Home ‘editing’ doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of stuff; it means giving everything its own space. This organisational philosophy presupposes clever storage solutions, and what better way to embrace a ‘decluttering’ trend than with the addition of an antique storage piece? One of Caroline Solomon’s organisational principles is to balance the pretty with the practical, and that is exactly where a linen press, chest on chest or cabinet becomes the perfect versatile piece of furniture to achieve this goal. 

In contemporary home design, storage solutions are either sparse or generic and too matchy-matchy; offering little character, personality or visual appeal. The beauty of an antique storage solution is in both its versatility and functionality. An antique chest-on-chest, armoire, linen press or cabinet can bring a much-needed touch of charm and contrast to a mass apartment development or minimalist modern interior.

“Proper storage is about creating a home for something so that minimal effort is required to find it and put it away.” ―Geralin Thomas, Decluttering Your Home: Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets

At The Crown Collection, we have a wide range of antique cabinets, chests, armoires and linen presses of all shapes and sizes to fit your unique requirements

These desirable antique storage solutions not only hold their value but also tick the sustainability box, making them ever more appealing in modern homes. 

Luxurious linen presses

Traditionally used to store tablecloths, sheets, towels, duvets, comforters and all manner of other household items, these ornate linen cabinets – crafted out of oak, walnut or mahogany – usually have two pullout shelves that stand above four deep drawers.

The outward elegance and grandeur of an antique linen press make it the ideal addition to the bedroom or passage, but it can also diversify as a seamless statement piece for the bathroom. Antique linen presses function as delightful, character-filled places to display towels and toiletries without becoming too dominant in a smaller space.

You can easily change things up by moving your newly acquired antique linen press to the entrance hall. These transitional areas often don’t require much furniture, but an antique storage solution can become a welcome decor filler, creating visual interest and personality in the space. Effortlessly store your jackets, coats, umbrellas, shoes and other everyday paraphernalia, which are easily accessible before embarking on your next outing.

Charming chests on chests

Originally built out of solid wood and embellished with bespoke carvings and designs, antique chests on chests have beautifully housed garments and other personal items for centuries.

Breaking up the monotony of modern furniture, a carefully-selected antique chest on chest (otherwise known as a tallboy or highboy) can find a place in almost any room as a simple solution for extra storage. 

Excelling in beauty and versatility, these hero pieces work to arrest the eye of any guest with their decorative flair and utilitarian value. 

As an elegant storage solution, an antique chest-on-chest can operate as an additional ‘cupboard’ for the bedroom or conversation starter in the dining hall. 

The dual purpose of the chest can open up a patina of history and drama and provide a rich focal point to a room otherwise decorated with contemporary, mass-produced items.

And while chests on chests provide decently-sized storage solutions, if you do not have the space for these larger pieces and still need a little extra organisational space, consider opting for an antique chest of drawers or kist as a more compact (and equally versatile) option.

Collector’s cabinets

Antique cabinets are the epitome of functional and versatile statement pieces, consisting of transparent glass or wood cupboards at the top and an enclosed base in the lower half.

Armoires (as they are otherwise known) are the unsung queens of antique furniture, with many interior designers gravitating towards them to complement nearly any room while alleviating storage woes. 

As antique storage solutions, they take up more vertical than horizontal space, making them the ideal addition to smaller footprint spaces in contemporary homes, townhouses or apartments.

Housing (and displaying) books, linen, clothing, toys, dinner services, pantry staples, curated collections of object d’art, pottery, ornaments, glasses, drinks or anything that tickles your fancy, there’s good evidence to suggest that these furniture pieces can function anywhere. 

They can also be used to complement an antique period or style in the dining room or juxtapose other furniture items in a modern living room or kitchen. Apply some paint or bleaching and voila! – the piece is transformed. Acquiring an antique cabinet to complement the theme and colour scheme of your contemporary interior will always add a bespoke wow factor.

Explore a variety of antique storage solutions at The Crown Collection

If the historical richness, versatility, functionality and decorative diversity of adding an antique cabinet, chest-on-chest or linen press to a modern interior is not glaringly obvious, then you have not visited The Crown Collection.

With a selection of more than 160 antique storage solutions to choose from, you’ll soon want one for every area of your home.

Shop online or in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.