Our entry needed concealed storage, but the wall is narrow and I didn't want a new reproduction. The goal was an old piece with useful drawers that wouldn't make the entry feel heavy or overly formal.
The brief
Our entry needed concealed storage, but the wall is narrow and I didn't want a new reproduction. The goal was an old piece with useful drawers that wouldn't make the entry feel heavy or overly formal.
The journey
Actual depth, drawer storage, enough walking clearance, genuine age and character, an informal feel, and condition appropriate for everyday use. Known dimensions included 36.5 W × 19.25 D × 34 H inches for the Italian chest and 36 × 18 × 39 inches for the campaign chest.
The outcome
The reasoning
Several pieces were beautiful, but this was the decision where measurements mattered more than prestige. The painted Italian chest gave us real drawer storage while staying within the depth we could live with in a circulation space.
The result
For an entryway, depth mattered more than width. Measuring the walking path eliminated several pieces before style became the deciding factor.
Local expertise
