As practical as it is pretty, this elegant jewelry and lingerie chest project is based on a classic design. The top compartment keeps smaller pieces neat and protected, while the hinged side compartments allow chains and necklaces to hang loosely and avoid tangling. The chest's seven drawers–five small and two large–are perfect for storing delicate hosiery and lingerie.
Utilizing mostly straight cuts and including full-size patterns for curves on the base, the chest is a good project for woodworkers of any skill level. Although some edge-joining is required, construction is a simple matter of cutting everything out, sanding and nailing and gluing the pieces together.
Materials for the chest include 16 to 18 board feet of mahogany (for its traditional beauty and stability; however, other species will work), a 4-by-8 sheet of mahogany plywood, a sheet of hardboard, hinges, knobs, felt (for lining the drawers), jewelry hooks, nails and glue. As an option, a mirror can be attached to the underside of the top panel.
When closed, the project measures 39 inches tall by 19 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
The Jewelry & Lingerie Chest plan (No. 830) includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size patterns, construction diagrams, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line.