Decorating
Decorating: Discover the Beauty and Versatility of Vintage Suitcases
From vanity units to shelving, desks to home bars, old suitcases and trunks can be used in numerous ways to add a gorgeous vintage touch
Vintage suitcases are perennially stylish, and with good reason. Their varied textures, worn exteriors and storied pasts add a unique, evocative touch to any interior – plus they offer brilliant additional storage. Track down old cases and trunks in relatives’ lofts, or at junk shops and antiques fairs, then explore various ways to use them in your home. And if you get tired of the look you’ve created, remember that old suitcases can easily be revamped with a lick of paint, refreshed linings, a change of handles or a new purpose. Check out these 15 ideas to give you a flavour of the possibilities.
Alternatively, you can stack suitcases to reach the desired height of a bedside table. If you’re craving a more uniform look, or you don’t like the original colour of your suitcases, give them a boost with a new coat of paint. Here, an all-white ensemble creates a clean and airy feel while not sacrificing the vintage charm.
Display your TV
There are certainly some stylish TV stands out on the market now, but none of them will probably be as unique (and as effortlessly cool) as this repurposed suitcase solution.
There are certainly some stylish TV stands out on the market now, but none of them will probably be as unique (and as effortlessly cool) as this repurposed suitcase solution.
Create a vintage vanity table
By outfitting an old suitcase with a mirror and some lightbulbs (or draping it with a string of lights) and sitting it on an elegant table, you can create a fully functioning vanity unit that’s uniquely glamorous and evokes the mystery and flair of a 1940s starlet’s dressing room.
By outfitting an old suitcase with a mirror and some lightbulbs (or draping it with a string of lights) and sitting it on an elegant table, you can create a fully functioning vanity unit that’s uniquely glamorous and evokes the mystery and flair of a 1940s starlet’s dressing room.
Make them float
In this room, the front halves of vintage suitcases are hung on the wall to create a series of eye-catching shelves. The suitcases look as if they’re floating and give the bedroom a unique look.
In this room, the front halves of vintage suitcases are hung on the wall to create a series of eye-catching shelves. The suitcases look as if they’re floating and give the bedroom a unique look.
Place one at the end of your bed
A large, vintage trunk fits beautifully at the foot of a bed, where it serves as storage, seating space and vintage decoration all in one.
A large, vintage trunk fits beautifully at the foot of a bed, where it serves as storage, seating space and vintage decoration all in one.
Craft a coffee table
Add old chair legs to a suitcase to transform it into a coffee table. For a fun touch, paint the legs in an eye-catching shade, and either add a tray or cover the top of the suitcase in colourful formica or patterned wallpaper topped with a sheet of glass.
If adding legs isn’t an option, try stacking suitcases for an ad-hoc coffee table instead.
Add old chair legs to a suitcase to transform it into a coffee table. For a fun touch, paint the legs in an eye-catching shade, and either add a tray or cover the top of the suitcase in colourful formica or patterned wallpaper topped with a sheet of glass.
If adding legs isn’t an option, try stacking suitcases for an ad-hoc coffee table instead.
Fashion a pet bed
With the addition of comfy cushioning (and a couple of short legs if you want it raised), a vintage suitcase can become a stylish and cosy bed for your four-legged friend.
With the addition of comfy cushioning (and a couple of short legs if you want it raised), a vintage suitcase can become a stylish and cosy bed for your four-legged friend.
Forget the drawers
Drawers are boring! Replace them with an assortment of smaller, slim pieces of luggage instead. You’ll still retain storage capacity while also reinventing the entire look of your living room or bedroom.
Drawers are boring! Replace them with an assortment of smaller, slim pieces of luggage instead. You’ll still retain storage capacity while also reinventing the entire look of your living room or bedroom.
Create a home bar
Become the sensation at your next party by repurposing an old suitcase into a shabby chic home bar. Repaint or reline the inside of the suitcase for a fresh look, and stock up on mixers, spirits, ice buckets and glasses.
Learn how to fit a home bar into any scheme
Become the sensation at your next party by repurposing an old suitcase into a shabby chic home bar. Repaint or reline the inside of the suitcase for a fresh look, and stock up on mixers, spirits, ice buckets and glasses.
Learn how to fit a home bar into any scheme
Stack ’em high
If you’re dying for some additional display space, stack up four or five vintage suitcases in a corner. This will create space for photos and flowers, as well as providing storage for odds and ends, such as magazines, throws or out-of-season items.
If you’re dying for some additional display space, stack up four or five vintage suitcases in a corner. This will create space for photos and flowers, as well as providing storage for odds and ends, such as magazines, throws or out-of-season items.
Put your feet up
Instead of investing in an ottoman or footstool, why not stack up two old suitcases, add a small sheepskin rug, and sink into relaxation bliss with a cup of tea and a book?
Instead of investing in an ottoman or footstool, why not stack up two old suitcases, add a small sheepskin rug, and sink into relaxation bliss with a cup of tea and a book?
Design a beautiful display
Although old suitcases are excellent at keeping things out of sight, sometimes keeping them open is just as good an idea. Display your favourite flea market finds, holiday souvenirs and other treasures in a carefully curated display. Use the inside of the suitcase’s lid to pin up photos, prints and more, and perhaps even add a string of fairy lights for a whimsical and romantic touch.
TELL US…
Have you used vintage suitcases in your home? Please share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Although old suitcases are excellent at keeping things out of sight, sometimes keeping them open is just as good an idea. Display your favourite flea market finds, holiday souvenirs and other treasures in a carefully curated display. Use the inside of the suitcase’s lid to pin up photos, prints and more, and perhaps even add a string of fairy lights for a whimsical and romantic touch.
TELL US…
Have you used vintage suitcases in your home? Please share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Give an old trunk new life by putting it to use as a quirky bedside table. In order to personalise it, you can stencil letters or prints on its side, paint it in a vibrant colour, or add travel stickers for an authentic feel.
Explore 9 quirky ideas for bedside storage