The Best Painted Cedar Chest Ideas

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One of my favorite types of furniture to makeover? Cedar chests! They are versitile pieces that work great as end of bed storage, coffee tables, toy chests and more. These painted cedar chest makeover ideas will give you the inspiration you need the next time you come across a old and neglected cedar chest.

One of the most prominent manufacturers of cedar chests it the Lane Furniture Company. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of their cedar chests, check out this article, All About Lane Cedar Chests.

1. Blue/Green MCM Cedar Chest

MCM Lane cedar chest painted in a light blue/green

This chest came to me in bad shape. It was missing its legs, there was lots of veneer and water damage to the top and sides. After making the needed repairs, I painted it in Artemisia Green by Melange Paints and added some fun new gold legs.

2. Blue MCM Cedar Chest

After front photo of painted cedar chest.

This chest had great bones and just needed a refresh! I got rid of the blond wood finish and replaced it with paint (Classic Navy by Melange Paints) and a dark wood stain on the base. Complete makeover details can be found in this post.

3. Black Chippendale Cedar Chest

After photo of cedar chest painted black with original Chippendale hardware.

My client wanted to update this chest, but keep it classic, so black was the perfect choice! Painted in Jett Black, with the original brass hardware polished up.

4. Dark Navy Glossy Cedar Chest

Queen Anne Style cedar chest before photo.

Queen Anne style cedar chest painted in dark navy blue with a gloss finish.

Here’s another classic update! This time, I chose a dark navy (Vagabond by Melange Paints), topcoated it in a high gloss finish, and added some new modern hardware.

5. Chippy Blue Cedar Chest

After photo if cedar chest with a dark blue chippy painted finish

This makeover features a fun chippy finish, using Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint in the color Deep Sea Blue.

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6. Dark Gray Cedar Chest

Dark wood cedar chest before makeover photo.

Cedar chest painted in dark gray paint with dark wood stained legs.

From dated to sophisticated! By removing the detailing in the center of the chest, I gave this chest a more modern feel. Painted in Apothecary Gray by Melange Paints, and the legs were restored using Restor-A-Finish.

7. Green Cedar Chest

Cedar chest after photo painted green with a dark wood base.

Another client refresh! This time I restained the wood base and painted the rest in my favorite green, Eventide Green by Melange Paints.

8. Simplified Blue Cedar Chest

After photo of cedar chest with dated details removed and painted blue.

Last but certainly not least, this chest was updated by removing the dated details and painting the rest in Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore.

Summary

I hope these cedar chest makeovers will help to inspire your next furniture project! These hope chests often hold sentimental value and are so useful around your space, making them the perfect candidate for a makeover!

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