I have a deep, dark, and not-so-secret obsession: vintage suitcases! However, considering that the hubby does not understand why I insist on dragging home vintage suitcases when I already have a dozen, I constantly need to find ways to repurpose and upcycle my collection of vintage suitcases. Here are some ideas from yours truly and others who also find themselves in the suitcase repurposing predicament.
While I use a vintage suitcase for my styling kit for photo shoots, another sits faithfully by my desk as a filing cabinet. I used an accordian file (the ones that frustratingly never want to stay upright or open), and enslited velcro tabs to attach the organizer into the suitcase. When I open the suitcase, the accordian file expands – and conveniently stays vertically open by my desk! This is an easy, five minute project perfect for tax time.
Regardless of the shape or size, your trusty vintage suitcase can become a chic side table, making a perfect conversation piece. This collection is made by T.O.M.T, otherwise known as “The Other Man’s Treasures.”
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own, stop by LisaKathrynDesigns on Etsy, where you will find her version of chic and artistic upcycled luggage side tables.
Who knew that vintage luggage could have such furniture versatility? The creative yorkpatty made this sassy repurposed luggage chair for her lucky sister-in-law’s birthday. Even the fabric is upcycled from a sheet, accented with hand-stiches.
T.O.M.T also ingeniously repurposed vintage luggage into the most intriguing medicine cabinets! Isn’t this so clever and creative?
Had I seen this adorable booth in person, I would have swooned! Lockette makes gorgeous paper and fabric stationery, creatively displayed in tiers of suitcases – which make it perfect for both setting and packing up. I love how she uses mini clothespins to hang her lovely cards – more of which can be seen at the Lockette Etsy shop.
Of course, you can always use your vintage suitcases to store your belongings. Country Home transformed an antique suitcase into the perfect crafting treasure box. Line the suitcase with paper, and then using either hot glue or velcro, you can create your own traveling craft store.
Do you have the vintage suitcase bug? I’d love to hear about how you have repurposed your vintage luggagge!
27 responses so far ↓
1 mrslimestone // Jan 19, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I love vintage suitcases too. I tried to turn a trio of cases into a nightstand but it didn’t quite work once it was all together. It was too small and doesn’t read as a nightstand when next to the bed.
I still love the look of the cases but now that they are bolted together, Ive damaged them a bit so Im not sure what I can do with them now.
Suggestions?
Here is what it looks like if you’re curious: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2730603302_b36519a884_b.jpg
2 Cheryl@cottagefarmvilla // Jan 19, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I don’t have a bug for vintage suitcases…but I do find them appealing! Years back I decoupaged a vintage suitcase for my young neice and filled it with dressup clothes…..while visiting her over the holidays, she asked Auntie if I would help her do a new one…so we went to Michaels and picked out papers, ribbons and stickers and made her a aqua and brown decoupaged suitcase. It was cute as can be!
3 Amanda // Jan 19, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I to have a deep, dark, and not-so-secret obsession with vintage suitcases. No one seems to understand so Im soooo glad you posted this!As of the moment I just hav mine sitting around with fabric stashed inside
I do use one for a bookend so I guess thats kind of repurposed hehehe
4 please sir // Jan 19, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I made a suitcase table in college and loved it! Paint started to peel and I think I gave it to goodwill? But I still have the very cool and retro legs!
5 Cherisse@newburghrestoration.blogspot.com // Jan 19, 2009 at 9:59 pm
My mom had TONS of vintage suitcases. They now carry the Q-tips and cotton balls. They are the easiest to find at a thrift store or garage sale/flea market.
6 cindy k // Jan 19, 2009 at 11:20 pm
your accordion file suitcase is brilliant! i love the suitcases from lockette and country home, too. i don’t have one, but you never know when i’ll find one.
7 Priscilla // Jan 20, 2009 at 1:44 am
Thanks for featuring my craft fair table! There are some fabulous ideas out there. Right now mine are stacked on top of each other and used as a side table. Inside are a few items I don’t use very often.
I must admit, I do have a weakness for these suitcases. I have to restrain myself every time I see a different one….
8 carol // Jan 20, 2009 at 2:23 am
these old suitcases are great looking and practical which is important… who has space for something without any function? just stacking a few by a reading chair with a lamp on the top makes an easy side table. store all your magazines inside them for easy access…
9 jessica@thehomebound // Jan 20, 2009 at 2:39 am
My favorite is the the last one. I think I would love storing all my craft stuff in there.
10 mayaluna // Jan 20, 2009 at 3:11 am
I love your filing “case”! I don’t collect them, yet… but this post might have changed that. I have one that is adored and put to many uses. It might need some friends.
