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Unlocking the History and Charm of Lane Furniture Cedar Chests

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A Nostalgic Journey Into the Past, Present and Future of These Iconic American Heirlooms

As I slide my hand across the smooth, aromatic cedar lid, memories come flooding back. I’m transported to my grandmother’s house, where I would play dress-up with vintage hats and jewelry I’d discover tucked away in her gorgeous Lane cedar chest. These treasured pieces of furniture have a way of capturing our most cherished moments and protecting our precious belongings for generations.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the rich history and enduring appeal of Lane Furniture cedar chests. We’ll learn how to identify the age, style and value of these timeless classics. And we’ll get tips for restoring, maintaining and properly caring for these heirlooms so they can continue being passed down through families.

The History and Origins of This Iconic American Brand

Lane Furniture’s story begins in 1912 in Altavista, Virginia. Founder John Lane was an entrepreneur who owned a variety of businesses, including a sawmill. He began building simple pine chests that were cedar-lined to protect clothing from moths and insects. These handsome yet functional designs were an instant hit.

Demand grew quickly, and by 1914 Lane converted his entire sawmill and factory to focus exclusively on cedar chest production. The company trademarked the slogan “Lane…The Cedar Chest People” which was used in advertisements and printed across the upper front of their chests.

Over the next few decades, Lane Furniture cedar chest designs evolved to reflect popular furniture styles of the era. They produced Mission, Empire, Waterfall, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and other stylistic chests in rich woods like walnut, mahogany and oak.

Lane capitalized on major cultural shifts, like young women preparing hope chests before marriage. Their chests were advertised as places to store linens, blankets, sensitive fabrics, and precious keepsakes.

During World War II, Lane dedicated its entire production to making cedar-lined ammunition boxes. This curtailed civilian cedar chest manufacturing until the late 1940s, when the company reopened its furniture plant.

Lane Furniture reached its heyday in the 1950s and 60s when Cedar Chest designs embraced the sleek lines of Mid-Century Modern style. This was the era my grandmother’s chest was made in, and nearly three quarters of Lane chests you find today will date to this prosperous post-war period.

But over time, moths began being controlled with synthetic pesticides, women joined the workforce, and hope chests gave way to more casual lifestyles. By the 1990s, Lane competed with imported cedar chests. In 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by its primary competitor, Virginia-based Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co.

Today Lane continues producing American-made cedar chests in a wide range of vintage reproduction and contemporary styles. Their century-old legacy lives on, as families continue passing down these cherished heirlooms loaded with memories and mementos.

Identifying the Age of Lane Cedar Chests Through Stylistic and Structural Design Elements

Part of the nostalgic charm of Lane cedar chests is identifying when yours was made. Luckily, scholars and enthusiasts have studied trademark details to help accurately date Lane chests.

Here are some key design elements to look for:

Hardware clues: Look at metal handles, keyholes and hinges. Brass hardware indicates pre-war age. Steel postwar hardware points to 1940s-50s. Modern aluminum used 1960s onward. Keyholes and handles also evolved.
Branding marks: Check inside lid or bottom for label stating location and patent dates. “Made by Lane in Altavista, VA” used 1912-1936. Stylized labels with patent dates help narrow timeframe.
Wood types and grains: Mahogany and walnut used until the 1930s, then oak and other veneers later on. Earlier woods had more dramatic, rich grains.
Joinery: Dovetail joints indicate handcraftsmanship on earliest chests. Later mass production used simpler joint construction.
Stylistic designs: Study proportions and shape. Flat lids and low profiles suit earlier era. Rounded profiles and skirted chests reflect 1940s-50s. Sleek, low lines suit Mid-Century style.
Interior cedar: Thin cedarboards on chest walls indicate older age. Thicker, fuller cedar panels standard in later decades.

With some careful detective work, the stylistic and structural details of your Lane cedar chest can reveal estimate age and provenance. This enhances their cherished vintage appeal.

Typical Dimensions and Sizes of Lane’s Iconic Chest Styles

Lane Furniture offered cedar chest designs in a range of dimensions, from petite keepsake sizes to large blanket chests.

