A hope chest is a type of chest, often ornately carved and crafted, that is used for special occasions and for storing various items. Traditionally, a hope chest was typically given to a young woman from her family or community as a sign of their anticipation for her future.
A hope chest was typically first filled with items that she had made herself such as clothing, crafts, and linens, making it a sign of her skill and her adulthood. These items were used to furnish a new home upon her marriage.
Nowadays, a hope chest is still a popular way to start a new home, with items such as silverware, dinnerware, and old-fashioned quilts being some of the more popular items usually found in them. Hope chests are also often used as a special way to celebrate a person’s life, with items such as photos, awards, and other mementos being stored in them.
At the end of the day, hope chests are a great way to look forward to the future, celebrate the present, and remember one’s past.
Are cedar chests still popular?
Cedar chests are still popular and have been used in homes for centuries. They are made of cedarwood, which has a very distinct scent and is also known for its insect and mildew resistances. Cedar chests are a great way to store a variety of items in one place, such as blankets, treasures, keepsakes, and quilts.
They offer additional space, protection for valuable items, and an aesthetic charm to any room in the home. Cedar chests come in a variety of styles and finishes, ranging from traditional to modern. Many of them feature polished brass hardware, intricate carvings, and even secret compartments, which adds to their attraction.
For decoration, they can be used to house items such as books, maps, and candles. All in all, cedar chests are a timeless piece that can be used to add beauty and practicality to a home.
How much does a hope chest cost?
The cost of a hope chest varies depending on a number of factors, including the size, material, design, and any extra features (like locks or carving). On average, a basic, small wooden hope chest costs between $50 and $200.
But if you want a large or custom hope chest made of a higher-quality material such as mahogany or cherry, costs can range from $400 to $2,000 or more. Online and antique dealers may have a wider selection of hope chests and more expensive options than what you might find in a basic store.
Furniture restoration professionals may also be able to craft a specialty hope chest from reclaimed wood, which will cost significantly more due to the labour and expertise involved in creating it.
Why do people have cedar chests?
People have cedar chests for a variety of reasons. Generally, they are used to store items that you want to keep safe and secure, as the cedar wood deters insects and moths. This makes them great for storing special items such as heirlooms and family keepsakes.
Cedar chests are also popular as they can add a decorative touch to any room – their natural warmth of color and distinctive grain can give character to the room. Additionally, cedar chests can be used for storage of blankets and for protecting clothes and linens from moths.
As cedar produces aromatic oils, it also acts a natural moth repellent. Furthermore, cedar is quite durable and requires little up-keep to maintain its condition. Cedar chests can last for many generations if cared for properly, making them a great investment for families who want to pass down a special item through the years.
Are old cedar chests worth anything?
The value of old cedar chests can vary greatly depending on the age, condition, and provenance of the piece. Antique or vintage cedar chests from the 1800s or early 1900s can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on their condition.
Many are decorative rather than functional and might not have metal hardware, for instance. It’s also important to look for markings, such as an original maker’s label or stamp, however these are typically scarce.
The provenance of an old cedar chest can also help to determine its value. Many old cedar chests belonged to families who have passed them down for generations, for instance, and this can make them much more valuable.
Repairs and restoration, such as replacing missing pieces, can also help to add value, but it’s important to find a qualified conservator who can make sure original materials are used, and any work done is reversible.
Ultimately, the value of an old cedar chest is going to depend on many factors, including its condition, age, and history.
Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?
Yes, bed bugs are potentially able to get in cedar chests. Cedar chests are made with a material that bed bugs may be attracted to, so the scent alone could attract bed bugs. Bed bugs can fit through very small cracks and crevices, such as the cracks between individual boards of the chest or through the screws or nails securing the boards of the chest together.
Additionally, if items that have been exposed to bed bugs have been stored inside the chest, or if the chest has been moved from an infested location to a new one, it is possible for bed bugs to be present in the cedar chest or to enter the chest.
