How can I attach a pillow top to a vintage waterfall lane chest?

Mary Koch
by Mary Koch

I would like to know especially how to make a pillow top over the entire top including the rolled edge ! Thank you

  11 answers
  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Sep 07, 2019

    I would use Velcro because you need to wash the cushion and you could stick the Velcro on use two long strips and tac in or staple.

  • Bre30247230 Bre30247230 on Sep 07, 2019

    Sticky back Velcro could be used if you don’t mind attaching it to the top.

  • Ret Grant Ret Grant on Sep 07, 2019

    If like mine you don't want to attach anything to the veneer make the cushion to fit over the top and add a ruffled or tailor skirt to protect the whole thing.

    You can fit corner straps to the skirt or the under seam of the cushion to hold it into place similar to the straps used on the corners of a mattress to hold the quilted mattress cover in place.

    OR you might be able to run really thin straps under the lid and it would be even more secured when you shut the lid.

    Right now I just keep a knitted couch blanket folded and laying over mine.

  • Mary Koch Mary Koch on Sep 07, 2019

    Thank you for youR responses.. but I do plan on painting the bottom with a chalk paint and placing a raised stencil in the middle front of the chest. So the top I would love to create a pillow top. Great point about the Velcro to remove for washing .

  • Pam Pam on Sep 07, 2019

    make a fittied cushion for the top by using smart foam found at hobby lobby . cut it long enough to go over the edges triming the corners to make it more square, then cover with your fabric in the same fashion making a pillow case stlye cover but with the top longer than the bottom so the top is not showing ....sewing straps in the seams and use straps from thin webbing to go under the lid 3to4 across and 2 length wise, use velcro on the ends to hold together and this should make it washable ....

  • Ellis Ellis on Sep 07, 2019

    Are you sure? The chest is one of the Art Deco style that is worth more than many other Lane chests. I've seen them for about $500 and yours looks to be in good condition. Check the bottom of the chest for the manufacturing date--it's often backwards, so it's year, date, month, and the number before it indicates the plant it was manufactured in. This appears to be just like one a friend had from before 1940.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 07, 2019


    I would not advise to use sticky backed velcro. Although it may seem like a good idea for washing, when the top layer (attached to the cushion covering) is removed, some of the bottom velcro layer may also become unstuck from the trunk. The process may damage some of the finish to the wood.


    Also, with the tufted layer of velcro exposed it will be difficult to put the cushion cover in an automatic washing machine without having it adhere to other fabrics in the load.

  • Bonnie Bonnie on Sep 07, 2019

    I agree with Ellis. That chest is beautiful and could be worth a lot of money. The style is very trendy right now too.

  • William William on Sep 07, 2019

    I agree with Ellis and Bonnie. That Lane chest has a resale value of $250 to $500 on Ebay. Yours could bring the upper end price. I would not do anything to it. I would sell it and get some cheaper chest to make over. It would be a shame to destroy such a valuable piece of furniture.

  • Mary Koch Mary Koch on Sep 08, 2019

    Awe you are all so kind , helpful and thoughtful. I am changing it because it really looks bad in the room that it’s in... I can’t part with it because it belonged to my parents . The picture next to this message was my mom .

  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Sep 08, 2019

    Do not change it or alter it in any way. You have a treasure. I've dealt in antique furniture for over 30 years and would kill for such a lovely piece. If you want to change it in any way, simply drape the top with a beautiful quilt or fabric piece. DO NOT apply any sticky stuff or any glue.


    The waterfall portion appears to be in perfect condition, which is rare. Love what you have. It is exquisite.