Here are typical interior storage dimensions for some of their classic chest styles:

Standard Chest: 48″ L x 18″ D x 22″ H
Blanket Chest: 60″ L x 22″ D x 25″ H
Cedarrobe: 65″ L x 21″ D x 39″ H
Waterfall Chest: 52″ L x 20″ D x 36″ H
Hope Chest: 45″ L x 19″ D x 25″ H
Jewelry and Keepsake Chests: Varying smaller sizes around 25″ L x 13″ D x 16″ H

With storage heights ranging from 16 to 39 inches, Lane offered a size suitable for clothing, photo albums, heirloom textiles or accessories. Larger blanket and cedarrobe sizes accommodated bulky linens and bedding. More petite jewelry and keepsake chests stored precious objects.

With interior lengths spanning 3.5 to 5 feet, Lane understood cedar’s protective qualities were optimized in generously sized storage spaces. The company perfected stylish proportions to maximize moth-repelling cedar while suiting homes’ decor.

Determining the Value of Antique, Vintage and New Lane Cedar Chests

For collectors and furniture aficionados, a key part of Lane’s enduring appeal is their steady value. Butchest values vary widely based on age, condition, materials and style.

Here are price ranges for Lane cedar chests in different categories:

Pre-1930s: $600-$2,000 for good condition, $3,000+ for pristine
Art Deco era, 1930s-40s: $400-$1,500+ depending on style
Mid-century, 1950s-60s: $300-$800 in good condition
1970-90s mass produced: $200-$500
Reproduction/vintage styles: $500-$1,000
New contemporary Lane styles: $600-$2,000

As with most antiques, earlier pieces in original or lovingly restored condition command the highest prices from serious collectors. For example, a 1920s cedar chest in near-perfect condition could appraise between $2,000-$4,000.

Mid-century retro styles remain popular for their nostalgic charm, while still affordable in the $300-$800 range. Even 1970-90s mass-produced styles appeal to some collectors in the $200-$500 range.

For new buyers, Lane’s vintage reproductions and contemporary cedar chests offer classic styling starting around $500, but with the benefit of new condition and modern cedar quality.

Places to Buy Vintage Lane Chests, Antique Finds, and New Lane Furniture Pieces

For vintage Lane cedar chest aficionados, the thrill is in the hunt whether searching online emporiums or real-world antique shops. Here are top places to buy Lane cedar chests:

Online auction sites like eBay often listLane chests, but beware over-restored pieces
Online antique dealers offer curated Lane chests, like AAntiqueMall, RubyLane, Chairish
Local antique stores and flea markets, especially in Lane’s Virginia homeland
Estate sales and auctions often feature Lane hope chest inheritance pieces
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for direct vintage chest deals
Lane Furniture website or local dealers sell new contemporary Lane models
Cedar chest specialty sites like House of Cedar offer vintage and Lane styles

With some due diligence reading reviews and inspecting pieces, treasures await. From Mid-century Lane styles on Chairish to Colonial Era antique finds in Virginia, the thrill is in the quest.

For a worry-free new cedar chest buying experience from this heritage brand, Lane Furniture maintains an authorized dealer network. They offer the company’s latest cedar chest designs from traditional to modern.

Restoring and Refinishing Techniques to Care For Lane Chests

Part of the appeal of vintage Lane cedar chests are the stories they carry. But over decades of use, signs of wear and tear take their toll. With some elbow grease and care, we can restore them to their former glory.

Here are my best tips for Lane cedar chest makeovers:

Carefully remove hardware like hinges and latches before refinishing
Sand away dings, scratches and worn finish with 120 to 220 grit paper
Strip paint with chemical removers, taking safety precautions
Use wood filler for holes, gouges; sand and stain for uniformity
Consider linseed oil or conditioners on excessively dried older wood
Match existing wood stain colors or experiment with new tones
Seal with polyurethane for protection and sheen; avoid brush strokes
Replace worn parts like hinges, lifts and latches with period-appropriate hardware
Line worn interior cedar with new aromatic boards for moth protection
Add felt pads on bottom to prevent floor scratches and sliding

With some skill and care, we can breathe new life into well-worn Lanes for future generations to enjoy. The makeover process reveals the hidden beauty in these classics.

