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!
How much is a 50 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.
Why is clothing stored in cedar chests?
The natural oils in the cedar wood naturally repel insects and keep moisture out, protecting your valuable items from damage. The natural oils also provide a pleasant scent to clothing or blankets stored in your cedar chest.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 long do cedar chests last?
You can purchase cedar hangers, cedar blocks for moths, and sachets for your clothes and bureaus, but they will be effective for about 3 months.
What do you put on cedar chests?
Lacquer is the best topcoat for cedar chest finishing. Most contemporary cabinets, trim and interior woodwork are finished with lacquer. Lacquer dries fast, lays down flat and it’s durable. Spray it over any type of stain after it’s dry.
Do you need to line a cedar chest?
Yes. Wool is the most well-known stored item inside these moth repellant cedar chests. Preparation Tip: Even though wool is commonly stored in cedar chest, you still should prep your chest by lining the inside with a sheet or acid free tissue paper and/or wrapping them with the tissue paper.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.
Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?-That’s right cedar oil, from you know, cedar trees. People have been using cedar chests for hundreds, if not thousands of years to keep bugs out. Cedar oil in liquid form is basically the same thing, bugs hate it! It will kill bed bugs on contact; however it doesn’t leave much, if any residual effect.
Article first time published onHow can I make my cedar chest smell good again?
Wet a lint-free white cloth with white vinegar, wringing out excess moisture. Wipe down all interior surfaces of the chest, then let the chest air dry while open. Repeat if needed to remove any remaining spots or slight odors.
What goes in a traditional hope chest?
Items in the hope chest traditionally included dishes, sheets, clothes, cooking accessories, and other household necessities. At the time when hope chests rose to popularity and for many decades afterward, a bride would be responsible for many household duties, so she brought what she would need with her.
Do girls still do hope chests?
Not Just for Girls Anymore Nowadays, hope chests serve different purposes. … Although many people still believe in the old tradition that a hope chest is for young girls prior to their marriage, today, they are thought of as a collection of items to be used when children leave their parents’ house.
Can you use a cedar chest as a coffee table?
Coffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. Cedar chests provide an attractive and classic look as a centerpiece to your living room. For added protection for your cedar chest you can add a piece of glass or plexiglass over the top.
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.
Should a cedar chest be sealed?
You shouldn’t finish the inside of a cedar chest. Leave it totally unfinished. The reasons are, first, you don’t want to seal in the cedar aroma that protects against moths, and second, the cedar fumes will destroy (soften to the point of stickiness) most finishes.
How do you get the smell of mothballs out of a cedar chest?
Make a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar OR lemon juice. Dampen a cloth and rub the inside of the chest. Lemon or vinegar might help counteract the mothball odor. It’s very important to keep the lid open until the chest dries and even leave it open for several days.
Can cedar be varnished?
Caution. Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the transparent film and degrade the wood.
Do cedar balls repel mice?
Mice will chew through wood, including cedar. Barriers should be constructed of heavy materials such as sheet metal, concrete mortar or heavy gauge hardware cloth. Mice are not bothered by chemical scent repellants or strong smelling essential oils such as mint or cedar.
Which is better mothballs or cedar?
Tips for Using Moth Deterrents The dark-colored heartwood of red cedar contains natural oils that help kill clothes-moth larvae, but this alone won’t protect clothing. … Mothball and moth crystals can thwart infestations but come with many drawbacks, so you’re probably better off without them.
How do you keep cedar wood from smelling?
Apply a few drops of natural cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub the wood to enhance the natural aroma even more.
Will a cedar chest stain clothes?
There is no reason you cannot store breakable items in a cedar chest, but take the time to ensure they are properly secured. … Fabric like cotton or muslin is another great choice for padding, but be aware that the cedar will probably stain that fabric.
Can you put toys in a cedar chest?
These chests can store anything. Your handcrafted cedar chest could serve as a wooden toy box. If you never know where to store all those toys out of sight but still have them ready for playtime then these handcrafted wooden toyboxes are for you. … These chests can also be used as handcrafted hope chests.
Is it OK to store quilts in plastic bags?
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.
How do you get mold off a cedar chest?
A Natural Solution Cedar oil has natural mold-killing properties. Mix the oil as directed on the label, which may suggest a solution of 1 tablespoon of cedar oil to 1 cup of water. Use a clean spray bottle or mister to spray the entire chest to restrict future mold growth and enhance the wood evenly.
Can you paint a cedar chest?
After two coats of primer its time for paint. Two coats of white paint can now be painted on to your Lane cedar chest with your favorite Cling On brush. Make sure to lightly sand in between coats. You can great white chalk type paint as well as glazes, stains and sealers online HERE.
Does cedar oil work on bedbugs?
Cedarwood oil kills bed bugs in every area of your bed. It can also prove beneficial as a natural silverfish repellent and eliminate problems with spiders and other unwanted bugs. … Additionally, the scent of cedar oil deters bed bugs from coming back to your mattress.
What type of bugs does Cedar repel?
Use Cedar Mulch Cedar has long been used as a natural way to repel and inhibit insects like termites, certain ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
Does cedarwood essential oil repel bugs?
Cedarwood Oil Cedarwood essential oil is a very aromatic oil that helps repel fleas, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, lice, and gnats to name a few.
Why does cedar smell so good?
First off, it’s important to understand why cedar wood smells good. Surprisingly, the smell itself actually isn’t the major payoff with cedar wood. Moreover, the reason the wood smells good is because it contains the compound thujaplicin.
How can I make my house smell like cedar?
- Try a Planter Box. Instead of a terracotta or ceramic pot, seek out a small cedar planter box to use in your foyer, sunroom or breezeway. …
- Cedar Candles. Enjoy the subtle fragrance of a cedar forest wafting through your home with a cedar decorative candle. …
- Scent Diffusers. …
- Cedar Chests. …
- Outdoor Decor.
