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

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

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

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

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.

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.