Commonly Encountered Problems and Repairs for Lane Cedar Chests

Given their age and the forces of time, Lane cedar chests often acquire a few battle wounds and quirks. Some common repair issues include:

Loose hinges causing lid sag; tighten screws or replace hinges
Sticky drawers from wood expansion; lubricate tracks with wax or soap
Warping lids from moisture damage; might require lid sanding/planing
** Broken or stuck latches** causing refusal to open or close; replace
Loose veneer curling at edges; re-glue carefully with wood glue
Splitting wood at corners or joints; fill cracks with thin cyanoacrylate glue
Fuzzy, worn interior cedar; line with new aromatic boards to refresh
Water rings or stains marring exteriors; sand and refinish damaged areas
Musty odors from stored fabrics; air out chest, insert cedar packs/blocks

With some handy repairs, we can remedy common issues experienced by older Lane cedar chests. Diagnosing and fixing these bumps in the road will keep them treasured for years more.

Lane Cedar Chest Recalls and Enhancements to Ensure Safety

With the tragic stories of children becoming trapped in unsecured chests, safety upgrades and recalls have aimed to prevent these heartbreaking accidents.

In 1996, Lane Furniture recalled 12 million cedar chests made prior to 1987 that lacked safety latches. Consumers could request free retrofit kits.

In 2000, new voluntary safety standards required all new manufactured cedar chests to have:

Automatic lid supports that only allow one compartment to be open at a time
Slam-resistant lid hinges preventing sudden closure
Locks or lid releases to prevent entrapment

So if buying an antique or vintage chest, have it professionally evaluated and enhanced with modern safety latches. For new purchases, look for chests adhering to stringent safety standards. This preserves cherished family heirlooms while preventing avoidable tragedies.

Techniques for Touching Up Dings and Removing Scratches

Even well-loved Lane cedar chests receiving a bit of wear and tear over the years can often be salvaged through some clever touch-up techniques. Here are my best methods for making scratches and dings disappear:

For surface scratches and scuffs, use a walnut-hued crayon and buff lightly to fill in and blend – the oils in the crayon help marry with the finish.

For shallow dents and dings, try steaming the area with a damp cloth and hot iron to gently swell and smooth the depression.

For deeper gouges that expose raw wood, carefully fill with wood putty matching the original color, then sand and refinish.

Remove white water rings by gently rubbing with toothpaste or petroleum jelly, which serves as a mild abrasive polish.

For discolored cloudy finishes, rub the finish with boiled linseed oil on a cloth to restore luster and richness.

By starting with less invasive, non-damaging methods and working up to more intensive treatments, we can often magically erase imperfections to restore a chest’s smooth finish.

The Range of Styles Offered By Lane Over The Decades

One of the hallmarks of the Lane Furniture company was the diverse range of cedar chest aesthetics they produced over the decades. From Colonial to Mid-Century, Lane’s designs reflected changing styles and cultural trends.

Here is a brief overview of the major styles Lane offered over their 110+ year history:

1800s to Early 1900s: Simple Pine and Oak constructions gain cedar linings
Art Nouveau Era: Elaborate hardware, beveled glass, curved lines
Arts & Crafts Movement: Mission Style with straight lines, minimal ornament
The 1920s: Art Deco geometric designs, exotic veneers
The 1930s-40s: Traditional detailed carvings, Waterfall Fronts, Cedarrobes
The 1950s-60s: Mid-Century Modern sleek lines, space age motifs, atomic prints
The 1970s-90s: Disco-inspired colors, nature prints, eclectic motifs
Recent History: Vintage style reproductions, classic contemporary looks

While staying true to their cedar heritage, Lane adapted and evolved their chest designs across changing times, tastes and trends. This diversity helps date chests and appeals to collectors of various eras.

Caring For Your Lane Cedar Chest to Maintain its Integrity

To help your Lane cedar chest defy time and remain an heirloom, proper maintenance and care are key. Here are my top tips:

Keep your chest indoors in a climate controlled space; avoid damp garages and attics.
Periodically condition the exterior with polishing oils to nourish the wood finish.
Use cedar blocks, chips or shavings inside to maintain aromatic moth repelling properties.
Avoid placing directly on carpets which can trap moisture; use legs or pads.
Keep the chest locked when not in use to prevent slamming lids and cracking joints.
Clean the interior cedar annually with a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust buildup.
Wax drawer runners and lubricate hinges to prevent sticking and wood abrasion.
Tighten loose hardware screws to maintain structural integrity.