11 Loretta // Jan 20, 2009 at 2:39 pm
The accordion suitcase is brilliant! My favorite use for one is as a sewing basket – I keep my bobbins, sewing machine accessories, etc in it and store it right under the machine in my art room.
I have been known to come to a screeching halt if I see one in someone’s trash. My youngest sister jealously guards my late aunt’s leather suitcase – she deserves to have it as she tended to all her needs in the last years of my aunt’s life.
But I’d still like to get my hands on it!
12 jessimarie33 // Jan 20, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I love these old suitcases too, and have a few of my own. When I was little my mom helped me to organize them full of Barbie accessories and dress up clothes. I am definitely going to try your accordian file idea!
13 Rachel // Jan 20, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I love both the filing cabinet idea and the medicine cabinets. I am always tempted by vintage suitcases, but I never give in because I have no use for them. Now I do!
14 Grace // Jan 21, 2009 at 2:29 am
I loved hearing all of your great ideas and projects!
For those newly inspired to collect vintage suitcases, I always warmly welcome your ideas and photos of how you have repurposed them for your home
15 Margie Oomen // Jan 22, 2009 at 3:43 am
I love this post. Here is a link to my favorite vintage suitcase filled with vintage crochet cotton and crochet hooks. I take it on trips with me so I can make things where ever I go.
http://flickr.com/photos/12967142@N05/2615780962/
16 Lynne // Jan 23, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I love that bottom image – I think it is gorgeous, my favourite. Not so sure about a suitcase table in my house, but it’s a good idea.
17 Stacy // Jan 27, 2009 at 4:41 am
OMG, I ? the craft organizer vintage suitcase. What a fab idea! Where do these gals come up with all these creative ideas? Love them.
18 Inspired by Old Suitcases ~ That’s Not Weird, Is It? « Sharing My Castle in the Clouds // Feb 22, 2009 at 3:39 am
[...] out the suitcase turned medicine cabinet from the Poetic Home blog and visit the blog for several more great pics of old suitcases reborn with new [...]
19 rachel // Mar 10, 2009 at 5:21 am
wow- you have found some seriously awesome setups for vintage suitcases. i love love LOVE this article. to say i have a “thing” for vintage luggage would be a huge understatement. i run a shop on etsy and in my house and garage i have about 3 times as much that is even listed in my shop. i absolutle adore it alllll! i usually upcycle all my stuff but there are certain gems that shouldn’t ever be touched because they carry so much charm just the way they are. i;m rambling but this was an AWESOME READ! thanks for posting it:)
20 Michelle Vanden Berg // May 8, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I bought an old cloth suitcase a the thrift store to use in toting my sewing machine and quilting supplies to my quilting class. Now I have everything in one bag and it is much easier to carry. Enjoy!
21 Travel in Style!From Betsy With Love // Jun 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm
[...] Repurposed suitcases from filing cabinets to tables [...]
22 Cindy // Jul 18, 2009 at 12:36 am
I have been trying to find a site to tell me how to redecorate the outside. I am planning on using the suitcases for my sewing room. OM Stars, it never occured to me to put on the wall and use as a cabinet and as a table. These are such wonderful ideas. I just bought a beautiful condition vintage suitcase for $ 2 at a second hand store. Thanks for sharing all of this.
23 Five for Friday: The Five Best Things to 'Upcycle' | Primer // Aug 26, 2009 at 2:24 am
[...] chairs, stools, filing cabinets, medicine cabinets (!), travel cases for cameras or laptops – an astonishing amount of cool ideas are out there, in the Internet [...]
24 Monkey Hill // Aug 30, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I included your accordion file idea, of which I think is brilliant, on a post of mine over at my blog. http://www.mymonkeyhill.wordpress.com
What a great article…thanks for sharing.
25 Arwen // Oct 12, 2009 at 3:07 am
I found your page by looking up re-purposed cabinets on Google. Your page is really neat, and you have a lot of great ideas. =) I love the medicine cabinet idea.
My mom has my vintage suitcases now, but I used to use them as nightstands and end tables. I even used them as TV stands before. I had glass cut to their sizes to keep them in good condition, and I could slip vintage photos under the glass for extra decorations. =)
26 Upcycled Vintage Suitcase Ideas – Furious Shirley // Jan 14, 2010 at 4:10 pm
[...] A vintage suitcase filing cabinet?! Love it! Courtesy of Poetic Home. [...]
27 Repair Don't Replace: Turning Trash to Treasure | An Eclectic Blog // Jan 25, 2010 at 6:28 am
[...] can do lots of amazing things with old suitcases from creating anything from filing cabinets to end tables. You might have some old hard-side suitcases in your garage; if not, it’s likely your local [...]
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