How to turn an old cedar chest into hallway bench with hanging storag?

Tin34036112
by Tin34036112

I have a very plain mid century cedar chest and an antique door 48" wide by 80" tall.....how can I combine them into an entryway seat and storage? thanks for any ideas

  5 answers
  • Kra15458981 Kra15458981 on Sep 03, 2018

    First it would be nice to see pictures of the chest and the door. Now depending on your wood working skills, first make sure the two are butted up and the ends are flush, if not then mark two spots on both sides drill holes for nut,washer and a carriage bolt. On the other hand if both fit flush and the door will be up against the wall then you can glue along the edges and secure with screws any where from six to eight.

    Good luck

    • Tin34036112 Tin34036112 on Sep 03, 2018

      sorry, I do 't have the ability to get pictures.... I like your idea, but I'm concerned about how to lift the top of the chest........both the chest and the door are 48" wide.....I plan on painting them because the chest is solid cedar and the door is black walnut......any further ideas? thanks!

  • Sharon guy Sharon guy on Sep 03, 2018

    i m assuming that the chest is long and low , then you could use a piece of foam and make a cushion seat for it.covering it with fabric of your choice, even with a zipper on it, so it can be removed for washing. if it has a lid , great , your goodies can go in side, (like boots and umbrellas etc)

    if no lid then you can get a pieces a lumber and make a lid with hinges, the door can be transformed into i back rest for the seat, or attached to the wall above the chest, and attach hooks along the bottom, for keys and things that need to be hung up

  • Tin34036112 Tin34036112 on Sep 03, 2018

    Thank you...I like the idea, but my concern is how to open the lid without having to move it every time.......any solutions? thanks

  • Kra15458981 Kra15458981 on Sep 03, 2018

    Food for thought, depending on the top that is if the top is a flat board or does it have height from the opening to the top, if you have a height from the opening to the top you can relocate the hinges to the front so that if you have to open the seat it will open with out any restrictions. Now by the way it sounds the top isn’t flat so you will have to relocate the hinges to the front. With out a picture of the chest it is hard to give you the best and easiest way to do the job.

  • Kc Kc on Sep 03, 2018

    If you mount the door to the wall and set the chest under it I think you would get the look and effect of a hall tree without actually attaching the two pieces together. You still have easy access for lifting the chest lid. By separating the two pieces it wouldn't be as important that your door and chest are the same size width. In fact, if the door is horizontal you'll have room for more coats. Finish both pieces in complimentary colors to really pull the concept together. Attach a seat cushion to the chest with command strips.

    • Tin34036112 Tin34036112 on Sep 03, 2018

      Brilliant!.......the chest is identical on both sides (plain), so, I could just put the back in front.....the lid is flat, with about 3/4" extension beyond the box on three sides....if I paint it right and maybe do some creative stenciling ......nobody would know the difference....and, of course, add a cushion. Thanks so much...I was just having a mind block........beth