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DIY Cedar Chest Restoration: Earlier than + After
Do you could have an outdated piece of furnishings that carries household historical past however has seen higher days? For me, that piece was my grandmother’s Lane cedar chest. She handed it right down to me once I was 20, and whereas it’s all the time held sentimental worth, years of transferring and put on left it wanting worn out and forgotten. For the longest time, I tucked it away in a nook as a result of the veneer was broken and peeling. However just lately, after sharing images of my house with ChatGPT for refresh concepts, it turned clear that it was time to lastly give this heirloom the adore it deserved. As a substitute of tossing it, I grabbed my sander and started working. The consequence? A significant piece I now proudly show in our household room — cozy, timeless, and crammed with recollections. Maintain studying to see the complete DIY Lane Cedar chest restoration!
The Story Behind This Cedar Chest
This cedar chest has been in my household for generations, handed right down to me from my grandmother once I was 20 years outdated. My dad made some repairs earlier than giving it to me, however over time—and after a couple of strikes—the wooden veneer started to peel away. About ten years in the past, my husband and I began stripping it, however it ended up hidden in closets or corners, too worn and sad-looking to show.
It wasn’t till I used to be taking images of my house and asking ChatGPT for design suggestions that I noticed this chest deserved a second likelihood. With my mother’s encouragement, I made a decision to revive it myself as an alternative of paying another person. After eight hours of sanding (and breaking one sander within the course of!), I uncovered the pure great thing about the cedar wooden.
Now, this chest isn’t only a piece of furnishings—it’s a sentimental assertion piece crammed with quilts and crocheted blankets made by the ladies in my household. What as soon as felt like an eyesore has change into one in every of my favourite items in our household room, reminding me every day of the generations earlier than me.
Why Restore As a substitute of Exchange?
Furnishings will be so costly. A brand new storage bench or trunk can run wherever from $200–$500+, however this cedar chest value me nothing to replace (just a few stain and sandpaper). Plus, I really like that it’s strong wooden and has a narrative.
Provides You’ll Want
Right here’s all the pieces I used (all budget-friendly + linked):
💡 Professional Tip: I truly requested ChatGPT for recommendation on which stains + finishes would maintain up finest for a cedar chest, and it gave me a ton of choices based mostly on look and sturdiness. That little bit of additional assist gave me the boldness to dive in.
Restoring a Lane Cedar Chest (Step by Step)
- Prep the Chest. Take away any outdated {hardware}, mud, and floor particles. If the within smells a bit “classic,” calmly sand the inside and wipe it down.
- Sand the Exterior. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper to take away the outdated end. Swap to fine-grit for a easy, even floor.
- Wipe It Down. Use a humid fabric to take away all of the mud (this step is essential for an excellent stain).
- Apply Stain. Use a foam brush or fabric to use your chosen wooden stain. I truly skipped this step as a result of I most popular the pure look. Wipe off extra and let it dry based on directions. Repeat for a deeper colour if desired.
- Seal It. As soon as the stain is absolutely dry, apply a protecting clear coat to maintain the end wanting contemporary. I skipped this step however take note if you don’t seal it then the wooden is susceptible to wreck simply. I’m keen to take that likelihood as a result of I really like the pure look and don’t need to sand it like this once more!
- Add New {Hardware} (Non-compulsory). I’d like to get a brand new lock and hinges for mine however have but to exchange mine. I eliminated the {hardware} and soaked it in vinegar to take away rust and different stains.
The Massive Reveal ✨
Right here’s the earlier than and after — what a distinction! What was as soon as a drained, darkish chest is now a brilliant, heat piece that feels brand-new.
This venture jogged my memory that you just don’t all the time want to purchase new to like your house. Generally, all it takes is a bit time, elbow grease, and the appropriate recommendation.
Now, this restored Lane cedar chest proudly sits in our household room, storing blankets, quilts, and handmade gadgets handed down by the ladies in my household. It’s extra than simply furnishings — it’s a reminder of my grandmother, my dad (who repaired it years in the past), and the generations of ladies who valued each household and residential.
Wish to Attempt Your Personal Refresh?
If you happen to’ve acquired a cedar chest (or any outdated piece of furnishings), give this DIY a shot! It’s budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and so satisfying to see the transformation.
📌 For extra inspiration, take a look at:
Funds Amazon Finds to Refresh Any Room
How I Used ChatGPT to Refresh My Residence
👉 And don’t neglect to seize your freebie: 30 ChatGPT Prompts for Busy Mothers
— together with prompts I used to brainstorm this venture and different refresh concepts.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
In case you have a bit of furnishings with sentimental worth, don’t conceal it away — restore it and make it a part of your own home’s story!
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DIY Cedar Chest Restoration: Earlier than + After
