Got back from vacation yesterday, and seeing the huge pile of suitcases while unpacking reminded me of this post on suitcase decor. It’s one of the first few posts I’d written when I started blogging and I’ve always loved it. But reading it again, I realised I have so much more to share now. And so this is what I’ve done. Added so many more amazing suitcase decor ideas, included shopping links for some amazing vintage luggage, and given it a total refresh. I hope you enjoy it!
This post was inspired by ‘The Sassy Spoon‘ at Nariman Point, where we went to celebrate a cousin’s birthday. I went there expecting great ambiance and delicious food. What was an unexpected, pleasant surprise, was their stunning suitcase wall.
As you enter the restaurant, on your left, is a large wall almost entirely lined with suitcases, trunks and other luggage. We all paused for a second as we entered, absorbing the scene. And at the end, I just had to stay back a while and take some pictures of the fabulous suitcase decor.
I love the collection of these vintage pieces of luggage, and I love how they’ve been place, all the different shapes and sizes fitting together beautifully to form a neat grid. Pssst… there is also a washroom door very well hidden among all those suitcases!
Suitcase Decor:
This got me browsing through suitcase decor ideas online and I absolutely loved some of them. I don’t think I’d want a wall full of suitcases in my room… it’s a bit much for a home I think. But I love the old world charm a piece of vintage luggage adds to a room, and I would love to use one of those leather suitcases or metal trunks for decor. And so here they are.. all the ideas I absolutely loved…
(1) Bedside Table:
Just stack them up, one on top of the other, and you have a cool bedside table!
If you’re into bright and boho, use a colourful stack like these…
Did you know you could use fabric or coloured paper to decoupage suitcases or trunks? It’s not too difficult at all. Check out the YouTube tutorial below and you’ll definitely be inspired to try it out yourself!
Or screw your suitcase on to a stool to make a pretty side table like this one. Needless to say, it’s a great way to add a little extra storage to the room along with the glam of the unusual table!
(2) Centre Table:
Add a few legs to an old suitcase or trunk and make a fabulous centre table.
Here’s another one by Nupur from Life Across The Seven Seas. She took an old, antique trunk and refurbished it to make this gorgeous centre table. Click here to watch the simple steps in a short video.
(3) Other Tables:
Since we are adding legs to suitcases, there is a lot more furniture we can make with them. The mirror on the inside to make this dressing table is a super idea. Shut it off when not in use and it looks as neat and tidy as ever.
This trunk has been given a rack for glasses and a little shelf to make this fabulous bar.
(4) Layer Them Below Other Furniture:
Just slide in your old suitcases or trunks under your other furniture. It’s a simple, attractive and inexpensive way to add extra storage to any room.
Put them below your beds..
Or a console in your living room…
Or even your entryway to give you additional storage with a great vintage vibe.
(5) Faux Suitcase Chest of Drawers:
Love how they’ve used buckles, handles and leather from old suitcases, to turn this ordinary chest of drawers into this gorgeous piece of furniture. You can check out this amazing DIY by clicking here.
This one has been done in amazing colours by painting and adding the necessary hardware.
(6) Seating:
You can use old trunks to make some amazing vintage seating too. Add some legs and cushions to make a lovely seat like this one. You could also upholster it in leather.
Or add a mattress and cushions to the top of a trunk and you have an amazing vintage bench to sit on.
(7) Wall Mirror Cabinet:
Love how this little suitcase has been converted into a wall mirror with storage. It’s perfect for a vintage powder room!
(8) Suitcase Planter:
Almost no post can ever be complete without plants, right? Fill up your suitcase with your favourite plants and make your own little garden.
You could grow your favourite seasonal flowers.
Fill it up with greens…
Or even a bunch of succulents.
Click here for a DIY to make this pretty suitcase fairy garden!
Shop for Vintage Luggage:
Yes, I know this is supposed to be a way to upcycle your vintage suitcases and trunks. But what if you haven’t inherited some gorgeous luggage from grandmom? Do not fear… help is near! These are some beautiful vintage suitcases and trunks I found online. So click and buy and use for your own suitcase decor.
| – 1 – Darbus Trunk Box | – 2 – Vintage Trunk Boxes | – 3 – White & Gold Antique Finish Vintage Trunk | – 4 – Tribal Textile Seating cum Storage Trunk | – 5 – Ivory Vanity Case | – 6 – Black & Blush Trunk Boxes | – 7 – Bohemia Blue Green Wooden Trunk | – 8 – Smoke Grey Steamer Trunk |
Also, if you do go to The Sassy Spoon, have the ‘7 Textured Hazelnut and Chocolate’… it’s delicious!
Until next time,
Amazing! I know now what I can do with my dad’s fauji trunks 👌
Haha! Yess.. such good uses for them! 🙂
Hii great stuff. How can i contact you? Can i provide you with an old trunk and you can do the DIY project for me? Will that work for you?
Haha! Nope.. I don’t do DIY’s for others :-). But you can email me on rittika@sh057.global.temp.domains if you want to get in touch.
Wow… Great ideas
Thank you!! 🙂
Amazing !!
Thanks Chandrima 🙂
Brilliant!
Thank you!! 🙂
Thanks Rittika, for adding my little suitcase DIY project here! I am enjoying my vintage restored coffee table! All the ideas you have shared here are brilliant. It is actually inspiring me to take another one of those ideas and begin another project!!
Thanks Nupur! Absolutely loved that centre table DIY.. great idea and brilliantly executed. Can’t wait to see your next project! 🙂
Seriously? Suitcase Decor?Just couldnt have imagined this concept ever. Looks so retro yet trendy! Tempted to try it myself….
A beautiful description and very useful ideas. I like the bedside table best.
Thank you, pa! I love that stack of suitcases too!