Any material or object can serve as a potential harborage for bed bugs. Additionally, bed bugs are able to hide in fabric and seams. As such, if the chest has a fabric lining or fabric-covered trims, bed bugs can potentially enter or hide in the seams of the fabric.
In order to prevent bed bugs from entering cedar chests, they should be regularly inspected for signs of infestation and/or damage and any crevices or cracks should be sealed with a silicone caulk or other sealant.
Finally, if the chest has been exposed to bed bugs, it should be vacuumed and cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate insecticide.
What is the purpose of cedar lined drawers?
Cedar lined drawers are used to store items that must remain protected from moisture or insects. They are excellent for items that are sensitive to these elements, such as clothing, jewelry, photographs, antiques, and keepsakes.
Cedar wood is well known for its natural oils that repel insects and moisture, providing a longer lasting protection of whatever items are stored in the drawer. The wood also adds a pleasant aroma that helps mask musty odors that may have developed due to being stored in a damp environment.
Adding cedar lining to a drawer helps make the items stored in it last longer and stay in better condition.
Are cedar chests made from cedar?
Yes, most cedar chests are made from cedar wood. Cedar trees are very hardy and sturdy trees and are the perfect material for furniture and chests. Cedar wood is renowned for its endurance and beauty, making it an ideal option for cedar chests.
Cedarwood is highly moisture-resistant, rot-proof, and insect-proof so it’s a great choice for furniture that will be in contact with constant moisture, such as a cedar chest. Cedar is also lightweight, making it easier to move around.
Additionally, cedar has a naturally pleasant aroma that adds to the ambient atmosphere of any room. Its durability and aroma make cedar wood ideal for the construction of cedar chests. The wood is also extremely affordable and easy to acquire, making it a great choice for creating a cedar chest.
Do they still make Lane hope chests?
Yes, Lane still make hope chests. Their chests are made with quality materials and craftsmanship and come in a variety of classic and modern styles. Lane offer chests that are constructed with a variety of materials such as hardwoods like birch, cherry, and oak as well as alder and hardwood veneers.
Many of their chests are crafted with decorative embellishments like intricately carved drawer-fronts, inlay designs, and hardware like brass and matching wood handles. Customers can choose from a variety of colors and finishes, like natural-grain stains, light, and dark woods tones.
Lane also makes hope chest “sets” that feature matching pieces, like beds, dressers, desks, and nightstands, with coordinating lines and decorative details.
Who makes hope chest?
Hope chests are typically handmade by artisans or antique dealers, as they have a timeless quality that is appreciated by many. Many hope chests were traditionally handmade by the bride-to-be, or her family, and given to her as a wedding gift.
Today, some companies produce factory-made hope chests, which look similar to the traditional treasure chest design. The primary difference between handmade and factory-made hope chests is the quality of workmanship and materials used, with handmade versions often being made from quality woods like mahogany and cherry.
Handmade versions may also be of heirloom quality and have added details such as dovetailing and intricate carvings. Shopping for a hope chest is a matter of personal preference and budget. Many people prefer the charm and quality of a handmade version, while others may choose a factory-made version for a more affordable price.
How much is a 1950s Lane cedar chest worth?
The worth of a 1950s Lane cedar chest depends upon a few factors: its condition, whether it is a genuine Lane piece (made by Lane Furniture of Altavista, Virginia), and originality, including whether it has all the original hinges, hardware, and accessories.
A well-maintained, genuine Lane cedar chest in excellent condition could be worth between $500 and $2,500, depending on the style, age, and condition. A cedar chest with minor damage, but still in good condition, could be worth anywhere between $300 and $750.
A cedar chest with major damage and missing pieces could be worth as little as $150 to $200. The worth of a 1950s Lane cedar chest may also be impacted by desirability and the current market demand, so those considering purchasing a Lane cedar chest should be aware of the current market prices before deciding on a purchase price.
