Cedar Chest Buying Guide (Showroom Edition)

A cedar chest offers more than storage—it's organization with a signature aroma, heirloom quality that lasts generations, and practical protection for your textiles. But here's what many don't realize: cedar alone isn't a magic moth-killer without the right care and construction. In this guide, you'll learn the safety features, sizing strategies, and maintenance tips you can test firsthand in our Lititz showroom at Hearthside Furniture.

Quick Buyer's Checklist (Print-Friendly)

Use this checklist when you visit our showroom to compare options side-by-side:

Space & Placement

1. End-of-bed, window wall, or entryway?

2. Measure your available footprint

Interior Volume

1. What will you store? (blankets vs sweaters vs keepsakes)

2. Do you need dividers or trays?

Construction & Materials

1. Solid cedar vs cedar-lined hardwood

2. Real wood vs veneer

3. Joinery quality (look for dovetails)

Safety Hardware

1. Soft-close lid stays (not spring-loaded slams)

2. NO automatic-latch locks (child safety hazard)

3. Finger-safe closing mechanisms

Finish & Care

1. Unfinished interior (essential for aroma)

2. Easy sanding refresh

3. Exterior finish matches your décor

5. Budget & Warranty

1. Price range that fits your investment

2. Manufacturer warranty and support

3. Bring this list to Hearthside and tick items as you try lids, smell the cedar, and inspect interior layouts.

What Is a Cedar Chest Today? (And Common Myths)

Cedar 101

Aromatic eastern red cedar is prized for its natural fragrance, which can help repel small moth larvae. However, the wood species alone doesn't guarantee protection—airtightness matters more. A well-sealed chest limits oxygen, which insects need to survive, making the tight-fitting lid just as important as the cedar lining itself.

How to Choose: Build, Lining & Hardware

Solid Cedar vs Cedar-Lined Hardwood

Solid Cedar Chests (like our Springfield and Franklin models):

Pros: Maximum aroma, lighter weight, naturally moth-resistant throughout

Cons: Limited exterior style options (natural cedar finish), can be pricier

Cedar-Lined Hardwood Chests (like our Harmony and Manchester models):

Pros: Exterior can be any hardwood (cherry, oak, maple) to match your bedroom suite; often more affordable

Cons: Cedar aroma only on the interior lining; slightly heavier

Our Recommendation: If cedar scent is your priority and you love the rustic look, go solid. If you want design flexibility and a specific hardwood finish, choose a lined chest.

Joinery & Casework Quality

Quality joinery determines how long your chest lasts:

Dovetail joints (interlocking wedges) signal hand-crafted or high-end construction, they resist pulling apart over decades

Plywood species: Seven-ply hardwood backs are sturdier than particle board

Solid wood vs veneer: Solid panels won't peel; veneer over plywood is acceptable if glued properly, but check for bubbling or lifting edges

At Hearthside, our Amish-crafted and American-made chests feature dovetails and solid hardwood construction you can inspect up close.

Hinges, Stays & Locks

Hinges: Look for continuous piano hinges or heavy-duty butt hinges that won't sag under a solid-wood lid.

Lid Stays: A soft-close mechanism is non-negotiable if children or pets are nearby. Spring-loaded stays can slam; hydraulic stays ease the lid down gently.

Locks: Some customers want a lock and key for privacy (several of our models offer this). Just ensure it's a manual key lock, never an automatic latch. You should be able to open it from inside without a key.

Interior Layout

Full cavity: Maximum volume for bulky quilts and comforters

Removable trays: Ideal for organizing smaller items like sweaters or scarves—our Springfield model offers this option

Felt-lined keepsake trays: Protects jewelry or delicate heirlooms

Casters: Makes cleaning underneath easier (available on select models)

Size & Fit Guide (Measure Once, Buy Forever)

End-of-Bed Rule of Thumb

Length: Should be within or just under your bed width (a 54" chest suits a queen; 60–72" suits a king)

Height: Target 18–19 inches for comfortable bench-style sitting

Depth: Typically 16–20 inches; leave at least 24 inches of walk-space in front

Minimum Useful Size Benchmarks

Small blanket storage: ≥ 32" W × 16" D × 16" H

Queen bedding set: ≥ 44" W × 18" D × 18" H

King bedding + extras: ≥ 55" W × 20" D × 20" H

In-Showroom Test

Visit Hearthside and we'll stage a chest at bench height so you can:

1. Sit and test comfort

2. Open and close the lid at a natural angle

3. Check reach clearance when standing beside it

4. Measure your doorways and delivery path on the spot

What You Can (and Shouldn't) Store

Best-Fit Items

1. Off-season woolens (cleaned or dry-cleaned first)

2. Spare blankets and throws

3. Linens in breathable cotton bags

4. Extra pillows and quilts

Avoid Direct Contact With…

1. Heirloom paper, photos, or documents: Cedar oils can cause discoloration over time—use archival sleeves or acid-free boxes instead

2. Delicate white fabrics: Cedar can leave yellowish tints; store whites in garment bags

3. Leather goods: Oils can dry out leather; wrap separately

4. Wedding gowns and vintage uniforms: Use acid-free preservation boxes designed for textiles

Cedar ≠ Mothballs

Do NOT use mothballs in your cedar chest. They emit toxic fumes (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) that are harmful to humans and pets, and they can permeate your fabrics with a harsh chemical odor that's nearly impossible to remove.

