While the terms cabinet and chest are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences. A cabinet typically has both doors and drawers and is designed to hold a variety of items.
An accent cabinet adds functionality and style to the home. Place a mirrored chest in the entryway for extra storage or use an apothecary chest as a stylish bathroom stand.
Affordability
Whether you’re looking for bedroom furniture or an accent cabinet to add a pop of personality to your family room, there are affordable options that won’t break the bank. Look for chests with drawers to store extra linens in a bedroom, or opt for a two-door accent cabinet to hold family games and knickknacks. Many of these cabinets feature spacious interior shelving for storage.
If you’re a DIYer, an automotive mechanic or just someone who likes to do things around the house, an affordable tool chest is a smart addition to your home workspace. These large storage solutions can accommodate your go-to tools and spares to help you stay organized, while freeing up floor space for workbenches or other equipment. Some designs also include features such as casters for mobility and locking drawers to protect more expensive or dangerous items.
Chests and cabinets come in a wide variety of styles to complement all areas of the home, including private bedrooms, family spaces and home offices. They’re often crafted from durable woods like oak or maple, with finishes that range from rustic farmhouse to modern coastal. Look for a painted finish that coordinates with other bedroom furniture or opt for a stain for a more natural look. Some designs also feature woven materials like faux-wicker to add an eclectic touch.
A chest of drawers is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in a bedroom, with plenty of room to store clothes and accessories. It can also be used to store bed linens, blankets and throw pillows. A tall dresser is a good option for larger clothing, with a wide drawer and doors that are easily accessible to keep the wardrobe clean.
If you’re in the market for a piece of storage furniture that has a bit more character, consider an antique hope chest or apothecary cabinet. These unique pieces have a history that lends them a sense of soul and make them stand out in your home. These accent cabinets aren’t as affordable as some of the others in this collection, but they offer a more authentic look and feel.
Functionality
While some people use the terms cabinet and chest interchangeably, there is a difference between the two pieces of furniture. A cabinet generally has doors or drawers for storage, while a chest typically has a hinged lid and may or may not have drawers. It is important to know the difference so that you can choose the right furniture for your home.
The type of furniture you choose will depend on the intended use and the available space. A cabinet is ideal for storing dishes and other kitchenware because it has a door to keep items from spilling out. On the other hand, a chest is better for storing linens because it has open shelves that can easily be reached.
There are many styles of accent cabinets and chests to choose from, so you can find the perfect piece for your space. For example, a Bombay chest is an elegant option that has curved lines and depictions of Oriental landscapes. This style of storage furniture is also functional because it has drawers to hold small trinkets, like pens and sticky notes.
Another option is a slender cabinet with a wide shelf that can hold books and other taller items. This type of cabinet is ideal for a living room or bedroom because it takes up less floor space than a dresser. Its minimalist design makes it easy to match with other furnishings, making it a great choice for a contemporary home.
If you are looking for a way to store your favorite blankets and throws, consider this New England Pine Blanket Chest. It has wide interior shelving that can accommodate larger items and a gorgeous shaker-style design that fits in with almost any decor. This project is perfect for beginner woodworkers because it doesn’t require any complex joinery or hidden dowel hinges.
Whether you need extra storage in the bedroom or eye-catching home accents for the entryway, Hayneedle has the cabinets and chests you need. Browse a variety of sizes and designs, including mirrored accent cabinets that can add sparkle to an entryway or create a focal point in the bedroom.
Style
When shopping for accent chests and cabinets, look for designs that fit with your home’s current design theme. If you have a more transitional style, for instance, a traditional wooden cabinet with a painted finish might work well in your home. Similarly, if you’re a fan of modern design, try out an elegant metal piece.
Whether you’re looking for storage furniture that blends in or stands out, there are lots of options available on the market. For a minimalistic approach, you might like a simple wooden blanket box that features only one open shelf for storing throws, handcrafted quilts and other vintage fabrics. Beginners can build this easy-to-follow project using a kit that includes wood screws, hidden dowel hinges and shelf pin jigs for drilling evenly spaced holes in the cabinet side for adjustable shelves.
A more decorative approach might lead you to choose a cedar hope chest or an apothecary cabinet with elaborate carvings or Oriental landscape motifs. These types of pieces can add a sense of history to your home and give the room a distinctive, unique presence. If you’re not a fan of right angles or geometric repetition, consider a Bombay chest that features curves and depictions of Asian motifs.
The size of the furniture is another factor to take into consideration. Typically, cabinets are larger than chests and designed to hold more items and materials. They might have a single door or multiple, along with shelves for storing linens and other household items. Chests, on the other hand, are smaller and designed to hold specific items such as seasonal clothing or bedding. They usually have a hinged lid that opens to reveal the storage space inside.
If you’re interested in combining the best of both worlds, a storage chest that features a combination of drawers and doors might be a good choice for your home. This type of furniture can offer the benefits of a dresser for storing clothing and a wardrobe cabinet for storing seasonal apparel. It can also provide a place to store table linens, dishes and other household items for when guests visit.
Personality
Aside from the functional elements of cabinets and chests, many of them feature eye-catching designs that add a splash of personality to any room. From a chic mirrored accent chest with extra storage in the bedroom to a classic wooden one for the living room, you’ll find options that complement traditional and modern decor styles alike.
When deciding on an accent cabinet or chest for your home, consider the intended use and available space. A cabinet typically has doors and drawers for storage, while a chest has a hinged lid that opens to reveal the interior. However, these terms can be used interchangeably at times, especially with antique furniture where the distinction was not as clear as it is today.
For example, some antique apothecary cabinets and hope chests can be considered both a cabinet and a chest, depending on their history and design. Similarly, a cedar chest with Asian influences can be referred to as both a cabinet and a chest.
Decorative chests can add character to an empty entryway, foyer or hallway with their intricate details and unique designs. Whether you choose an accent chest with a botanical print or a piece that’s coated in glossy black, you’ll find the perfect way to add personality to a room with this versatile furniture.
Accent chests with lots of drawers are ideal for organizing a bedroom or dressing room. They make a perfect companion to a bedroom vanity set, giving you ample space for storing lingerie and clothing while keeping them out of sight. They’re also great allys in a wide hallway, helping to anchor a wall and fill it with elegance and style.