image via Where My Heart Resides
Although not a new trend in decorating, I’ve been thinking lately about using vintage suitcases in our house. I’ve seen them successfully used as great nightstands and end tables, but my mind started racing after I saw this image in the February issue of Country Living. How great would these be for toy cars, Legos, art supplies–the list goes on and on. And, most are slim enough to tuck away under the bed.
Country Living
While browsing for more vintage suitcase inspiration, I also came across some other great ideas. I love the character and charm they bring into a space:
Oakland’s Waterfront Hotel
Country Living
Country Living
Speaking of suitcases, is anybody going away for Valentine’s weekend? I’ll be taking advantage of the warmer weather and spending time with some spray paint–which makes me a happy girl :)
Great idea! I too had only ever thought of them as being decorative, but they can be practical and pretty!
I love the table base– brilliant! You’re so right, Emily– great storage solution, too.
Emily!
I love this post, especially since we have 5 million plus legos at our house!!
xoxo Laura
** Happy Friday :)
I love the character these vintage suitcases bring to a room. They also offer so much versatility. Such a great post and you have me thinking how I can incorporate this look in some of my design projects.
Vintage suitcases have always appealed to me. My imagination goes wild with thoughts about their histories – owners, content, travels and so on. You’re showning some real clever ways of incorporating them into the interior here. Lovely photos!
Legos have taken over our home since Christmas. A vintage suitcase would look much better than the horrible Lego Head storage/organizer I just bought. sigh…
Thanks for the inspiration!
abby
I love the suitcases! I have always wanted the yellow ones from J.Crew.
I loved legos as a kid and my mom probably wishes that she would have seen your ideas years ago. My brother and I had them all over the place.
I will be spending “Singles Awareness Day” here at home decorating my loft! :)
Love this idea! I just saw a vintage suitcase yesterday…really wishing I had snatched it up! Might have to go back and get it ;)
I have a few vintage suitcases. One is in my art studio and holds all of my tutoring supplies. I think I may repurpose it and bring it into the playroom or library. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yet another reason living in FL is no fun sometimes. I can never find any good vintage suitcases! I’m on the hunt for a few right now to use in a friends wedding and can’t find any!
What lovely photos. I was lucky enough to inherit 3 vintage suitcases from my grandfather when he moved. We have them in the living room. There’s nothing in them yet, but I love the unique feel they bring to the room.
No warm getaways for me, but spray painting does sound good!
I love the idea of using suitcases for storage. Great idea. I have that Country Living magazine, everything white.
Ditto on the “spray paint weekend” :>) This little thing called winter is really getting in the way of make overs! happy friday!
This is one trend I just haven’t been able to get behind but that photo of the Waterfront Hotel might change my mind…
vintage suitcases…. fantastic idea!! love, love, love it.
absolutely. we have doll clothes in one suitcase and trains in another. it’s nice because they’re portable, so the kids can tote them around to wherever there’s empty floor space.
the LEGOs! we keep them in clear recycled pretzel jars. here’s a photo, though this one has matchbox cars not legos:
http://onhandmodern.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/tour_kids_play_space.html#tp
Who would have thought that vintage suitcases could add so many different moods to a room? I wonder if my teen would be interested in using some for her room, it reallly needs some organization :)
Thanks for the inspiration
We have three stacked up in our living room more as a side table. I never thought of using them to store the many toys and trinkets my girls have. I do think they are beautiful and a little unexpected in rooms!
ooh–Spray paint. Sounds like a good weekend!
I used my grandma’s old train cases to store my doll clothes when I was little, so yes, vintage luggage can definitely be used for kids’ toys!
Emily –
I’ve just come across your site and am in love! I’m also your newest follower :)
And, I wanted to pass the Versatile Blogger Award on to you! If you’d like to accept, you can visit my post for the award rules here: http://westermanfam.blogspot.com/2011/02/award.html
Congrats!
Shelley
What a wonderful solution to the ever-present Lego storage problem! Great thinking!
I’m a huge fan of the old suitcases. I find it harder and harder to find them at the thrift stores these days. People are getting wise to their value.
Emily, this post is so timely. I am re-doing my playroom and this is just what I need for some shelves that are above my closet. I will start the hunt for suitcases!!! I have a few post up and one right now on all the fabrics I am working with. I am having so much fun and this will be so fun to add to the overall design. Thanks for the idea!! Love it!! If you have a chance come on by and see the fabs, would love your input,since you have 3 little ones that you do rooms for also!! Happy Weekend Kathysue
I love how the suitcases are used as a base for the wood top. Beautiful
What a great look using them as a table base. Who would have thought? Enjoy your weekend. ;-)
really nice with great different ideas from what we usually see.
great post!
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
I’ve had 3 vintage suitcases from my grandmother for over 10 years and have no plans on getting rid of them!! They are timeless! Love all the photos!
I have an antique suitcase packed with vintage stamps from my husbands grandfather, who had been collecting for over 70 years. Some day I plan to unearth it and share it on Fresh Quince. Maybe someday soon! I’ll be joining you with a can of spray paint and some serious projects that I need to finish!
Love when people use vintage suitcases. I have two or three at my cottage that I was supposed to try and get the musty smell out of this past summer…but never did get around to it!
Have to make it a priority this year!
Hi Emily, I nominated you for the Versatile Blog Award! I love your blog and all your ideas!!! I hope you stop on by to accept!
Suitcases…so funny…I was using them 15 years ago. It is true what they say about everything old is new again! I have also seen them spray painted!
someone may have already suggested this, but you could use luggage tags to label what’s in the suitcase. If the child is not yet reading, maybe a picture of a lego and then the word printed underneath it… just a thought
I love them and never pass up a vintage suitcase. My favorite is one I bought about 17 years ago at a garage sale for a $1.00. I have never paid very much for any of them, really.
I use them for all sorts of storage, even for the kids but a word of caution – many suitcases can smell musty so be careful if you’re storing something that will absorb that smell.
Love the suitcases… especially as a night stand in a guest room! Adorable.
Great post!
Lindsay @ A Design Story
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lovely suitcase, nice accessories here. At college bedding we know collegiate bedding best!