Using Mahogany Adds Beauty, Strength To Chest

There’s no question that this jewelry and lingerie chest is an attractive piece of furniture. Made of mahogany for its beauty and strength, it features real porcelain knobs, felt-lined drawers and elegant styling.

But the chest has its practical side, too. It allows chains and necklaces to hang loosely to avoid tangling and keeps jewelry clean and protected. It also stores delicate lingerie and hosiery in the larger bottom drawers. It’s compact, measuring 39 inches tall by 19 inches wide by 15 inches deep, and the side doors and top panel close flush, giving the unit a neat appearance.

It’s also a good do-it-yourself project, even for amateurs. All but three of the wood cuts are straight cuts, and the three curved cuts for the base are traced from full-size patterns. There’s no guesswork. Assembly is mostly a matter of nailing and gluing the pieces together.

Materials for the project include 16 to 18 board feet of mahogany, a 4-by-8 sheet of mahogany plywood and a sheet of hardboard, along with hinges, porcelain drawer knobs, felt, jewelry hooks, nails and glue. Also, a mirror can be attached to the underside of the top panel.

The Jewelry and Lingerie Chest plan, No. 830, is $7.95 and includes complete step-by-step directions with 20 photos, full-size traceable patterns, exploded diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

MEMO: To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Please specify plan numbers.