Creative Uses for Cedar Chests You’ll Love

Thinking about what to do with an old cedar chest can be a bit tricky sometimes, especially if you’re just starting to think about home decor. Lots of people wonder if they can be more than just a place to store blankets. It’s totally normal to feel that way!

But don’t worry, we’ve got some super simple ideas that will show you just how amazing these chests can be. Get ready to see your cedar chest in a whole new light with these Creative Uses for Cedar Chests You’ll Love.

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Repurposing Cedar Chests For Your Home

Cedar chests are more than just storage; they can become beautiful and functional pieces in your home. Their classic design and natural wood lend themselves well to various decorative and practical roles. This section explores how to transform a cedar chest into a statement piece, adding charm and utility to any room.

Cedar Chests as Stylish Storage Solutions

Cedar chests offer a unique way to store items while adding a touch of vintage appeal. Their deep interiors are perfect for a variety of things, from linens to toys.

Linen Closet Upgrade: Instead of a plain linen closet, a cedar chest can hold your sheets, towels, and blankets. It keeps them fresh and adds a nice scent to your bedroom or hallway.
Toy Storage Bin: Kids’ rooms can get messy fast. A cedar chest is a sturdy and attractive place to store toys. It’s easy for children to access and helps keep the room tidy.
Entryway Storage Bench: Place a cedar chest near your front door. It can hold shoes, hats, and scarves. Plus, it doubles as a place to sit when you’re putting on your shoes.

The natural cedar wood repels moths and other insects, which is a fantastic benefit for storing textiles like blankets and seasonal clothing. This means your items stay protected and smell wonderfully fresh.

Cedar Chests as Decorative Furniture

Beyond storage, cedar chests can serve as decorative furniture, enhancing the aesthetic of your living space. Their timeless style fits well with many decor themes.

Coffee Table Charm: With a few adjustments, a cedar chest can become a charming coffee table. You might add a new top, like a piece of glass or a smooth wooden board, to create a flat surface. This is a great way to add character to your living room.
Accent Piece in a Room: Place a cedar chest at the foot of your bed or in a large hallway. It can hold extra pillows and throws, adding a cozy feel. It also serves as a visual anchor for the room’s design.
Display Area: The top of a cedar chest is perfect for displaying decorative items. Think vases, framed photos, or a stack of attractive books. It creates a curated look that draws the eye.

Imagine a beautifully refinished cedar chest in your living room, topped with a stack of vintage books and a potted plant. It’s a simple yet impactful way to elevate your home’s style.

Creative Adaptations and DIY Projects

Transforming a cedar chest often involves simple DIY projects that bring out its best features or adapt it for new uses. These projects can range from basic cleaning and refinishing to more involved customizations.

Refinishing and Restoring Cedar Chests

Giving an old cedar chest a new lease on life often starts with a good refinishing. This process can reveal the wood’s natural beauty and prepare it for new roles in your home.

Cleaning and Sanding: First, clean the chest thoroughly. Then, gently sand the exterior. This removes old finishes and minor imperfections.
Use fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Staining or Painting: You can stain the chest to enhance its natural wood grain or paint it to match your home’s color scheme. Light colors can make it feel more modern, while darker stains offer a classic look.
Sealing and Protecting: Apply a clear sealant to protect the new finish. This also adds a lovely sheen. Make sure to choose a sealant that is safe for interior use and complements your chosen color.

A well-restored cedar chest looks almost new. It brings warmth and history into your space. Many people find the process of refinishing very satisfying.

Adding Functionality with Modifications

Sometimes, a cedar chest needs a few tweaks to work best in its new role. Adding simple features can greatly increase its usefulness.

Adding Legs: For a more elegant look or to make it easier to clean under, you can add decorative legs to your cedar chest. This elevates the piece and gives it a furniture-like feel.
Hardware Updates: Replacing old hardware with new knobs or pulls can instantly update the chest’s appearance. Choose hardware that matches your home’s style, whether it’s rustic, modern, or vintage.
Creating Shelves or Dividers: If using the chest for storage of smaller items, you might add simple shelves or dividers inside. This helps organize things and prevents them from becoming a jumbled mess.