With some basic care and maintenance, a Lane cedar chest can serve your family for generations, preserving precious belongings while creating lasting memories.

The Wood Species Typically Used in Crafting Lane’s Cedar Chests

The choice of wood species is key to the structural integrity and visual appeal of quality cedar chests. Lane Furniture historically used several time-honored varieties:

Eastern Red Cedar – The classic lining material and Lane’s namesake wood, with aromatic moth-repelling properties. Provides a breathable interior that discourages mold.
Walnut – A premiere hardwood cherished for its richness and patina. Used for exteriors of earlier Lane chests.
Oak – Known for its appealing grains and durability, oak wood exteriors started becoming common by the 1930s.
Mahogany – With a refined, deep hue, this elegant wood was featured on many high-end Lane chests before availability declined.
Pine – The wood of early Lanes, valued for its wide availability and ability to accept stains and paints.
Maple – A dense, durable hardwood often used for drawers due to its smooth finishing and machining properties.
Cherry – Sometimes featured for its warm red undertones and slender flowing grain patterns.

The careful selection of woods optimizes both the inner cedar preservation and outer beauty of Lane’s designs that stand the test of time.

Antique Lane Chests As Collector’s Items and Investments

For antiques lovers, Lane cedar chests possess many attributes that make them prized collector’s items. Their rich company history, fine materials, and nostalgic designs drive up values.

Several key factors make Lane chests good finds and investments:

Brand Recognition – Lane’s reputation for quality boosts values. Their many patents also deter fakes.
Small Production Runs – Low numbers of some styles means higher demand from collectors who appreciate limited availability
Regional Appeal – Lane’s Virginia roots make their chests highly prized on the East Coast
Evolving Styles – Many Lane chests reflect wider furniture eras from Art Nouveau to Mid-Century, suiting various collectors
Durable Construction – Built to last generations helps pieces appreciate over time
Versatile Use – Not just novelty antiques; still functional for storage and home decor

With their rich heritage, enduring quality, and timeless nostalgic charm, Lane cedar chests are investments worth treasuring through the years.

Authenticating Lane Furniture Cedar Chests to Assess Authenticity

As Lane cedar chests become collectible antiques, verifying authenticity and avoiding sophisticated forgeries is crucial. Here are tips for assessing real versus fake Lanes:

Examine wood, joints, finishes for high-quality materials not modern plastics or composites
Presence of interior cedar and aromatic scent – faux chests often skip this costly step
Vintage hardware and metal handles often stamped with manufacturer marks
Check hinge construction – are they hand-forged nails or modern mass-produced hinges?
Branding details like makers mark, “Altavista VA” on vintage labels
Patent dates and numbers on inner labels help authenticate age
Evaluate carvings, routed edges and attention to hand-crafted details versus modern rushed production
Research chest models against documented Lane company catalogs from the era

With scrutiny of details and awareness of common counterfeiting techniques, collectors can have confidence in spotting and assessing authentic Lanes. This preserves the heritage and value integrity vital to antique Lane cedar chests.

Refinishing Tips: The Best Stain and Finish Options for Lane Cedar Chest Makeovers

When restoring a vintage Lane cedar chest, careful refinishing is key to showcasing the wood’s beauty. Here are my top finish recommendations:

For a natural patina, consider a clear tung oil or Danish oil finish to gently enhance the wood.
Classic oil-based stains in walnut, oak or cherry penetrating tones allow the grain to shine.
For dramatic colors, water-based stains in deep hues like espresso can make a statement.
Match the sheen of the original finish – higher gloss for Victorian or Colonial Lanes, matte for Mid-Century styles.
Use sparing glaze coats over stains to instill an aged, antique appearance if desired.
Protect with polyurethane for a durable, plasticized seal against moisture and aging. Consider satin versus high-gloss.
Apply paste wax as a final buffed touch to add soft luster and enhance wood depth.

With thoughtfulness to the era and your vision, refinishing can restore a Lane cedar chest to its original glory or give it an exciting new look.

Customization Offerings Direct Through Lane Furniture

Part of Lane’s distinguished service is helping clients craft custom cedar chest designs perfectly tailored to their needs and tastes.

