Every kid loves a toy chest to stow treasures in, and this design provides delight. With its colorful exterior and curved lid, it makes a fun, bold statement in any child’s room. But the real magic here happens when it’s time to put the toys in the attic and move on to more grown-up gear. In less than five minutes, you can transform a brightly colored playroom piece into a stately blanket chest that will be at home in any bedroom, den, or living room. All it takes is a quick flip of the panels.
This is a deceptively easy chest to build. At its core, it’s just a plywood box. The classy looking faux frame-and-panel construction is created by gluing solid wood trim to the faces of the box. Although the lid mimics a fancy coopered panel, there’s no fussy edge-beveling here. Instead, the slats are glued to curved plywood ribs before attaching battens that accept the narrow reversible panels. And don’t worry about pinched li’l fingers: the lid lifts easily, stays open securely, and closes slowly and safely.
Woodcraft Magazine's Classic™ Project Plans
These plans are the "best of" the projects from Editors of Woodcraft Magazine. Each plan features step by step instructions with detail photographs, exploded illustrations for various project steps, a cut list and cutting diagram, and a Convenience Plus Buying Guide so you know exactly what supplies are required to complete the project. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished woodworker, the Woodcraft Classic Plan series will have a plan for you!