Lane Cedar Wardrobe
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s American Wardrobes and Armoires
Cedar, Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut, Cedar
Finding the Right wardrobes-armoires for You
When shopping for antique and vintage wardrobes and armoires for your home, there are several things to keep in mind, not least of which is question number 1:
What is the difference between an armoire and a wardrobe?
The difference between an armoire and a wardrobe is actually simple: An armoire is merely an ornate wardrobe. A wardrobe is a tall, streamlined storage cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods.
Antique and vintage armoires, on the other hand, are freestanding, heavy wooden structures that typically feature decorative metal hinges and pictorial carvings. Armoires are large cabinets that aren’t outfitted with the varied storage features that wardrobes now commonly have. Armoires often have one or two doors and a hanging bar and allow for quick access. Whether a minimalist mid-century modern wardrobe or grandiose Victorian-era armoire is the right fit for you, both are highly functional furnishings and can be a smart storage solution.
Armoires have been around since medieval times, and initially they may have housed weapons and armor. In their early days, armoires were often adorned with elaborate carvings and lavish paintings, particularly in Renaissance-era France. During the 18th century and later, armoires were widely known as “presses” for hanging clothes, and they were so large that they swallowed up the room where they stood.
In today’s modern homes, an antique armoire can be a striking, architectural work of art amid comparably unadorned furnishings. Whether you’re using your piece in the kitchen for cookware or as a food pantry, in the bedroom for clothes or in the living room as a media console, it will likely become a lovable focal point.
The evolution of the armoire can be seen in today’s corner wardrobes, which may rest on an asymmetrical base to account for corner placement, and even mirrored wardrobes, which feature a mirror affixed to the inside panel of one of the doors for convenience. Contemporary wardrobes commonly feature additional sliding trays and drawers and hanging space for clothing or linens, and the cabinet doors make them ideal for concealing televisions and computer monitors when such devices aren’t in use.
When choosing the right wardrobe or vintage armoire for your home, it’s good to have the following in mind: What are you planning to store in it? How much of what you’re storing will need to be housed in it? It should be big enough to accommodate your needs. What is the size of the room where your wardrobe or armoire will live? A large new piece of furniture in a modest space can easily become a hindrance if you have to navigate your way around it during your daily routine, so be mindful of the area you'll need in order to move freely.
Whether you are looking for an antique walnut armoire or a simple contemporary wardrobe, find the right piece for your home today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not Lane cedar chests are solid cedar depends on the furniture in question. Most chests produced by the manufacturer feature solid cedar wood interiors finished with five layers of walnut veneers. Legs and molding are usually some variety of solid hardwood but not always cedar. On 1stDibs, find a range of Lane cedar chests.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024How much your Lane cedar chest is worth depends on its age, style, condition and other factors. According to online sales information, the average selling price of Lane cedar chests is $200 to $400, but some pieces may be worth more or less. When the first iteration of the Lane Furniture company began to produce its now-famous Lane cedar chests in the early 20th century, the family behind the brand was unsure of how successful they’d be, so they initially didn’t bother adding their name to them. After securing a government contract during World War I, the company prospered and applied mass-production methods to its cedar-chest manufacturing. In 1922, it rebranded as the Lane Company and implemented a national advertising campaign to market its products, which led to a huge demand for its cedar chests that continues to this day. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assess your chest and give you an idea of how much your piece is worth. Find a wide range of Lane furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Lane Furniture does indeed make cedar chests. From 1912 to 1987, the American furniture company estimated it had sold around 12 million chests and that number continues to grow with today’s sales. Cedar chests are widely used to store clothing and linen because cedar wood is a natural repellent against moisture and moths. You can shop a collection of Lane cedar chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, the last Lane cedar chest produced was in 2001 and the plant was then permanently closed. The company hit its heights in World War II, using a great ad campaign and encouraging the purchase of cedar chests, known as Hope Chests. In 1987 a hostile corporate purchase occurred and the new owners filed for bankruptcy in 1992. Shop a collection of Lane chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old your Lane cedar chest is, look inside for its serial number. By reading it backward, you can determine the production date of your piece. For example, 869150 would be 05, 19, 68, or May 19, 1968. On 1stDibs, find a range of Lane chests from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024How much a 1965 Lane cedar chest is worth varies. Prices for a 1960s-era Lane cedar chest can differ depending on size, style, condition and other attributes, but you will likely pay between $200 and $400 (you may find an authentic Lane cedar chest for a bit less or a bit more depending on the aforementioned factors).
When the first iteration of the Lane Furniture company began to produce its now-famous Lane cedar chests in the early 20th century, the family behind the brand was unsure of how successful they’d be, so they initially didn’t bother adding their name to them. After securing a government contract during World War I, the company prospered and applied mass-production methods to its cedar-chest manufacturing. In 1922, it rebranded as the Lane Company and implemented a national advertising campaign to market its products, which led to a huge demand for its cedar chests that continues to this day.
Consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your cedar chest to learn how much it may be worth. Explore a wide range of Lane furniture on 1stDibs.
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