Maybe you could gut the hanger side and install shelves to make it into a jewelry catch all. or maybe utilize the gut out side to make a shoe rack.

Please do not mutilate this fabulous trunk as suggested above!

Could you not hang infrequently-used garments in the garment side? I'm sure you could use the suitcase part for papers if not clothes.

I presume you keep it open all the time? What a wonderful thing to have.

I love the jewelry idea, but I agree with STATIONERYFIEND and I think you could do this without gutting that side and installing shelves. Store the hangers away for a day when you'll want to put the trunk back to its original state, but you can find hanging jewelry organizers for earrings and instal small hooks inside to hang necklaces and such. As for the suitcase, I know I always have little odds and ends that Im never sure where their home should be but I want it tucked away out of site - this sounds like a good place for that. Or keep an extra set of linens folded in there for company. Whatever you decide to do, you have quite a gem - I have been searching for one of these in good condition for years and still have not had any luck. Cheers!

i have a similar one and used the drawer side for clothes and the hanger side for hanging necklaces. i love it, but agree that it's not the most practical thing as the trunk is so big. right now i have it closed, on its side, and use it for seating...

i've seen restored steamer trunks on etsy though - perhaps you could look those up for ideas on how to fix it up?

I had one of these in my student apartment. I just put regular hangers on the left side and kept shoes in the suitcase.

STATIONERYFIEND & SLYNNDESIGNS: I only suggested the gutting because she clearly states it's in bad condition. If she has to clean, paint and redo the inside, everything still needs to be taken out. And if it's not in use, why wouldn't you want to utilize it in any way you could? Especially to make it something you can showcase and don't have to hide.

I have one of these. I took the drawers completely out and I do use them in a closet elsewhere. I keep in closed and on its side and store some seasonal clothing in it.

What about those hooks that are made to hang over the top of a door? I can't quite tell from the picture, but it looks like you might be able to hang something like that (or a modified version) on the metal piece on top left? Then you could keep things you don't use often (like the comforter) behind it, and hang some everyday items in front?

As someone who to too lazy to use clothes hangers all the time, I love having a bunch of hooks that I can throw whatever I've been wearing a lot at the moment onto. It's perfect for a couple sweaters, your PJs, a purse, a scarf or two, the umbrella that you can never find when you need it, etc...

I have a beautiful one similar to yours. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get the smell out from the interior. I have been using mine as a coffee table and I love it!

I have an antique chiffarobe that isn't really big enough for real hanging storage. I filled it with several hanging jewelry organizers. Now all my jewelry is one one place and I can make use of the space.

Kitty litter will also get smells out. Fill the space with litter. Close it up for few days and then remove the litter.

I have two of these beautiful steamer trunks. I have always used them in my living room for DVD/media storage on the right in the drawers and then on the left I placed a platform behind the removable suitcase that was the same height and put my DVD player on it and ran the wires out the bottom and behind out of sight. Yours actually appears to be in great condition! I would NOT listen to any of the posters that suggest gutting it or modifying it in any way... every time someone over the age of 40 sees my trunks they offer to buy them from me. I know they smell like "old", but if you have them in a room where you aren't smelling them all the time it's worth it!

Left side is great for hanging and showcasing scarves. All you need is one big hanger. The suitcase could hold other accessories and jewelry.

Lovely trunk! I have a similar one that I scored for $20 from a stoop sale (they were asking $200, I offered $20 and said I'd come back at the end of the day, and I guess the prospect of schlepping it back inside was too daunting, so...my best bargain story EVER!)
I use the drawers for socks and underwear and have used the hangers for scarves. The space under the hangers is good for tall boots and shoes, especially pretty ones I don't want to hide (this is no place for hiking boots!) I like the handbag idea, too--essentially, the inconvenience of the hangers can be offset by the display factor, so it makes sense to use them for things you mostly look at and rarely use (like your elegant little going-out bags, if you live my life.)
I had to close it up when my son was toddling, and now that I'm expecting another, I'm wondering if the trunk will have to go into hibernation for another year or two, so if anyone has suggestions for child-proofing it without destroying it, I'd love to hear them!

I have two of these in my basement. I got them free, years ago when a friend was moving. I've never known what to do with them. Thanks for all the good ideas here, Everybody.

Can you turn it into an office? I have seen an obscenely expensive Italian pseudo- chest, larger, but this could be turns into a laptop surface, storage and, depending on the size, some other electronics. But it depends on the size.

We found one similar but was in much worse condition than yours. The fabric was torn and mouldy and smelled terrible! so we stripped the interior it back and painted it (it was in really, really bad condition so don't hate me for doing it!) and then took out the drawers (but kept them) and replaced them with shelves which just sit on the metal angles that were the drawer runners. We can always put the drawers back if we want. We keep it open next to the door now and use it as a shoe rack with jackets etc on the hanging side and shoes on the shelves.