I absolutely love these inexpensive chests and  I just ordered a third. There is a little bit of a woodsy/musty smell on the inside...so if you wanted to store blankets or linens..you'd probably have to wash them before using as I would imagine it would pick up the smell.   We are in the process of remodeling our home ....and  I bought them to disguise kitty litter boxes...that we keep in a hallway off our living room.    We cut an opening on the side..and ...you'd never know.  Everything is clean and contained and this fits right in with our farmhouse decor!