Blanket chest combines form with function
Blanket chest combines form with function

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By Don and Dave Runyan

Published: September 11, 2008

A hallmark of a great woodworking project is the successful marriage of function and form. There's nothing more satisfying than creating something practical that looks great, and this handsome, do-it-yourself blanket chest falls into that category.

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The classic design provides plenty of extra storage — something most any home can use — and looks great at the foot of the bed. It even serves as a handy seat, the perfect spot to tie your shoes in the morning.

Built from oak, as pictured (but almost any type of wood can be used), the chest is cut almost entirely from a single sheet of plywood. Basically a simple box, the project calls for six rectangular pieces for the sides, top and bottom. The curved cuts for the base are traced from full-size patterns.

The completed project measures 47 inches long by 20 inches deep by 20 inches tall.

The Blanket Chest plan, No. 724, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, shopping list, cutting schedule and a toll-free phone number to call with project questions. A package of three blanket chest plans, No. C74, is $21.95 and includes this chest project and two others. A free catalog picturing dozens of projects is also available. Please include $4 for postage and handling. Allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Oklahoman, 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 107, Oceanside, CA 92056. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. U-Bild is online at u-bild.com.