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Not My Old Cedar Chest Any More

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Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

This isn’t my old cedar chest anymore. I like to call things which I’ve had for a long time, vintage instead of old.  It doesn’t make me sound as old in my head.  Well, this vintage cedar chest was bought in the little town of O’Kean, Arkansas when I was a senior in high school (1975) and I’m thinking it was $40.  

Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

So I finally decided to update it and make it not my old cedar chest anymore.

Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

How To Redo A Cedar Chest 

It’s something which I always wanted to keep, but it’s been hard sometimes to fit into a room so many times it has been stored in the garage.  Recently, it fits perfectly behind the front door in the foyer but basically became a catch-all.  Do you have those places?  Shopping bags, those “I’ll put it here for now” things, or jackets which never made it to the closet.  

After realizing we needed more storage, who doesn’t, I wanted to find a way to keep this piece here but use it better.  

So a plan was made.  Paint, add legs, then baskets underneath.  That’s pretty much how the project was finished but I had several old drawers on hand which could be used for storage.  

My friends at Osborne Wood sent me these awesome legs for this project.  They are solid and sturdy and knew they would hold up the cedar chest.

wooden legs

How To Give An Old Cedar Chest New Life 

The cedar chest had a few dings and nicks on it, and I noticed the finish, I’m guessing, lacquer, was crazing a bit but those imperfections didn’t bother me.  

I gave it a light sanding to remove the shine from the lacquer and smooth a few edges to get it as smooth as possible without having to do a lot of extra work.  This wasn’t going to be a fine piece of furniture.

I’m hoping to get some painting and work done in the living room soon so I wanted this to fit in.  My first thought was white with light distressing.  Then maybe a grayish-white.  I finally decided to do a soft black as I’ve seen so much black in decor, I want it too.

OK – no paint on hand in that color.  I was impatient and didn’t want to bother having to get ready and go buy paint, so I would make my own as I have done so much in the past.  Here’s my recipe for CHALKY TYPE PAINT.

The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of paint so I mixed 1 1/4 cup of black and 1/4 of gray to soften the black.  Keep old jars on hand for projects like this.  

jar full of paint

For great coverage, I did do three light coats, sanding lightly between each.  

Along with the cedar chest, the legs and drawers were painted the same way.  Everything was given a coat of Black Dog Salvage topcoat as a sealer after I let the paint cure 24 hours after final coat. 

clear matte paint

Sorry, no picture but the legs were attached with heavy-duty screws and wood glue.  I used two for each leg, drilling a pilot hole in the floor of the cedar chest directly into the legs.  

Isn’t it great when a project turns out as better than you hoped?

Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

I am so loving these legs.  Now I’m thinking about what else I can make and add legs to.

See how I turned the drawers into rolling storage HERE.

These pulls match the ones on my $7 Entertainment Center.  D. Lawless Hardware is my go-to place for all hardware.

handles for drawers

These are now being used for by outside shoes and garden gloves which I use almost on a daily basis – going in and out my front door.

updated storage drawers

This was also going to help with other storage issues – mail & newspapers.  

I added a basket to throw these in along with a galvanized bucket for  Derby’s leash and collar.  These always seemed to end up on the floor before but now there’s a place to keep them.  

Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

Notice the bucket – it was a purchase from Magnolia Market.  Have you read about my visit to Magnolia Market?

The umbrella stand was a great yard sale find for only $3.  And so handy I had a black umbrella to match.

Turning my old cedar chest into a functioning piece of furniture has not only made it something I’m proud of, but also a way to keep a little more organization to my entry.

What’re some of your favorite projects?

Another project with a major change was this faux apothecary sofa table.

Simple Cedar Chest Makeover 

Like this simple DIY project? Check out these as well.

More Easy DIY Decor Projects

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I’ve included affiliate links to Amazon for you to find some products easier.  I may receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you.  It just helps my blog out.

Happy Travels, 

Rosemary

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41 Comments

  1. It’s amazing what a little paint and two pairs of legs will do! Wonderful makeover.

    I graduated in 1974. As a promotion for girls to buy the large hope chest, we were all given small hope chests. I can’t imagine how many of those Lane furniture gave away in Columbus, Ohio! At that time, there were probably plenty of young women who purchased the large size. I wonder if young women today buy those. I would venture to say not, because there are probably more girls opting for college and work rather than marrying immediately after high school. You’ve probably seen plenty of the small hope chest samples in thrift, consignment and antique stores.

  2. I love the way it came out, but I love the original look. I have an old chest like that I am leaving it as is 🙂

  3. I was just given a very old cedar chest and it is in pretty bad condition. Wasn’t sure what to do about it but you have inspired me to strip it down and give it new life.

  4. Beautiful. Simply beautiful. There’s something so gratifying about DIY projects. I love how you changed the drawers into practical usable storage. Great job!

  5. Wow what an amazing project! I have an old cedar chest that I use for storage in my laundry room that just may get a new life!

  6. This turned out beautiful! I love taking something that is tired or overlooked and turning the furniture into something new! Redoing furniture is a great way to decorate a home without spending a lot of money.

  7. Oh wow this came out so beautifully!!! I love the spot you picked for it – almost like it was made for that spot! 🙂 The color is great and there’s such a beautiful modern touch to the piece.

  8. The sofa table is very pretty.You did a great job with your projects. I wish I was that handy. I would love to make some furniture. I have my old baby bed and I’m wanting to find someone to make something out of it for me. Maybe a small bench for the front door.

  9. Oh wow. What a beautiful transformation! I looks like something I would have to ask my husband to do, that is, if I had an old cedar chest. Maybe I can find one in a garage sale. Thanks for the idea!

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