People have used blanket boxes for centuries. At one time, they were a family’s most prized possession, as it was beautiful and useful. It also used to be the one suitcase people used to travel with on boats. Due to its space and compact size, people would place all of their belongings inside and simply have it carried right on the vessel they’d be riding. It was easy, and they knew that the box would be strong enough to endure the travel.
The Versatility of a Blanket Box
While many people used the blanket boxes specifically for blankets, some did use it to store other items such as books, toys, clothes, and electronic devices. It seemed like over the years, as people turned away from collecting beautiful quilts and blankets, they started to change what they stored in blanket boxes.
How Long Blanket Boxes Last
It’s a good thing people became creative with blanket boxes because they are long lasting. Blanket boxes made of solid wood can last for thousands of years. The oldest known blanket box is from the 17th century. It’s being auctioned off at $1800 at the Thomaston Auction Galleries.
As solid wood blanket boxes age, they don’t lose their natural wood appearance. Knicks and scratches become part of the wood, and often times, unnoticeable. They blend into the wood’s grains. Besides the fact, that solid wood furniture is also resistant to most types of damage that can ruin other types of blanket boxes such as plastic, metal, and plywood.
The Best Type of Blanket Box
Although blanket boxes can be made out of plastic, metal, and plywood, nothing is quite as beautiful and durable as a solid wood one. There’s nothing like opening the box to smell the fresh wood giving you the feel that your blankets or other items are well preserved inside. That’s also a benefit of using quality solid wood versus plywood, plastic, or metal. It keeps blankets and other linens fresh. When you use plastic or metal, moisture can seep in, and what’s inside can become mildewed.
Other types of blanket boxes can also look worn and fall apart much faster. Many people use blanket box as not only a storage spot, but also a piece of furniture at the foot of the bed. They use it to sit on to put on shoes or just talk on the phone. Sitting on metal would be cold, and sitting on plastic could crush the top of the box. Solid wood blanket boxes are sturdy, and can withstand the weight of someone sitting on it, and it’s comfortable. This is especially true if a small cushion is placed on the top, as many people decide to do to further decorate it.
Solid Wood Blanket Boxes for Beauty, Durability, and Storage Versatility
If seeking a blanket box you’ll be able to pass down throughout generations in your family, choose a solid wood one. You’ll be able to store as many items that will fit inside, they will be preserved for as long as you need them to, and you’ll be able to gaze at its beauty for as many years as you’d like to before passing it on.