If you've got limited closet space, why not try stowing out-of-season clothes or shoes in a trunk that doubles as your nightstand? Or in the living room, consider using a trunk for a coffee table and tucking away extra throw blankets, DVDs, or even overflow dishes and other kitchen fare.
Because they perform these double-duty functions, vintage trunks, while not exactly cheap, are a great investment. Good flea markets usually feature a few nice finds, and a quick search on ebay turns up a lot of lovely (if pricey) models. We've spotted them on craigslist now and again as well.
Here's some more trunk inspiration from the archives:
• DIY Trunk to Rolling Bar Project
• Before and After: Alice's Hand-Painted Wood Trunk
• Using Luggage for Home Design
(Images: Decorpad, Bloesem, Design*Sponge, House Beautiful, Readymade)
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I love the lemon yellow chair, citrus green plant, and light coming from the window in the first picture. Airy and translucent!
I have a Taka Trunk from Crate and Barrel that is serving as a coffee table with storage. I love it - beautiful *and* functional.
That first room is quite beautiful
I love trunks as end tables and storage, but ours is very old. Any tips on getting the musty smell out?
@japanese2english - Fill it with newspaper, or leave it open in the sun for a little while. Check out http://www.brettunsvillage.com/trunks/ for more tips - it's a pretty fantastic steamer trunk resource!
This post couldn't come at a better time! I love using trunks for storage, and am still working towards having my own design and my own place. Currently, I have one steamer trunk at my parent's house waiting to have the interior refurbished. I have an old Army foot locker in the trunk of my Jeep, having found it at an antique shop the day before Easter. Still has the shipping tags on it from the War!
Steamer trunks are expensive - if you're buying from someone who knows what they've got. I've seen them on craigslist for cheap, and the one I have at my parents' is salvaged from somebody's trash!
I love the coat rack featured in the second image. Where is it from? Or does anyone have any suggestions where I might find a similar one?
I have a gripe with trunks as coffee tables. There is no space underneath for your feet. Granted, I have big feet for a girl. But still. For a trunk/coffee table, close enough for setting a drink on is too close for comfortable sitting. Storage is great, but put some legs on that thing so I don't have to squish my toes!
Trunks are everywhere. Pier 1 has some winners, PB, restoration hardware, home goods, they're everywhere running the gammut from $99 to a couple of grand. I love the idea, but I couldnt find one that gave me that 'just right' feeling. Although theyre not supposed to be perfect, thats the point. But Im going with cubes instead for my living room...