01
Apr

Vintage Luggage for the Home

Posted in Organization + Storage, Upcycling, Vintage Inspiration, Weddings

I know that Rachel and I have mentioned our love of vintage suitcases once or twice and, as you can imagine, I was thrilled when my parents helped my Grandma clear out some closets and brought one up our way. She lives in Missouri now but she and my Grandpa spent most of their adult lives living in California. My sister and I had so much fun sorting through her memorabilia and this is a glimpse of what I chose to keep…and yes, that is a photo of JFK! It’s autographed to my aunt by one of the congressmen that he’s posing with. There are a huge pile of pennants from all across the United States, several of my Grandma’s childhood scrapbooks, football coasters, blank postcards and more. Not to mention, this amazing vintage suitcase…

Even though it’s missing the handle, it still latches well and will be perfect for storage. I may even do a little weekend project and turn it into a side table, similar to the coffee table “After” photo that I’ve included below.  I absolutely love seeing old items given new life and used in new ways and vintage luggage is at the top of my favourites list. Used for storage, stacked or converted into tables, they can be used in pretty much any room of the house…

Skona Hem

The Locker via My Sweet Savannah

1. Country Living 2. A Beach Cottage

Desire to Inspire

House to Home

Country Living

Rachel featured some lovely vintage wedding details yesterday and suitcases are handy for so many wedding purposes. For gifts, cards, or seating arrangement displays, they add such a unique and timeworn touch. And I think they’re a lovely visual metaphor for the journeys in married life to come…Style Me Pretty. Photos by Wildflowers Photography.

Jessica from Trove Vintage Rentals will be a vendor at The Old School Market alongside us, as will Jayme who took this magical photo, and we’re so excited to see how she displays her wares! We’ve used suitcases in our own past market displays (and likely will again) and they are perfect for both transporting and displaying smaller items like books and linens…

Trove Vintage Rentals. Photos by Jayme Anne Photography.

Ruffled. Photos by Jonas Peterson.

Here is the diy project that I have in mind for the suitcase that I adopted from my Grandma. Pretty cute, right? Perfect for the end of the bed or I might try to find longer legs and make it into a side table. I came across these other diy luggage kits that are beyond adorable and I especially love the handmade dolly house. Some people’s creativity blows me away! If only I could sew…

Design*Sponge

1. Husfruas Memoarer 2. Country Living

1. Moje Zielone Wzgorze 2. DIY Ideas

Hart and Sew via Modern Kiddo

Do you have any vintage suitcases collecting dust in your attic or basement? Or do have any that you’ve used in new ways? We’d love to see your before and afters!

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13 Comments ( Reply )

  1. The enchanted home
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 4:32 am

    What a beautiful argument for putting vintage luggage in the home. Personally I love the look, it adds so much character and charm to any space..beautiful examples!
    The enchanted home recently posted..Things I am loving Thursdays and House update!

  2. Hannah
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 5:29 am

    how neat! i have always loved old suitcases(you can do so much with them) but every time i find one thrifting…when i open it…the smell just about knocks me over! HA! i have a fear that i would never be able to get the smell out! your pics are so pretty! love your blog! :)
    Hannah recently posted..Rock n Roll Baby

  3. Emma at The Marion House Book
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 12:07 pm

    Did you see in the latest house tour I did the painted white, stacked suitcases beside the bed? I’ll have to ask Rachel if this was a DIY project or something she bought. Knowing her it was something she did herself!

    • rachelandlily
      Apr 01, 2011 @ 1:22 pm

      I saw the house tour, Emma, but somehow missed the suitcases…I think I was blown away by that amazing tee-pee in the playroom! What a gorgeous and comfortable family home…thanks for reminding me to take a closer look :) ~Lily

  4. colleen
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 2:55 pm

    I love suitcases and have 2 of my grandparents, they are black and in great shape!
    I love the ideas you have for yours!..Oh which to choose!
    Did you know you have featured some of my suitcases above? The country Living shoot is mine and so are the suitcases, Heather Cameron & Janis Nicole are the producer & photographer!..Small world!
    Was @ Twig Home today…oh my so kool!
    colleen recently posted..Dishes With Roses

    • rachelandlily
      Apr 01, 2011 @ 5:31 pm

      Really?!? Small world is right Colleen! Thanks for letting us know! We are big fans of Janis too. You’re the second person I know who visited Kevi at Twig Home today…can’t wait to make a trip to check her out in person!

  5. Karena
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 8:07 pm

    Ho Rachel and Lily, I love to see images of cool vintage suitcases stacked or even used as a coffee table!

    Do come and enter my Giveaway (something French Inspired) from the Zhush!!You will love it!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    Karena recently posted..A Gift from the Zhush – Calling all Francophiles

  6. stacy (hart+sew)
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 9:45 pm

    thanks for including my doll suitcase! all of these pictures are so inspiring, love the stacked look next to the bed especially!
    stacy (hart+sew) recently posted..cutting corners baby quilt

  7. tina aka forrestina vintage
    Apr 03, 2011 @ 9:34 am

    Love everything here…just fantastic inspiration!
    tina aka forrestina vintage recently posted..vintage vocabulary cards FRENCH language cards – set of 20 – 1950s

  8. Laura Clauson
    Aug 24, 2011 @ 11:27 pm

    I don’t know what possessed me to get rid of the old suitcase I had. It was very cool and would have been fun to repurpose in some way. Thanks for sharing some amazing inspiration.

  9. Roberta
    Sep 03, 2011 @ 9:50 am

    Just found you via pinterhurst…LOVE this post ;)


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