Consider adding wheels to the bottom of a cedar chest to make it easy to move around. This is especially useful if you plan to use it as a mobile serving cart or extra storage in different rooms.

Cedar Chests in Specific Rooms

Cedar chests can be adapted for use in various rooms, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic contributions.

Living Room: As mentioned, it can serve as a coffee table or decorative accent. It’s a great way to add character and storage without taking up too much space.
Bedroom: At the foot of the bed, it’s perfect for storing extra bedding or seasonal clothing. It adds a touch of old-world charm to the room.
Entryway: Ideal for storing shoes, scarves, and gloves. It also provides a convenient spot to sit while getting ready to leave the house.
Playroom: A fun and sturdy toy chest that helps keep play areas tidy. The natural cedar can also help deter pests that might be attracted to toys.

The versatility of a cedar chest means it can adapt to the needs of almost any space in your home.

Innovative and Unexpected Uses

Exploring beyond the usual storage and decorative roles reveals even more surprising ways to use a cedar chest, blending practicality with creativity.

The Cedar Chest as a Mini Bar or Storage Console

A cedar chest can be surprisingly well-suited to function as a unique mini bar or a stylish console for entertainment systems.

Mini Bar Setup: Clean out the chest and line the inside with a water-resistant material. Add shelves or dividers to hold bottles, glasses, and bar tools. The natural cedar scent adds a unique ambiance to your home bar.
Entertainment Console: For smaller media setups, a cedar chest can house a record player, speakers, or other audio equipment. You might even add ventilation if needed for electronics.

This unexpected use turns a traditional item into a conversation starter, perfect for gatherings.

Gardening and Outdoor Storage

The durable nature of cedar makes it a good candidate for some outdoor or garden-related uses, though protection from the elements is key.

Garden Tool Storage: Place a cedar chest on a covered porch or in a shed to store gardening tools, gloves, and small pots. The cedar helps keep pests away from stored items.
Outdoor Cushion Storage: On a protected patio or deck, a cedar chest can keep outdoor cushions dry and clean when not in use. Ensure it has a good lid seal and consider additional weatherproofing.

Protecting the wood from direct rain and sun is important for longevity in outdoor settings.

Upcycled into Pet Furniture

With a few modifications, a cedar chest can be transformed into cozy and stylish furniture for your furry friends.

Dog Bed: Remove the lid or create an opening on the side. Add a comfortable cushion inside. This creates a den-like, secure bed for a dog.
Cat Condo: Attach scratching posts, shelves, and climbing areas to the outside and inside. This can become an elaborate play and resting spot for cats.

This offers a unique and personalized space for your pets.

The Cedar Chest as a Craft or Hobby Station

For crafters and hobbyists, a cedar chest can be a fantastic organized storage solution.

Sewing and Craft Supplies: Store fabric, yarn, patterns, and other craft materials inside. You can add smaller bins or dividers for an organized system.
Art Supplies: Keep paints, brushes, sketchpads, and other art supplies tidy. It’s a compact and attractive way to manage creative tools.

The scent of cedar is also pleasant and may help keep stored paper items fresh.

Maintaining Your Cedar Chest

Proper care ensures your cedar chest remains beautiful and functional for years to come, no matter how you use it. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the wood and its unique properties.

Cleaning and General Care

Keeping your cedar chest clean is simple and essential for its longevity. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Dusting: Dust the exterior regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For the interior, a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment works well.
Spot Cleaning: If there are minor spills or marks, use a slightly damp cloth. Wipe gently and then dry the area immediately.
Avoid Moisture: Cedar wood can be sensitive to excessive moisture. Ensure the chest is kept in a dry environment and avoid placing wet items inside.

The natural oils in cedar can sometimes leave a slight residue on items stored inside. This is normal and part of what gives cedar its protective qualities.

Revitalizing the Cedar Scent

The signature scent of cedar is one of its most beloved features. It can fade over time, but it’s easy to bring back.