Safer alternatives:

1. Lavender sachets (mildly repellent to moths, pleasant scent)

2. Cedar blocks or rings (reinforce the chest's natural aroma)

3. Airtight garment bags for high-value woolens

Care & Maintenance (2 Steps You'll Actually Use)

Step 1: Never Finish the Interior

Do NOT apply polyurethane, lacquer, or any sealant inside the chest. Finishes trap the cedar oils beneath, blocking the aroma from reaching your textiles. The unfinished interior is a feature, not an oversight.

Step 2: Refresh the Aroma (Once Every 1–2 Years)

When the cedar scent fades:

1. Empty the chest completely

2. Lightly sand the interior with 180–220-grit sandpaper, working along the grain

3. Vacuum out the dust with a brush attachment

4. Close the lid overnight—fresh oils will release into the sealed space

The next morning, you'll notice the renewed fragrance.

Optional Add-Ons

Cedar blocks or sachets: Place a few inside if sanding isn't enough

Cedar oil: A drop or two on a cloth (use sparingly—some people are sensitive to concentrated oils, and over-application can irritate skin or fabrics)

Budget & Value: What Affects Price

Cedar chest prices vary widely based on:

Budget & Value: What Affects Price

1. Springfield Cedar Chest: Solid cedar, optional padded seat, lock and key

Typical Quality Range

Many handcrafted, American-made cedar chests range from $400–$1,500, depending on the features above. Antiques vary widely by condition, provenance, and rarity.

At Hearthside, we focus on heirloom-quality pieces built by Amish artisans and domestic manufacturers who stand behind their work.

See & Compare at Hearthside (Lititz, PA)

We stock multiple storage chests, including:

1. Springfield Cedar Chest: Solid cedar, optional padded seat, lock and key

2. Franklin Cedar Chest: Three sizes, solid aromatic cedar, classic design

3. Basic Cedar Chest: Simple and robust, aromatic cedar floor

4. Harmony Storage Chest: Modern scalloped foot, solid wood construction

5. Manchester Storage Chest: Three drawers per side + center cabinet, optional padded seat

Visit our showroom to:

✓ Sit-test: Try different heights and depths for comfort

✓ Hinge-test: Lift and close lids with soft-close stays

✓ Inspect interiors: Compare cedar lining coverage and joinery

✓ Sniff-test: Experience the aromatic difference in person

✓ Check trays and casters: See optional organizational features

✓ Review finishes: Match wood species and stain to your bedroom

✓ Measure for delivery: Confirm doorway and stairway clearances

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cedar chest really prevent moth damage?

It helps, but it's not a guarantee. Cedar's aroma may deter some larvae, but cleaning textiles before storage and using sealed garment bags are more critical. Airtightness is key—moths need oxygen, so a tight-fitting lid offers real protection.

How do I bring back the cedar smell?

Empty the chest and lightly sand the interior with 180–220-grit sandpaper along the grain. Vacuum out the dust, then close the lid overnight. Fresh cedar oils will release into the air, renewing the fragrance.

Is a vintage cedar chest safe?

Check for automatic-latch mechanisms (common in Lane chests from 1912–1987). These locks can trap children inside. Contact the manufacturer for a free replacement latch kit, or remove the lock entirely. Modern chests should never have auto-latches.

What size cedar chest suits the foot of a queen or king bed?

Queen bed (60" wide): A chest between 44–54 inches long works well

King bed (76" wide): A chest between 55–72 inches long is proportional

Aim for 18–19 inches in height for comfortable bench seating. Visit Hearthside to test sizes in person.

Will cedar stain white fabrics or heirlooms?

Cedar oils can cause yellowing on delicate whites and may discolor old paper or photos over time. Solution: Store whites in breathable cotton garment bags and keep paper heirlooms in archival sleeves or acid-free boxes inside the chest.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Cedar Chest?

Visit Hearthside Furniture in Lititz, PA, where you can compare construction, test safety features, and experience the cedar aroma firsthand. Our team will help you measure, customize, and arrange delivery.

Explore our full collection: Storage Chests at Hearthside