You can keep chests from merging by placing them so they are not eligible to connect: leave at least one block of space between them, put a solid block between them, or use a trapped chest next to a regular chest since they do not combine. Another reliable method is to place the chest against a wall or in a spot where only one side is open, so the game has no matching chest to join with.

Easy methods

  • Leave a 1-block gap between chests.
  • Put a solid block, slab, fence, or other barrier where the second chest would go.
  • Use a trapped chest beside a normal chest if you want them side by side without merging.
  • If you are placing many chests, set them up in alternating positions so they never touch as matching regular chests.

If they already merged

If two chests already formed a double chest, break one, place a barrier or the right kind of chest in between, then place the chest again so it stays single.

Bedrock note

Some players report that crouching/sneaking does not always prevent chest merging in Bedrock, so the safest approach there is still spacing or using a trapped chest.

Would you like the exact steps for Java Edition or Bedrock Edition?