Did Lane furniture go out of business?
Yes, Lane Furniture went out of business in 2019. Lane Furniture was founded in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia by John Lane, and it initially produced wooden furniture. It became known for producing high-quality solid wood furniture and collaborating with famous furniture designers such as Vladimir Kagan.
In the 1960s, the company moved from its original location to Tennessee, where it remained until 2012 when it was acquired by Heritage Home Group.
In 2016, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and in 2017, slowly began liquidating its assets. The company officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and went out of business in 2019, leaving many of its homeowners with pieces of furniture that could only be used as yard decorations unless they were refinished.
Many experts believe that the main cause of the company’s demise was the transition from traditional to contemporary furniture designs, as Lane Furniture was slow to adapt to the changes in the market.
Where did the hope chest originate?
The hope chest, also known as a dower/dowry chest, is an item of furniture originating in the Middle Ages typically used to store blankets and linens. It is intended to be given to a newlywed woman upon her marriage.
The hope chest symbolizes a young woman’s hope and expectations of the future.
In medieval Europe, dowry chests were used by a bride’s family to store valuables such as clothing, jewelry, linens, books, money, and other items of worth. These items were placed in the chest for the bride to use after she was married as a way for the family to continue to support and provide for her.
In some cases, the chest was also intended to be used to provide for the bride’s first child.
The custom of dowry chests declined in Europe during the 18th century, but was continued in North America by German, Dutch, and British immigrants who had brought the practice with them from Europe. The popularity of the hope chest was at its peak in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s.
Today, the hope chest is still a popular item of furniture, often seen in the bedrooms of young girls or newlywed couples. The hope chest is also sometimes used as an engagement present, with friends and family members filling it with gifts or helpful household items.
How do you identify a Lane cedar chest?
A Lane cedar chest can be identified a few ways. First, look for the Lane logo, which is often imprinted on the top or front of the chest. There is also usually a label or stamp on the back, bottom, or inside of the chest that contains the Lane name or logo.
A signature keyhole, or a keyhole shaped like a diamond or half-circle, is another way to identify a Lane cedar chest. Cedar chests from Lane typically have a silver or brass name plate or label on the front with the Lane name emblazoned on it.
Additionally, the inside of cedar chests typically contains a tag or label with the Lane manufactures name and/or address. Lane cedar chests often have serial numbers or model numbers on the interior of the chest which can also be used to identify the chest as a Lane.
For more help, you can also contact the Lane Furniture company directly with pictures of your chest.
What is a brides chest?
A brides chest, also known as a hope chest or trousseau chest, is an item of furniture that traditionally would have been given to a young woman in preparation for her life as a married woman. The term “brides chest” comes from the French word trousseau, meaning “satchel” or “small bundle,” referring to the items that would traditionally be stored in such a chest.
A brides chest would generally be filled with items that would be of use in the woman’s new home, such as linens and quilts. Brides chests also had a symbolic purpose. Giving a brides chest to a woman was seen as a rite of passage, conveying the message that she was leaving her childhood home and entering a new life.
Beyond practical items, brides chests traditionally would have contained gifts from the bride’s family and her future husband. These could include silverware, jewelry, and keepsakes, offering a kind of legacy from the past and a promise of hope for the future.
Today, brides chests are still available, offering a lasting reminder of tradition, and are typically found in antique or vintage stores.
When did hope chests become popular?
Hope chests, also known as dowry chests, were first popularized in Europe and the Middle East during the early medieval period. During this time, marriage was an important social contract and families often chose to bestow gifts that held significant value to their daughters in the form of a chest or trunk.
These chests were typically filled with linens, quilts, and other important household items. As European settlers moved to the New World, they brought the tradition of hope chests along with them and they quickly became a popular part of courtship and special occasions like weddings and birthdays in many cultures.
Today, hope chests still hold a sentimental value, and are traditionally given as gifts to young women of marrying age.