The Complete Handbook of Storage Chests

Finally, a reference that doesn't read like a furniture store catalog. The chapter on understanding chests alone saved me from a bad lot purchase - the section on actual construction differences between solid wood and veneered panels was worth the price. I've already incorporated some of the maintenance checklists into my shop's routine.

I restore antique furniture and the chapter on storage chests here is more practical than anything I've read in trade magazines. The troubleshooting notes on sticking lids and broken hinges are exactly the kind of real-world fixes you can't find in a manufacturer's brochure. I expected fluff and got a genuinely useful reference that I'll keep on my workbench.

As an interior designer, I need to specify storage that will hold up in real homes, not just look good in photos. This handbook gives me the exact material and joinery specs I need to discuss with clients and contractors. The section on different types actually helped me talk a client out of a cedar chest for a blanket-only application where she just wanted the scent.

There is solid information here, but it leans heavily toward antique and wooden furniture. The chapter on business opportunities felt like an afterthought - it's more of an overview than a guide. The chapter on maintenance is genuinely useful, but I wish it had included more on modern, upholstered storage chests since that's what most of my clients buy.

It's a well-organized reference, but I was expecting more depth on the manufacturing side. The guide covers the basics of what to buy and how to maintain it, but the section on suppliers and business positioning is rather thin and doesn't offer much of an insider's view. It's fine for a buyer, but somewhat less useful if you are trying to understand the industry as a potential entrant.