Light Sanding: The simplest way to revive the scent is to lightly sand the interior surfaces of the chest. This releases fresh cedar oils. Use fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away the dust afterward.
Cedar Oil: You can purchase cedar oil specifically for furniture. Apply a small amount to a cloth and wipe down the interior surfaces. Allow it to dry completely before storing items.

A refreshed cedar scent not only smells great but also helps maintain the wood’s natural insect-repellent properties.

Protecting the Wood

Protecting the wood is crucial, especially if the chest is used in high-traffic areas or for new purposes.

Sealing: If you’ve refinished the chest, applying a good quality sealant is important. For the interior, a natural, non-toxic sealant is best to avoid transferring odors or chemicals to stored items.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wood to fade or crack. Position your cedar chest away from windows or use curtains to filter the light.

Taking these steps will keep your cedar chest looking beautiful and performing its functions well.

Creative Uses for Cedar Chests You’ll Love Examples

Seeing how others have creatively used cedar chests can spark your own ideas. These examples show the broad possibilities, turning a simple piece of furniture into something truly special.

Example 1: The Literary Nook Chest

Sarah inherited a large, dark cedar chest from her grandmother. Instead of storing blankets, she cleaned and lightly sanded the interior. She then placed a thick, comfortable cushion on top and added a few decorative pillows.

The chest now sits at the end of her living room sofa. It serves as a charming side table for holding books, a lamp, and a mug of tea. The subtle cedar scent makes reading even more relaxing.

Example 2: The Playful Toy Chest Transformation

The Miller family had an old cedar chest that was taking up space in the attic. Their children’s playroom was overflowing with toys. They decided to transform the chest into a special toy bin.

They painted the exterior a bright, cheerful blue and added large, easy-to-grip wooden knobs. Now, it sits in the playroom, holding stuffed animals and building blocks. The kids love putting their toys away in their “treasure chest,” and the room looks much tidier.

Example 3: The Entryway Welcome Chest

The Chen family wanted their entryway to feel more welcoming and organized. They found a medium-sized cedar chest at a local antique shop. After a good cleaning and a coat of natural wood polish, they placed it near the front door.

It’s perfect for storing winter gloves, hats, and scarves. Visitors can also use it as a bench to sit on while putting on or taking off shoes. The chest adds a touch of warmth and practicality to their home’s entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I use a cedar chest outdoors

Answer: Cedar chests are best kept indoors. While cedar wood is naturally resistant to decay, prolonged exposure to rain and sun can damage the wood and diminish its scent and protective qualities. If you must use it outdoors, ensure it is in a covered area like a porch and consider adding extra weatherproofing.

Question: How often should I sand the inside of a cedar chest to keep the scent

Answer: You can lightly sand the interior of your cedar chest every year or two, or whenever you notice the scent fading. The key is to sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, just enough to release the oils without removing too much wood.

Question: Are there any special cleaning products I should use for a cedar chest

Answer: For general cleaning, a soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient. For spot cleaning, a damp cloth followed by immediate drying is best. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or furniture polish with strong perfumes on the interior, as these can damage the wood or affect the cedar scent.

Question: Can I store items other than linens or clothing in a cedar chest

Answer: Yes, absolutely! Cedar chests are great for storing many things, including craft supplies, toys, books, or even as a mini bar. The important thing is to ensure the items are clean and dry before storing them to prevent any issues.

Question: What if my cedar chest has a musty smell instead of a cedar smell

Answer: A musty smell usually indicates moisture or mildew. First, empty the chest and ensure it’s completely dry. Clean the interior thoroughly with a mild solution of water and white vinegar, then let it air out for several days until dry.

Lightly sanding the interior can help remove any lingering musty odors and bring back the cedar scent.

Wrap Up

You’ve explored many creative uses for cedar chests, from stylish storage to decorative furniture and unique DIY projects. These ideas show how versatile and beautiful a cedar chest can be in any home. With simple care and a little imagination, your chest can become a treasured piece that brings both function and charm to your living space.