There’s something a little mystical about trunks. Maybe it’s because they can have secrets locked away inside, or maybe it’s because they were once used as luggage to travel to distant and exotic lands. Whatever the case, trunks are both attractive and practical – doing double duty as a beautiful piece of furniture and as storage.
Materials. Trunks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. What suits your space? What do you like? New or vintage? Polished or rugged? Wood, metal or wicker? Rectangle or cube? Tall or low? You’ll be astonished at the selection when you start looking. But first, consider the possibilities…
Here are just a few ways you can add the charm of a trunk to your home:
Coffee Table. A trunk, old or new, makes a perfect coffee table. It adds character to a room. Make it a focal point by creating contrast with a vintage trunk in a modern space – or a contemporary red leather padded trunk in a traditional setting. And you can keep books, games, a throw blanket and much more inside!
Hall Table or Bench. A taller trunk makes a tremendous style statement as a console in your entranceway. Add a bouquet of flowers and a lamp. A trunk can also make a great bench seat in the foyer for putting on shoes and storing hats, gloves, even outdoor toys and a watering can for your flowers.
Bedside or End Table. A smaller trunk (cubed is ideal) makes a stylish end table in the bedroom or living room. Mix and match on either side but look for uniformity in height. A flatter trunk may be turned on its side to give you the extra height you need.
Hope and Dreams. Do you remember when young girls had hope chests filled with their dreams for the future? Maybe you can re-start this trend with your daughter with a gorgeous trunk for her bedroom. Or add a trunk to the foot of your own bed for storage and sitting. You can buy trunks with seating built in.
Repurpose. A large trunk turned on its side can make an amazing cocktail cabinet. Add shelves and voila! Or keep the trunk flat and simply add glasses, beverages and accessories to the top for a charming bar cart.
Make it Pretty. Display faux flowers flowing out from one side of your trunk – simply trap them in the opening and close it tight.
Reconfigure. Sometimes you need to literally think outside the “box” to make a trunk work in your space. Consider these ideas:
Stack 2 (or more!) smaller trunks to make a taller, visually interesting table.
Add feet to a trunk that you’re using as a coffee table to add foot space.
Personalize. Trunks inspire creativity, especially an older trunk looking for a second chance. Why not paint, refinish or distress it for an old world look? Maybe even consider wallpapering. Or perhaps add travel stickers to an old steamer trunk. Customize it to your style!
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