Plan Chests often also called Plan Cabinets, were originally designed for architects, drafts people, and engineers to store their plans flat and without having to fold or roll them. Over time the original has evolved and there are now many variations.

The original plan chest is basically a series of very shallow, and very wide draws on rollers for easy opening. The best plan chests are made from metal as this material minimizes infestation by insects, or damage from moisture and mould, they should also have a small metal flap at the opening of each draw to hold works down to prevent accidental damage upon opening the draw.

Although a plan chest is a very heavy and cumbersome furniture item, for an artist producing works on paper they are an invaluable piece of studio equipment that will keep your artwork organized, clean and safe in the studio without taking up to much room. Once you have one they last a life time.

Today there are many other furniture items designed for holding, storing and transporting plans or works on paper, such as Plan Racks, Vertical Plan Cabinets, Plan Horses and Plan Wall Units, check out these too.

You can still buy traditional plan chests from a stores specializing in office furniture or drafting equipment.