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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Suitcases for Height
Vintage suitcases can can also add height when decorating to objects and items to create interest such as this pumpkin vignette.
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.
Suitcases in Display
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.
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.
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….
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!
If you liked this post you might also like:
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How to make an easy vintage suitcase table
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