Pilgrim Storage Chests

Multipurpose furniture, though increasingly popular, is hardly a modern concept. For instance, consider how the Pilgrims lived. Contrary to myths, they did not bring any furniture with them on the Mayflower. What they did bring was chests, and ships' records often reflect that.

Chests were important in Pilgrim households, as they could be used for storage, as well as seating. Chairs were considered a luxury in most homes. Larger chests could also be used for tables. Blankets and bed coverings were stored in these chests when the weather was warmer, and often they were kept at the foot of the bed to provide easy access to the coverings. Many households had several chests, and these also served as closets for storing all kinds of belongings, as there were no other storage areas.