Are cedar chests worth anything?

Author: Mrs. Jennyfer Murray IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Old Lane cedar chests sell from $100 to about $700 depending on the age, condition and whether the hardware is original. Most are worth about $200 to $400. Cedar chests made before 1987 have lids that automatically latch shut when closed, which poses a suffocation risk to children.

Are cedar chests still popular?

Yes, the Hope Chests are still very popular traditional furniture among the people. They can be used as a storage chest, wedding gift, or dower chest.

What can I do with an old cedar chest?

cedar chest ideas
  • blanket storage at the end of a bed (obvi!)
  • Toy chest in a child's room
  • bench and shoe storage near the back door
  • coffee table and board game storage in the family room
  • wood storage near a fireplace

How can I tell how old my cedar chest is?

Want to know when a cedar chest was made? Look no further than the serial number. This 6- or 7-digit number, when read backwards from right to left, gives the exact date of manufacture. If it is a 7-digit number the last digit (all the way to the left) is the plant number where the chest was produced.

How can I find out how much my Lane cedar chest is worth?

A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assess your chest and give you an idea of how much your piece is worth. Find a wide range of Lane furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique Chests, Types of Chests, Immigrants Chests, Antique Travel Trunks

How much is a 1937 Lane cedar chest worth?

After looking into this for you I was able to find comparable secondary market sales give your 1937 Lane Cedar Chest a current likely sale value of $130 - $175 at an auction or in a private sale. This is the amount that the same and similar items are currently selling for on the used market.

What type of wood are lane cedar chests made of?

Most chests produced by the manufacturer feature solid cedar wood interiors finished with five layers of walnut veneers. Legs and molding are usually some variety of solid hardwood but not always cedar.

How do I know if my chest is antique?

Look at the bottom board's grain as well; if it runs from front to back, the chest was likely built in the early 18th century; if it runs from side to side, it was presumably made after 1750. The chest's handles should also be examined to see if they are authentic.

What does aged cedar wood look like?

While the greying of cedar wood might be seen as a sign of aging, it also brings a unique rustic charm to your outdoor space. Many homeowners appreciate the silvered appearance of aged cedar fences for its natural and weathered aesthetic.

Can mold grow in a cedar chest?

Thanks to cedar wood's amazing water resistance properties you don't need to fear mold growing inside of your chest. Decay resistant – Your cedar chest will not rot away with age.

What should you not store in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests typically dry out the items that are stored within them, which is fine if it's clothing or paper. But you don't want a leather bag to dry out or it could become brittle and crack. Because of the potential for damage, it's best not to keep leather bags—or shoes or belts—in a cedar chest.

Are cedar chests expensive?

Handmade cedar chests are expensive mainly because of the time and care that is taken during the building process. Matching and gluing the boards together to make flawless panels for the sides, top, and bottom of the chest take a good bit of time.

Should I sand inside cedar chest?

Sand the Interior

Sanding the interior of your cedar chest will also potentially remove any remaining stains. Plus, it also refreshes the cedar smell.

What can I do with a cedar chest?

Beyond the bedroom, cedar chests offer endless possibilities for creative storage solutions throughout your home. In the living room, it can be used as a coffee table with hidden storage. You can store magazines, board games, or even extra throw blankets inside, keeping your living space tidy and organized.

How to open an old cedar chest without a key?

There's no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the specific cedar chest in question. However, some possible methods for unlocking a cedar chest without a key include picking the lock, using a lock pick set, using a bump key, or using a crowbar to force the chest open.

Is it okay to sit on a cedar chest?

Our hardwood cedar chests are versatile for your storage needs. You can also use these pieces as seats or for other uses. The flat lids on top of the chests are fantastic for tying your shoes or getting ready in the morning.

Is cedar wood worth money?

We pay $450/1000 for any sound log 10" and larger delivered to the mill. For 5" through 9" $400/1000. This is on the cedar scale.

How do you antique cedar?

Creating the Solution: Soak steel wool in white vinegar for 24 to 48 hours. The steel wool will dissolve, creating a dark liquid. Application: Apply the solution evenly to the cedar boards using a brush. The tannins in the cedar will react with the vinegar solution, causing the wood to age and darken.

How long before cedar turns grey?

The time it takes for a cedar fence to turn grey can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cedar wood used, the climate in your area, and the level of exposure to the elements. In general, you can expect a cedar fence to start showing signs of greying within a few months to a year after installation.

How to date an old wooden chest?

The finish on the wood can also date the piece. Until Victorian times, shellac was the only clear surface finish; lacquer and varnish were not developed until the mid-1800s. The finish on a piece made before 1860 is usually shellac; if the piece is very old, it may be oil, wax, or milk paint.

What does a mule chest look like?

This unique piece of furniture has a lid that lifts from the top and a drawer or drawers below. A mule chest stands on legs or brackets and off of the floor, and most have locks. In Colonial homes, closets were virtually nonexistent. A mule chest was often the only case piece of furniture that a family owned.

What is special about cedar chest?

Cedar Chest Benefits

Cedar chests are great for storing clothing, blankets, and delicate fabrics. Because the oil in cedar wood is an all-natural insect repellent that keeps moths and other pests at bay, you can store these items without worrying that they'll get damaged.

When did Lane stop making cedar chests?

The last Lane cedar chest to be manufactured in the United States rolled off the production line in the summer of 2001, and the plant closed for good.

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