What is the purpose of a cedar chest?

A hope chest, also called dowry chest, cedar chest, trousseau chest, or glory box is a piece of furniture traditionally used by unmarried young women to collect items, such as clothing and household linen, in anticipation of married life.

What does a cedar chest do?

Pest Protection – One of the greatest benefits of a cedar chest is that cedar wood serves as a natural deterrent against moths and other pests. With a cedar chest, you won't have to buy mothballs to keep your clothes in good shape!

What can you keep in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are used to store everyday items such as blankets, sheets and clothing at the change of seasons. Photographs and other memorabilia can also be stored safely in a cedar chest.

Are cedar chests still popular?

Cedar chests have withstood the test of time and are still charming people's homes all over the world. It is no small accident that these aromatic wooden chests have held their ground (or should I say space) for centuries.

Can you put a cedar chest in the living room?

“Pull up a chair” …or should we say, “pull up a cedar chest!” You can use your cedar chest as an extra seating space in your living room, kitchen, entry way, children's playroom, or bedroom.

Make a Cedar Chest

Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?

Cedar wood and bug bugs don't mix. Along with its lovely red-brown shades, strength and rustic warmth, cedar gets a boost from its natural oils that will likely give bed bugs the boot.

Are cedar chests worth anything?

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.

Can you store quilts in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are not ideal places to store your quilts. The acid from the wood can easily transfer to your quilt, causing discoloration and staining. But if a cedar chest is your only storage option or you really want to use the chest for this purpose, then slip your quilts into cotton pillowcases first.

How long do cedar chests last?

As a rule of thumb, good cedar blocks can last for a period of 3 to 7 years.

Can you store guns in a cedar chest?

If you use some older, worn cedar in your cabinet, you shouldn't have a problem with your guns, especially if you can provide a little ventilation to flow through.

Can you put pictures in a cedar chest?

It's OK to put photos in the chest as long as they are stored in an archival box with acid-free paper. Don't let the photos touch the wood itself, as it's acidic and could ruin the photos. The cedar chest needs to be stored in an area where there is no direct heat or moisture, which means not in the attic or basement.

What are the benefits of a cedar closet?

Cedar removes moisture from the air, so in humid climates, it will act as a natural dehumidifier and keep your clothes from developing mildew. Cedar's natural smell is very pleasant and aromatic, so it will keep your home and your clothes smelling fresh, even as the scent protects them.

Are cedar chests toxic?

Unfortunately, modern research seems to suggest that the cedar wood used in new cedar chests may be toxic for a while, but as the wood ages, it loses its toxicity to the pests.

Do cedar chests keep moths away?

Cedar-lined closets are also reputed to repel moths – but their reputation probably derives from well-built cedar chests, which moths could not invade because they were built so tightly. Cedar oil may repel moths at high concentrations but cedar lumber loses most of its oil a few years after cutting.

Can you store silver in a cedar chest?

Certain metals like gold and silver will not be as much of an issue inside cedar chests, though you should still check on them often and keep up with routine maintenance. The issues with jewelry revolve around softer settings like: Pearls. Shells.

What is the purpose of a hope chest?

A hope chest is traditionally gifted to the oldest daughter in a family as a way to collect special items to store until she's married. The hope chest has also been called a glory box, a dowry chest, and a bridal trousseau.

Why does my cedar chest stink?

Excessive moisture or humidity can make any piece of wood furniture smell foul after a while. Vacuum inside the chest, and wipe the inside and outside with a lint-free dust cloth. Air the chest out, ideally outdoors, on a non-humid day. A screened porch is perfect, as it helps keep the chest as clean as possible.

Which is better mothballs or cedar?

You can use cedar in combination with neem oil and other natural repellents to keep your home moth-free. However you choose to use cedar, though, it will always be safer and healthier than mothballs.

Is cedar good for storing clothes?

Cedar has long been the wood of choice for storing clothes and any type of fabric. Cedar chests/trunks have been around for ages as well as aromatic cedar sachets designed for tucking into drawers and corners. It has a pleasant, clean fragrance that repells moths and other insects.

How do you take care of a cedar chest?

Should you store quilts in plastic bags?

1. Thou shalt not store a quilt in a plastic container or bag. This method often causes mold and mildew because it traps in any moisture, causing fibers to break down and leaving discoloration and staining.

What is the best way to store a quilt?

Never store your quilts in air-tight containers or storage bag; cutting off the air accelerates the decomposition of the cotton as does storing them in high temperatures. Avoid folds as they may become permanent creases in your quilts. The best way to store a quilt is flat on a bed with a sheet over it.

How much is a 1960 Lane cedar chest worth?

Prices for a 1960s lane cedar chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $450 and can go as high as $2,450, while the average can fetch as much as $1,498.

How do you open a cedar chest without a key?

You might need a flashlight to see, but the back of the lock should only have three screws you can remove with a screwdriver, or the body of the lock may be mortised into the chest. If a morticed lock won't release its hold on the lid, use a screwdriver to pry it from side to side until the lock lifts off with the lid.