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Decorating with Vintage Suitcases

ByJennifer
31 Comments
I love using vintage suitcases in the home when styling. They are not only for decorating, but it allows me to have extra storage in our cozy house in plain, but pretty sight. Vintage suitcases not only are aesthetically pleasing but they can provide some much needed extra storage. Here are some different ways to decorate with vintage and antique suitcases.
A wooden dresser styled for decorating with vintage suitcases features a white table lamp, a stack of books, a red suitcase, a framed print, and a small plant in a glass bottle.

Things to Look for When Using Vintage Suitcases in Decorating

There are a few things to be aware of when using vintage items like these in your home. Always pass up items that are:

-Smells such as mold, mothballs or cigarette smoke. Those smells will probably not come out and moldy smells can mean a deeper issue. But, we do have a purpose for ones that the smells don’t come out of below!

-Could have bed bugs or critters. Always to a throughout check before buying or bringing them into your home.

-Weird stains. We don’t know what they are so we’ll just pass if we see those.

Only bring in 100% clean, vintage suitcases!

Add an Accent and Storage in a Bedroom

Even small vintage suitcases can add vintage style and storage in a bedroom like this dresser vignette.
Decorating with vintage suitcases, a red and beige vintage trunk sits on a wooden dresser topped with books, a plaid tin filled with greenery, a framed sign, and part of a white lamp visible on the right.

Stack Vintage Suitcases

All 3 of these suitcases have some much needed storage in a cozy living room. The look of them together is so pretty. It’s better than something made out of plastic.

Decorating with vintage suitcases, three classic cases are stacked on a wooden floor; a potted plant under a glass dome sits on top, beside two empty ornate picture frames.

 

Things needed  to access less are on the bottom and those items to use more of are in the top. By adding the cloche and fern it makes it look more intentional instead of just piled in the corner.


Decorating with vintage suitcases, three charming cases are stacked atop each other, topped with a potted plant under a glass dome for a touch of whimsy.

Add an Accent with Other Found Objects

Adding other found and vintage items around the suitcases can also give it purpose. While I used layered vintage frames and art, a large, beautiful plant would also create a gorgeous vignette.
Three empty gold picture frames and a framed bird illustration lean against a wall beside a stack of four vintage suitcases, perfect for anyone decorating with vintage suitcases on a wooden floor.
Placed under the large clock it creates a collected look. When we talk about decorating by the rules of 1-2-3 or odd numbers this fits!
Decorating with vintage suitcases, this scene features stacked luggage beside framed bird artwork, a small potted fern under a glass cloche, and a large round wall clock in the background.
Whether you stack vintage suitcases or find another creative way to use them, they all kind of goes together in a mis-matchy sort of way. It was a great way to get repurpose them and still enjoy how good they look together. V

Think Unconventionally for Decorating with Vintage Suitcases

Vintage suitcases can also be repurposed. This one was re-imagined into a way to add flowers and vases into a room. You can see how to create this vintage suitcase flower vase display here.

An open vintage suitcase reveals an array of glass vases filled with white flowers and ferns. Nearby, smaller glass bottles hold delicate blooms alongside a gold candle holder with a tealight.

Suitcases for Height

Vintage suitcases can can also add height when decorating to objects and items to create interest such as this pumpkin vignette.
Three pumpkins of different colors and textures are arranged on vintage suitcases, accented with a fake spider and autumn leaves—perfect Halloween mantel decor for a cozy seasonal display.

Suitcases as Furniture

There can also be a little creativity with suitcases as storage! This one is attached to a chair to create a cute side table with storage.
Decorating with vintage charm, a suitcase on a small stand boasts a clock, books, and a tissue box beside a beige sofa.

Suitcases in Display

VIntage Christmas display with jumping reindeer on vintage suitcases in a window

I use vintage  and antique suitcases in my store display all of the time. They really add interest and height and again bring in extra storage.

Open wardrobe with assorted sweaters and plaid shirts on hangers; wicker baskets and vintage suitcases are stacked on top, perfect for decorating with vintage suitcases to add a charming, nostalgic touch to your space.

A stack of vintage suitcases topped with small, tied red books and framed landscape paintings creates a charming display—perfect inspiration for decorating with vintage suitcases among your favorite home decor items.

Decorating with vintage suitcases, this scene features two stacked trunks adorned with old cameras, small plants, and charming décor pieces, all styled to evoke a cozy, rustic nostalgia.

Vintage Trunks

And let’s not forget about a suitcases big brother, the trunk. These can also make great side tables. coffee tables and more.
A bright living room in a charming ranch house, featuring a brown sofa, patterned pillows, and a wooden chest as a coffee table. Glass doors lead to the dining area with a round table and chairs, offering inspiration for those considering remodeling ideas.
OLd trunks make a great storage piece or an end table
Whether it’s extra storage, or vintage charm, old suitcases and trunks can add a touch of nostalgia, vintage-style and some much needed storage.

What to do with Smelly Suitcases

If you have a suitcase that has a slightly off odor, there are a few options:

-open dry coffee grounds in a bowl on the inside. Let sit for at least a week closed.

-Clean with a good multi-purpose cleaner and let dry open in the sunlight.

-Wipe down with vinegar and let stay open outside until evaporated

-Add lavender sachets  and let it stay closed for a while.

If you just can’t remove the smell, before they are tossed….

Decorating with vintage suitcases, three classics are stacked against a brick wall; the top suitcase is open, brimming with soil and vibrant orange marigold flowers.

Use them outside! We had some that just had a really strong, odd smell we couldn’t remove. We turned them into a stacked suitcase planter by drilling holes in the bottom. While they only lasted a season, but they were cute while they lasted!

The image shows the word "Jen" written in a black, cursive script on a white background, reminiscent of a stylish name badge you might see at a blogging conference.

If you liked this post you might also like:

Styling a faux fireplace

How to make an easy vintage suitcase table

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31 Comments

  1. Love it!! The suitcases are great way to store stuff and they also look so fantastic. I have managed to find only one so far. It stores kids’ legos…

    Reply

  18. Love the suitcases and the frames together a wonderful look. One night I got the bug to rearrange my living room while my husband was sleeping and moved things from other rooms in there and other things out. Next day my husband thought I had bought all new items! It is good to change things up. Laura Cottage and Broome

    Reply

  25. You have a beautiful blog! I adore your etsy store and your home.
    I hope you dont mind but id like to feature some of your photos on a future post..I’ll be sure to credit you.
    ♥
    Pearl

    Reply
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