knotty pine and select pine which gave it a rustic, yet modern look.
Nick didn’t want to make it out of plywood panels as that would have been uninteresting to the eye. Using his Kreg Pocket Hole system (which he has been using with every build since I bought it for him), he was able to use multiple boards to give it more depth and detail.
Nick stained it using Provincial color by Minwax and coated it with a satin polyurethane, so it has a wonderful rustic warmth to it. And we added matte black handles, hinge and chest latch for an authentic touch.
Currently, it sits at the foot of our bed and it houses all of my extra throws and pillow covers. It has lots of room for storage, and even this cute little drawer for small items.
It’s been so nice to finally get them out of our overstuffed guest room closet, because…something fun is happening in that room very soon! If don’t want to wait to find out, I spilled the beans on Instagram.
And as much as I love it in our bedroom, we’ve also tested it out in our living room as a coffee table. I can’t decide where I love it more! Maybe Nick will just have to build a second one… 😉
You can get the free plans for our blanket storage chest at buildsomething.com. While you’re there, I’m sure you’ll find plenty more DIY ideas. Happy building!
Alicia xo

Lovely storage chest . Nice that it could work in 2 different rooms
for you..
Thank you, Dianne. I agree, the versatility and extra storage is an added bonus!
I built the chest as a toy box for my grandson’s Christmas . The plans were spot on but I need help in sourcing the lid supports. The ones I have found were for a 3/4” thick back and the lid will not close all the way.
Hi Pat, I’ve emailed you some suggestions – hope they help!
We are also having difficulty installing the lid support correctly so that the lid closes all the way. Any suggestions you could send would be appreciated! We loved this project! Thanks for sharing the plans.
Hi Jill,
We had the same problem too! It took a lot of small movements and filling in some screw holes (which you can use toothpicks and glue to close up old holes). But eventually, we got it in the right spot so that it wouldn’t keep the lid open. There are some other alternatives out there that might be easier if you can’t get it to work. There are the ones that attach flat against the back instead of using ones that attach to the side. Unfortunately, I’ve only seen them orderable online and not in any stores. https://www.etsy.com/listing/276380778/toy-chest-lid-support-rustic-lid
I hope this helps a little!
Would you mind emailing me the suggestions as well, as soon as possible. Thank you!
Hi Cheryl, There are the ones that attach flat against the back instead of using ones that attach to the side. Unfortunately, I’ve only seen them orderable online and not in any stores. https://www.etsy.com/listing/276380778/toy-chest-lid-support-rustic-lid
I also found these pneumatic ones that might work…I haven’t tried them yet though…
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Richelieu-Hardware-Pneumatic-Lift-System-12-kg-BP57812105/202215984
I also came across these ones which are functional too, There are a few pinch points so I’m not sure I’d recommend them for a toy chest, but if children aren’t going to have access to it, then it should be fine too.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Bright-Brass-Lid-Support-Left-Hand-Hinges-19834/204485795
I’ve also had people just leave these supports off altogether if children aren’t going to be using the chest.
What is the finished dimensions? I could not find it on your site or the link you gave.
Hi Wendy,
Sorry for the delayed response on this! The final dimensions are 52″ x 19″ x 18.75″. You can find a diagram with the final measurements on step 17 on the buildsomething.com plan page by clicking here! Good luck if you go ahead and build this. We’d love to see the final result!