This Grandparent Storage Staple Is as “Beautiful” (and Functional) as It Was 100 Years Ago
The end of August always has me longing for the days of heading back to college, when I had so much to look forward to: reuniting with friends, shopping for school supplies, and most importantly, decorating my dorm room.
Today’s dorm decor is so much more eye-catching and elevated than it was when I was a student over a decade ago, but a few staples have remained the same for quite some time. Take the classic trunk, for example. You (or your parents or grandparents) may have packed up a trunk or two when it was time to head back to campus, and so many classic trunks are still on the market today for reasonable prices.
You don’t have to be a student to make use of a trunk in your space either. I’ve come across vintage designs over the years and have used them in my various apartments, where they’ve served a number of purposes. In my former DC apartment, pictured above, I used a beautiful vintage brass trunk as a coffee table in an upstairs sitting area. The spacious interior played a big role in storing things such as extra framed artwork, magazines, and more. Many people use trunks to store sentimental items, and they’re great for extra bedding and linens, too.
I’m currently drawn to this simple, stylish white trunk, which is on wheels, making it easy to move around your space as needed. It would look chic at the end of a bed, tucked under your console table in an entryway, or yes, as a coffee table — there are so many different possibilities. The chrome accents make it feel very 2024, but it also has a timeless appeal because the silhouette is so simple. “Beautiful trunk. Nice material, holds a lot …well worth the money,” writes one reviewer on Amazon. Others note how large in size and expensive the piece looks for its price tag of $128.
If you don’t have art or magazines to store, just think of all of the other things that a trunk like this could hold: seasonal decor, a collection of hobby items (needlepoint accessories, painting supplies, and more), purses and tote bags, kids’ toys and games …the list goes on and on. Since this trunk is so streamlined, it would complement a number of aesthetics nicely, whether your style leans coastal, modern, or eclectic.
This back-to-school season, why not treat yourself to a piece that will remind you of the good old days (without actually having to go back and relive your 8 a.m. biology class)? Something like this trunk will offer plenty of function throughout your home, or you can go the vintage route if you’re looking for something with even more character.