In the past a young woman would keep and store items to bring to her marriage in a wooden chest. From linens to dishes this was known as her dowry and the chest became to be called a hope chest. These chests not only represented hope for the future, but also protected the contents within them. Crafted from cedar which is a wood that has natural oils that repel insects and fungus, the chest’s contents would be protected as well as given a pleasing scent.
Nowadays not many women keep hope chests, but that doesn’t mean a chest wouldn’t make a handsome addition to your home. You can use it for storage and extra seating. Some even have upholstered cushions on top for a more padded seat. They make great gifts for college bound women to hold and store their childhood things.
Most commonly hope chests are found at the end of the bed as they held extra blankets for cold nights and provided a nice spot to sit and put on your shoes. But you can actually place hope chests anywhere from the entryway to the living room and even the hall. Many feature drawers as well to provide for more storage. So keep one in the hall for extra towels and bed sheets. It also makes a great place to set a purse.
Try one in the living room for stashing extra blankets to get warm and cozy on the couch. It could double as a coffee table. Or it could provide extra seating when you need it. You could even display a few favorite photos on it. No matter where you place one, hope chests are sure to provide plenty of storage and seating with style.
To find the best selection of hope chests you shouldn’t waste your time dragging yourself to every furniture store in your area. Instead try shopping online from the comfort of home. Not only will you find the best selection, but also the best prices. Maybe you prefer the shabby chic look of a creamy white hope chest with hand carved details for French flair? Or perhaps you want a dark, cherry finished chest rich with Victorian vibrancy? You could also try an oak finished chest for your living room. Its golden honey brown exterior accented by mission style ring pulls.
No matter what type of hope chest you choose for your home or daughter they aren’t just for women anymore. Men can enjoy them as well to store mementos from youth, keeping them fresh as the day they were stored. Or to keep seasonal clothing and bedding convenient, ready for use at a moment's notice. Cedar hope chests protect important papers such as passports and birth certificates as well. Whatever you put into a cedar hope chest, you know it will be well preserved.
So why not invest in a hope chest for your home today? You’ll love the extra storage it provides with style. Whoever uses hope chests knows timeless beauty and versatility that will become a family heirloom.
Author Jennifer Akre, owner of many sites dedicated to indoor and outdoor home decor products and information, provides online consumers with advice on purchasing gorgeous storage chests, stylish bedroom chest and versatile hall chest.
Source: www.articlesphere.com