• About Me
  • Contact
  • TV/Press
  • Advertise/Disclosure/Privacy
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
My Home and Travels

My Home and Travels

  • Home
  • Create
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Gardening
    • Home
  • Decorate
    • DIY
    • Gardening
    • Home
  • Celebrate
    • Seasonal
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Holidays
      • Valentine’s Day
      • Easter
      • Mother’s Day
      • Father’s Day
      • Fourth of July
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Dips
    • Beverages
    • Crockpot Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Entrees
    • Side Dishes
    • Salads
    • Soups
  • Chattanooga
  • Travel
  • Shop
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Shop My House

January 10, 2020 · 41 Comments

Not My Old Cedar Chest Any More

Create· DIY· Home· Organization· Reader Favorites

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Please see our Disclosure Page for details.

Sharing is caring!

172shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
Contents hide
Simple Cedar Chest Makeover
How To Redo A Cedar Chest
How To Give An Old Cedar Chest New Life
More Easy DIY Decor Projects
You may also enjoy...

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

  • How To Make an Easy, DIY Picture Frame
  • Faux Succulents To DIY For Home Decor
  • DIY Autumn Wreaths For Your Home

Sharing is caring!

172shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

You may also enjoy...

repurpose drawers for storage5 Ways To Repurpose Drawers Painted China Cabinet – How to DIY an old China Cabinet From Changing Table to Coffee Bar 20 Easy & Unique DIY Bathroom Projects
Previous Post: « Treats to Share on Valentine’s Day
Next Post: Yummy Sliders For Anytime Or A Big Game »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie says

    July 18, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    I love this idea! You did a fantastic job making it a functional piece. I love the color you mixed up!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      July 19, 2017 at 9:01 am

      Thanks. I was very happy with it. Sometimes it might be “ok” but this was a love it.

      Reply
  2. Mary-The Boondocks Blog says

    July 19, 2017 at 3:59 am

    Rosemary this is such a fun idea. I especially like the little storage compartments on the bottom with the wheels.

    Reply
  3. Lisa Keifer says

    July 19, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    This project turned out really good! I never would have thought to do that with a cedar chest, especially with the new legs. Great job!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2017 at 7:47 am

      Thanks. I love how the legs made it look. And now so much more functional too.

      Reply
  4. Fonda Rush says

    July 19, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2017 at 7:46 am

      I still have my small one too. I wish I could remember who was building these back then. It’s finally getting more use after all these years.

      Reply
  5. Aniket says

    July 24, 2017 at 10:03 am

    Thats very creative of you! Nice, i like it.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      July 25, 2017 at 7:45 am

      Thank you. I loved the end result.

      Reply
  6. robin rue says

    August 8, 2017 at 7:55 am

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 18, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      I like the original too, but it wouldn’t work in my house and I really wanted to use it.

      Reply
  7. Sarah Bailey says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:11 am

    Oh my goodness what a change! That is an absolutely fantastic upcycle, I wish I could do such things as what upcyclers do is just WOW often.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 18, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      So many of these projects aren’t that hard to do. Practice is key. Let me know if you need any help.

      Reply
  8. candy says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:25 am

    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.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:35 am

      You don’t have to strip off the old finish if you want to paint it. Let me know if you have any questions.

      Reply
  9. Anosa says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:08 am

    What an amazing restoration of this old {vintage} cedar chest, I love the colour and the legs definitely have given it new life

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Thanks. Very happy with results. Always looking for projects to do.

      Reply
  10. Tomi says

    August 8, 2017 at 9:45 am

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

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:33 am

      I’m always watching for old drawers. Who doesn’t need extra storage?

      Reply
  11. Betty Boiron says

    August 8, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    I wish I could make anything look half as good as this. I was totally not prepared for the amazing transformation! Very nice looking.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Thank you. I love to make a major change.

      Reply
  12. Jen Temcio says

    August 8, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    WHAT?!?!? You are so creative and talented! I LOVE home projects like this and I am totally inspired to make one of these for my home.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Hope you find lots of projects to do. I know my list is long.

