How to Refresh a Cedar Chest
- Empty all items from the cedar chest.
- Remove dust from the chest.
- Lightly sand the chest’s interior using fine-grain sandpaper.
- Close the chest’s lid and let it sit for a few hours.
How much is a 70 year old cedar chest worth?
Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.
Are cedar chests still popular?
The hope chest of the past, also called a wedding or dower chest, is still a popular piece of furniture, although it is no longer used in the traditional way. In 17th and 18th century America, a hope chest was given to a young girl. In the early 1900s, the cedar chest became popular.
How do I get my cedar chest to smell again?
How to Recharge the Smell of a Cedar Chest
- Remove all items in the chest and wipe down the lining with warm water to remove dust and the surface coating of grime.
- Sand the wood by hand with 60-grit sandpaper.
- Apply a few drops of natural cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub the wood to enhance the natural aroma even more.
How do you restore the outside of a cedar chest?
Lightly sanding the surface of the cedar chest’s interior with 200-grit sandpaper opens the pores and rejuvenates the wood’s natural oils. If the interior scent doesn’t return with sanding, rub some cedar oil into the wood with a soft cloth. This replenishes the natural oils and refreshes the scent.
Is it safe to store photos in a cedar chest?
Yes, with proper preparation you can store photos in your cedar chest. Your pictures capture moments in history that would sadly disappear in your memory over time. Keeping your photos in your cedar chest will ensure their continuing preservation for the familial generations to come.
Where can I buy a cedar chest?
You can find all kinds of Lane Cedar Chests, homemade cedar chests, or just plain old wood trunks for sale at your local flea markets. I see a lot of wood chests when out junk shopping. I buy them when the price is right. Wood cedar chest makeovers top my list of favorite projects.
Can you re-cover a Lane cedar chest?
Re-cover a Lane cedar chest seat in a matter of minutes. You will be surprised at how the padded seat is attached to the chest and how easy it is to remove and then re-cover. This is a complete tutorial. My Lane cedar chest has a padded seat top and I wanted to change the outdated fabric.
How do you remove fabric from a cedar chest seat?
If the fabric is heavy and thick it is necessary to remove as much fabric as possible at the corners. You don’t want a big wad of fabric because the padded seat will not lay flat against the top of the cedar chest. Work the fabric at the corners until there are no creases or folds to be seen from the top or edge of the seat.
