A cedar chest is a lidded storage chest made from or lined with aromatic cedar, prized for its scent and its reputation for deterring moths and other insects that damage wool, fur and fine fabrics. It is used for storing blankets, linen, clothing and textiles, and often stands at the foot of a bed or on a landing.
Aromatic woods have long been used for storage chests. In America, chests of fragrant red cedar became immensely popular in the twentieth century as hope chests, in which a young woman gathered linen and household goods before marriage, and firms such as the Lane Company of Virginia made them in large numbers in period and Art Deco styles. In Britain, cedar was more often used for drawer linings, wardrobes and cigar boxes, while camphor wood chests brought back from the Far East served a similar purpose. Collectors look for solid construction, attractive figure, original hardware and a lining that still releases its scent; light sanding of the interior can refresh it. Older chests should be checked for safe lid catches. A cedar chest remains a practical and handsome piece for any bedroom.