Lane offers the following made-to-order customization options directly through their company:

Choose from over 100 chest and cedar closet designs to personalize
Select a premium grade wood species like cherry, maple, hickory or ash
Customize exterior stain colors from provided selection palettes
Optional interior organization trays and custom drawer configurations
Add engraved name plates or plaques for personalization
Provide dimensions and designs to create fully bespoke concepts
Have a family heirloom chest replicated in new condition

With Lane’s heritage of crafting cedar chests by hand coupled with modern direct-order flexibility, clients can create their dream designs to store precious keepsakes for generations.

Lane Furniture Warranty Provides Assurance and Peace of Mind

When investing in a quality heirloom piece, it’s reassuring to know you’re backed by a strong company warranty. Lane Furniture offers warranties on new cedar chest purchases:

Lifetime warranty on wooden cases against defects
10 year warranty on the structural integrity of drawers and lids
1 Year warranty on any upholstered case components
Warranty transferable to new owners if chest is ever resold

Additionally, Lane pledges that cedar chest purchases will be free of defects in both materials and craftsmanship. If any manufacturing defects are found, Lane promises prompt repair or replacement.

With new standards emphasizing safety and performance, Lane backs their chests against breakage, splitting, cracks, lid slamming, and other damage when used properly indoors.

For generations of families, Lane’s strong warranty has provided peace of mind and confidence in an enduring investment. It’s part of their legacy of creating heirlooms built to last.

Built-In Safety Features of New Lane Cedar Chests

As a conscientious company, Lane Furniture has led the industry in enhancing cedar chest safety. Their new designs incorporate features to prevent hazards and accidents.

Lane’s safety innovations include:

Lid supports that allow only one compartment to open fully, preventing toppling
Hinges designed to slow the closing speed of lids
Locks with ventilated ports to prevent vacuum seal suction entrapment when latched
Safety latches that automatically re-lock when closing the lid
Testing and certification by organizations like the American National Standards Institute to verify safety

With smoke detectors and childproof locks commonplace in modern homes, we sometimes overlook older furniture hazards. Lane’s pro

Tips for Properly Locking Your Lane Cedar Chest

Beyond preserving privacy and protecting precious contents, having a properly locking cedar chest also helps prevent dangerous entrapment accidents. Here are my tips:

Always keep the key accessible – store it nearby or hidden on the chest itself in case of emergencies
Lock idle chests especially if children are present and supervision is lacking
For older chests, install new safety latch mechanisms that allow air flow
Ensure locking lids don’t seal airtight by adding vent holes if needed
Avoid complex combinations that could cause user error or forgetting
Check that locks are fully engaged by trying to open after closure
Lubricate old, sticky locking mechanisms with graphite powder
Teach children to never climb into closed chests while playing

With simple diligence in keeping cedar chests properly secured, we can retain their cherished legacy while safely adapting them to modern homes.

Environmental Benefits of Cedar Chests as Sustainable Heirlooms

An additional benefit of Lane cedar chests is their natural sustainability. At a time of disposable goods and fast furniture, cedar chests offer green advantages:

Cedarwood is abundant and renewable due to fast growth. It doesn’t deplete rare tropical hardwoods.
Durable construction allows generations of use versus landfill waste
Traditional joinery avoids glues with toxic off-gassing compounds
Handcrafted wood details have lower carbon footprint than metal or plastic mass production
Timeless designs stay in style versus trendy planned obsolescence
Moth repelling properties reduce need for chemical pesticide sprays in closets
Made in America provides jobs and avoids overseas shipping emissions
Enduring heirlooms sequester carbon long-term instead of rotting lumber waste

With environmentalism on the rise, the longevity and natural properties of Lane’s cedar chests offer green benefits for sustainable consumers. This is a key reason they remain cherished and relevant into the future.

So there you have it – a deep dive into the multifaceted world of Lane cedar chests. I hope this piece stirred some nostalgia in you while also providing practical knowledge to identify, value, restore and properly care for these enduring symbols of American craftsmanship. If you inherited or discovered a vintage Lane cedar chest, consider yourself lucky to own a little slice of history. Love and care for it, and one day you can pass this iconic heirloom on to future generations.