Value of Murphy Red Cedar Chest of Drawers?

cybergrannie
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February 23, 20181 found this helpful

This would be a valuable piece of furniture if it was in very good condition and had all four drawers but everything that is not original (even refinishing) will reduce the overall value.

• It will be very difficult for someone to match the wood to make new drawers and I believe you will find that - if you find a skilled cabinet maker - it will probably cost over $100 to have the drawers made.
• The finish will be difficult because this is not new wood and new drawers would have to be "aged" to match the other parts of the chest.
• If you are able to get a decent set of drawers made (and the rest of the chest is in very good condition) you could ask $300-$400.
• If you plan to sell, you should list it on your local Craigslist and start the price at $400 - reduce the price if you do not receive any inquires.
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• Listing it locally means the interested person could inspect the chest and there would be no shipping involved.
• Truthfully. seeing the condition and the missing drawers, I would suggest you either use it yourself or maybe a family member needs a nice chest like this.
• You could always use the 2 drawers at the bottom and make some minor changes and use the top 2 drawer "spaces" as shelves for folded clothing (especially sweaters). Maybe even make them into slide out shelves.
• Who knows - this conversion may sell better than "made-to-match" drawers.

vickytrent7

April 29, 20210 found this helpful

First time I have seen a murphy dresser, besides the whole bedroom I've got, and it's the same, cedar, and yes it's Murphy. My parents bought this new, and now I own it. Just thought it was awesome I finally got to see one besides mine.

 

Judy
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February 20, 20181 found this helpful

I wouldnt ask more than $150 since the two drawers, even when replaced, wont be original

szusza

February 21, 20181 found this helpful

You make a good point. I didn't think of that.

 

szusza

February 27, 20180 found this helpful

Thank you for your answer, it was very informative. I have decided to just pitch the whole piece. It's a shame, but all of that is too much for me to afford and also deal with. But I do have a question... Do you think that the wood (it's Red Cedar, which is very expensive wood) could be cut and used to make something out of, like little "treasure" boxes, or something along those lines?

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It would be far less expense and trouble for me if I just cut it up into pieces and did something with it, maybe something artistic or creative.

 

cybergrannie
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February 27, 20180 found this helpful

I think you could think of many ways to use the cedar wood from this chest so please do not just dump it.

• I feel sure someone on ThriftyFun will offer some suggestions on how to use this wood but if nothing else, you can use several "boards" in your closets to keep any bugs away from your clothing.
• You may have to sand it lightly to bring out the "cedar odor" but it would only take 2 or 3 boards in each closet or even use pieces in a chest.
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• Cedar smells good and does keep closets free of several different types of bugs.
• Just a simple box with a flat top would be good for storage of sweaters and such.
• If taken apart correctly, you may have enough boards to make a table top -beautiful.
• The top looks like nice table top material. Just find a suitable table and make this the new top.
• Drawers could be used as they are and place on a shelf (or floor) in your closet to store vulnerable items (especially sweater).

Good luck and I hope you think of several nice projects.

Willy C.

February 10, 20220 found this helpful

I Have had 2 Murphy chest of drawers since I was 13 and im going on 45 and had same problem with one only 3 of 6 drawers where still good my husband did his best with matching the wood but just finished w it