A cedar chest is a beautiful thing. While they’re great for storage (especially for fabric items since the oil in the cedar spooks off cloth-chewing pests), you shouldn’t feel limited to cramming a custom wooden chest full of clothing and hiding it in the closet. Cedarwood looks beautiful, smells even better, and can provide a great combination of beauty and utility in your home. To inspire you, here are eight practical and creative uses for a cedar chest.

Storage

As mentioned, a cedar chest is perfect for protecting sweaters, tablecloths, wool blankets, fur coats, and even feather boas. The cedar oil in the wood is a natural repellent for moths, preventing them from moving in and having babies that will eat your clothing, setting you up for a rude surprise next season.

A Lovely Gift

Cedar chests are lovely pieces of furniture, usually offered in classic styles that blend in with any décor. They make wonderful housewarming and wedding presents and can serve as starter furniture for someone just moving out of their parents’ home.

Instant Coffee Table

Is your living room missing something? Perhaps, it needs a lovely coffee table in the form of a cedar chest. Not only will it provide a large and smooth surface for books, snacks, and, yes, coffee, but it can also serve as a hidden storage space. Keep blankets and pillows and other comforts close by, or store away game consoles and the like when not in use.

Entryway Table

Whether you have a lot or just a little room in your front hall, foyer, or entryway, a bench is a perfect multipurpose piece. Use it as a bench for taking off and putting on your shoes, a place for a lamp to light your way, or a place to store keys and more until you need them.

A Bedroom Addition

Cedar chests can do extra duty as benches, nightstands, bureaus, and general storage since they are low and sturdily built. Place one beside or at the foot of your bed for a spot where you can prepare for the day, set your alarm clock before falling asleep, or stow away blankets and pillows that otherwise take up space during the day.

Toyland

If you ensure the top stays up when it’s up and can’t mash little fingers, a cedar chest makes a wonderful and lovely toybox. Just rig it up with a safety hinge and add padding and stoppers to prevent the top from slamming.

Office Space

Need a place to store files, stationeries, and other work documents and supplies? A cedar chest makes a classy and unobtrusive filing cabinet and storage locker.

Secrets!

Here’s the last of our eight practical and creative uses for a cedar chest. Set it up with a lock and make it a cabinet for precious items you don’t want to leave out in the open. Add a small safe or lockable case for added security too.