Best Storage Trunks: Which One to Buy

For living rooms and bedrooms, a faux leather or fabric-covered trunk such as the Sorbus or Honey-Can-Do lines gives the best mix of looks and capacity, while a cedar-lined or solid wood trunk suits heirloom linens and blankets, and a heavy-duty plastic trunk or footlocker fits garages and basements. Choose by where it will sit, what goes inside and whether children will be around it.

Our top picks

Top pickVixdonos Decorative Large Metal Box Storage Trunk

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Storage Trunks at a Glance

What to Store Determines the Trunk

Textiles and bedding

Blankets, quilts and seasonal clothes need dry, ventilated storage. Cedar interiors are traditionally used because the wood’s scent is thought to deter some moths, but reviewers and extension services note that cedar is not a guarantee, and the effect weakens as the oil fades. Clean items before storing them, and use breathable cotton bags or acid-free tissue for heirloom pieces rather than sealed plastic.

Toys and everyday clutter

Toy storage calls for a lid that stays open on its own or a lid with a soft-close hinge. Children can be trapped by a heavy lid that drops shut, so safety matters more than looks here. Many makers of toy chests advertise safety hinges, and you can also buy hinges separately; follow product safety standards and the maker’s instructions.

Garage, tools and seasonal gear

Weatherproof plastic or metal trunks with a tight lid keep out dust and moisture. Choose a model with handles and, for heavy items, wheels. Avoid storing paints, fuels or chemicals in the same trunk as other household goods.

Documents and valuables

A trunk is not a safe. If you need fire or theft protection, a fire-rated safe or a safe deposit box is the appropriate product, not a decorative chest.

Size, Capacity and Placement

Trunk capacity appears either as litres or as dimensions. Measure the intended spot, including how far the lid will swing open, and leave a clearance behind it. A trunk at the foot of a bed often runs from around 30 to 48 inches wide, while a coffee-table trunk can be larger and sturdier. Look for the stated seating capacity if you plan to sit on it, and treat that number as a maximum, not a target. Remember that a full trunk is heavy, so empty it before moving.

Construction and Quality Cues

• Frame: solid wood or a reinforced MDF frame holds up better than thin particle board. Collapsible frames are convenient but typically bear less weight.
• Hinges and lid support: look for lid supports or soft-close hinges to prevent slamming, and confirm the hinges attach to solid material.
• Handles: sturdy handles matter if you plan to move the trunk often. Fabric loop handles tend to wear first.
• Lining: a smooth lining protects clothes from snags. Wooden interiors should be sanded and, for textile storage, free of rough edges.
• Ventilation: small ventilation holes or a lightly fitted lid help avoid musty odors in closets, but they let dust in.
• Finish and odor: new faux leather and finishes may have a smell at first. Airing the trunk before filling it helps.

Safety Notes

Do not let children play inside any trunk with a latching lid. Keep trunks with locking mechanisms clear of keys where kids can reach, or remove the lock. Do not store anything flammable in a decorative trunk near a heater or fireplace. If you buy a vintage trunk, inspect it for lead paint, rust and splinters before using it around children.

Budget Tiers

Budget: collapsible fabric or faux leather trunks that fold flat for storage and move easily. Mid-range: sturdier wooden frames with padded lids, or cedar-lined options at a modest scale. Premium: solid wood or traditional cedar hope chests and handcrafted trunks meant to last generations.

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Alternatives

• Storage ottomans and benches: shallower but practical for shoes or accessories in an entry.
• Under-bed bins: good for seasonal clothes when floor space is tight.
• Cedar blocks or sachets inside a regular tote: a lower-cost way to add moth deterrence, with the same limits as cedar chests.
• Open baskets and shelves: better for items you use daily, and removing the lid problem entirely for kids.

Buying Checklist Before You Order

Begin by deciding where the trunk will live and measure that space, including door swing and lid clearance. Next, decide the main job: seating, hiding clutter, protecting textiles or heavy-duty garage storage. Read the maker’s stated weight capacity, interior dimensions and lid design. Think about how the trunk will be moved: if you will drag it across hardwood floors, felt pads or small feet protect the floor. If you plan to store clothes long term, add a breathable liner and follow label directions for any moth repellent, keeping such products away from children and pets. Inspect the trunk on delivery for scratches and loose hinges, and tighten screws after the first month, since hinges often loosen with use. For a trunk that will hold heirloom items, pick a solid wood or cedar model and keep it away from radiators, direct sun and damp walls, which can warp wood and fade finishes. If it will serve as a coffee table, confirm that the lid is flat and sturdy enough for drinks and books.

A final note on style: neutral colors and simple shapes tend to outlast trends, and a trunk that matches your furniture is more likely to stay in use than one chosen for novelty. Wiping the inside occasionally with a dry cloth and refreshing any liner once a year keeps stored items in good condition.

Care and Maintenance

Dust wood and faux leather with a soft cloth, and wipe spills quickly. Use only cleaners that the maker approves for the finish, since some solvents dull lacquer or crack vinyl. Keep fabric trunks out of strong sun to limit fading. For cedar, many makers allow a light sanding every few years to refresh the scent, but follow the instructions that come with the chest. Empty and air the trunk once a season, check hinges and latches, and replace any liner that has absorbed odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit on a storage trunk?

Only if the maker states it is built for seating and you stay under the stated weight limit. Collapsible fabric trunks and decorative boxes often carry lower limits than solid wood. Do not stand on a trunk.

Does cedar really keep moths away?

Cedar has a long reputation, but entomologists and extension guides say it is not reliable alone, since the scent fades with time. Clean fabrics before storing them and use airtight or breathable storage as appropriate. Refreshing the wood by light sanding is a common tip, as long as the maker allows it.

Are storage trunks safe for kids’ toys?

They can be, if the lid has soft-close hinges or lid supports and the trunk has no self-locking latch. A heavy lid can drop on small hands or trap a child. Follow the maker’s safety guidance and supervise young children.

How do I keep a trunk from smelling musty?

Store only clean, fully dry items, add ventilation where possible and keep the trunk away from damp walls. Open it occasionally to air it. Avoid sealing damp fabrics in any container.

What size trunk should I buy for blankets?

A trunk around 30 to 40 inches wide holds several folded blankets and a pair of quilts. Compare the maker’s interior dimensions, since the outside measurements can be larger than the usable space. Consider adding a bit of spare capacity for bulky items.

Can a trunk be used outdoors?

Only if the maker describes it as weatherproof or outdoor-rated. Indoor wood, fabric and wicker trunks can warp, mold or fall apart outside. Choose a purpose-built deck box for patios.