      Reply
  13. Pam Wattenbarger says

    August 8, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Wow, the updated cedar chest looks really nice. I like that you added the legs to it!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:31 am

      It’s amazing what a difference just adding a little something can make. I love it.

      Reply
  14. Liz Mays says

    August 8, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Wow, what an amazing way to update an old chest! I love it. I wonder if I have anything in storage I could update like this.

    Reply
  15. Jaime Nicole says

    August 8, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    August 8, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    I have an old cedar chest too, I store blankets in it. You did a terrific job redoing the piece but I love wood so I really like the original look.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:30 am

      I received several comments that I was wrong to paint – but I wouldn’t use it in my home with original finish. This chalk paint could always be easily removed if I ever wanted to.

      Reply
  17. Amanda says

    August 8, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    Wow, what a beautiful transformation. I just painted my work desk but it doesn’t look half as amazing as yours. Nice job!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:31 am

      I bet it looks better than you think. A little paint can make such a difference.

      Reply
  18. Melissa Dixon says

    August 9, 2017 at 9:07 am

    I love that Cedar Chest! I am always picking things like this up at garage sales. I am all about DIY projects and I love that paint color!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:29 am

      There’s a Sherwin Williams – Iron Ore, which is a great soft black color.

      Reply
  19. Emily says

    August 9, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
  20. Mimi Green says

    August 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    OMG, this looks so good, you gave it a new life. The paint and feet gave it a totally different look. It is very modern now and I love the color.

    Reply
  21. adriana says

    August 9, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
  22. Brandi H says

    August 10, 2017 at 8:32 am

    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.

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:28 am

      I have an old crib too and trying to decide what to make. Even thinking about a dog gate.

      Reply
  23. Stephanie Pass says

    August 11, 2017 at 5:27 am

    This is a totally cute transformation! I love how it came out in the end. The feet and the paint just made it look totally different!

    Reply
  24. Our Family World says

    August 11, 2017 at 5:41 am

    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!

    Reply
    • notjustpaperandpaint@gmail.com says

      August 17, 2017 at 8:27 am

      I love how it turned out. I see old ones for sale all the time. Good luck.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

search the site…

Popular Posts…

  • Covering Up Those Ugly Wire Shelves – Wire Shelving Hacks!
  • simple homemade biscuits Fast and Easy 2 Ingredient Biscuits
  • HGTV home makeover from show Home Town An Owner’s Story Of Being On HGTV’s Home Town TV Series, The Littlest House
  • A Visit to Laurel, Mississippi Home of Home Town

Recent Posts

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Slow Cooker Bone-In Pork Chops
  • Rolling Storage Ottoman Made With Crates
  • Chocolate Cherry Brownies
  • Finding A New Favorite Drink Or Cocktail


Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Thanks for stopping by as we talk all things home and travel. I was doing “DIY” before it was the thing to do. I was born in a big city and lived on farms growing up in small towns. Now I live in what some would consider a moderately big city. I still enjoy the common things associated with a home, mainly cooking and decorating, but always make time for travel. Maybe it’s finding something fun in my hometown, or exploring new places on a road trip or cruise. Please pull up a chair, have a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about it. Read more

Browse by Category

Cook!

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Bone-In Pork Chops

Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Finding A New Favorite Drink Or Cocktail

Create!

Rolling Storage Ottoman Made With Crates

Scrabble Tile Ornaments – Fun And Easy Holiday Craft

How To Set A Table For Christmas Without Christmas Dishes

A Simple Bar Stool Makeover Was So Easy

Travel!

Bluegrass Classic Rocky Top – All About This Iconic Song

Exploring Country Music at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Enjoying Margaritaville Hotel – Best Place To Stay In Nashville

Gatlinburg Attractions the Whole Family Will Love

Footer

Let’s all create. And decorate. And find time to travel. Then scrapbook it.

.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • TV/Press
  • Advertise/Disclosure/Privacy

My Home and Travels© 2021

MyHomeandTravels.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
172shares
Cookies are used on My Home and Travels to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. These cookies provide feedback information to our analytics and advertisers. You can switch off these cookies at anytime. I AgreePrivacy policy