Using luggage as furniture has long been a way to invoke nostalgia for travel in one's home, as well as to provide a little extra storage and occasional table space. The steel trunk is a ubiquitous example of this decorating trick, at home equally in college dorm rooms or the less transient homes of those of us long out of school.

While it's fairly easy to find old trunks in vintage shops, often with a leather or paper surface, we like the all-metal exterior of this one from the Conran Shop. $125, here.