Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
What is a Cedar Chest?
A cedar chest, also known as a hope chest or dowry chest, is a type of furniture traditionally used by unmarried women to store items like clothing and linens in anticipation of marriage. Crafted from solid cedar wood, it is durable, and the natural cedar oil helps protect stored items like clothing, towels, linens, and quilts.
Different Types of Cedar Chests
- Traditional: This is the classic type that is large and rectangular, often with a hinged lid. It’s designed to hold bulky items like blankets and comforters.
- Miniature: This smaller variant is suitable for storing smaller items such as jewelry, keepsakes, and small clothing items like scarves.
- Chest with Drawers: This type combines the classic cedar chest design with drawers for organizing smaller items, providing more versatility in storage.
- Chest Trunk: This version is more portable and rugged, similar to a traditional travel trunk but made of cedar. It’s ideal for storing items that need protection during travel or relocation.
- Rustic: This type retains the natural look of the cedar, often with a rough-hewn or distressed appearance. It’s perfect for homes with rustic or country décor.
Modern Usage of Cedar Chests
While cedar chests are not as common as once, they are still valued for their unique qualities. Today, cedar chests are often used for a variety of purposes, including:
Storing Clothing and Linens: Still excellent for storing woolen garments, blankets, and other textiles. The cedar wood helps to prevent moths, mildew, and other pests from damaging these items.
Holding Personal Belongings: These chests can store personal belongings, such as jewelry, photographs, and other items you want to keep safe and odor-free.
Adding Decorative Elements: It can also be used as decorative pieces in a home. Their rustic charm and beautiful wood grain can add a touch of warmth and elegance to a room.
Pros of Cedar Chests
- Pest-resistant: They are naturally pest-resistant due to the volatile aromatic oils in the wood. This makes them ideal for storing woolen garments, blankets, and other textiles susceptible to moths, mildew, and other pests.
- Odor-absorbing: absorb and neutralize odors naturally, keeping your belongings fresh and smelling like cedar. This is especially beneficial for storing clothing, linens, and heirlooms.
- Protective: Cedarwood is naturally durable and rot-resistant, making cedar chests a long-lasting investment. They are also fire resistant, providing additional protection for your belongings.
- Aesthetic appeal: Cedar has a classic, elegant design that complements various interior décor styles. Their rustic charm and beautiful wood grain can add a touch of warmth and sophistication to any room.
- Multipurpose: Chests can be used for various purposes beyond storing clothing and linens. They can also store heirlooms, collectibles, books, and other personal belongings.
- Versatility: They are available in various sizes and styles to suit your needs. You can choose from small chests for storing jewelry and trinkets to large chests for storing blankets and quilts.
- Durability: These are built to last for generations, withstanding the test of time and wear and tear. They are made from high-quality materials and construction techniques that ensure their longevity.
- Inheritable: It can be passed down through generations, becoming family heirlooms cherished for their sentimental value and unique qualities.
Cons of Cedar Chests
- Cost: It can be more expensive than other types of storage chests. The high cost is due to the scarcity of cedar wood and the labor-intensive crafting of cedar chests.
- Maintenance: Require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and prevent damage. This includes wiping the interior with a cedar oil solution to refresh the scent and repel pests.
- Limited storage capacity: These are often relatively shallow, which can limit their storage capacity for bulky items.
- Weight: They can be heavy, making them difficult to move and transport.
- Susceptibility to scratches: The smooth surface of cedar chests can be easily scratched, primarily if they are not handled with care.
- Potential for pests: They are not entirely waterproof and may still be susceptible to infestations if improperly maintained.
- Potential for mold growth: Cedar chests that are not adequately ventilated may be susceptible to mold growth, especially if stored in humid environments.
- Limited resale value: They may not have a high resale value, as they are a niche product with a limited market.
- Potential for fire safety hazard: Chests, especially those old or made with poor-quality materials, may pose a fire safety hazard. It is essential to check for cracks or damage before using a cedar chest.
How to Care for a Cedar Chest?
Open the chest regularly to let fresh air circulate and prevent moisture buildup. If liquids spill inside the chest, wipe them up immediately to avoid damage to the wood. You can apply cedar oil to the chest’s interior to refresh the scent and repel pests. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions on the chest, as these can damage the wood.
Can a Chest be Used as a Coffee Table?
Many people use their cedar chest as a multifunctional piece for storage and a coffee table.
What Items Can Be Stored in a Chest?
While traditionally used for linens and clothing, cedar chests can store various items, from books to toys to keepsakes.
Where Can I Buy One?
Cedar chests can be purchased from various retailers, including furniture stores, antique shops, and online retailers. When choosing a cedar chest, scrutinize it for any damage and check the warranty information.
More Reads
- Guide to Cedar Chests
- Frequently Asked Questions – Cedar Chests and Trunks
- What’s the point of a cedar chest?
- Cedar Chests on Pinterest
Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.
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