Guest Picks: Steamer Trunks That Go the Distance
Timeworn, antique inspired or looking brand new, these steamer trunks are durable and versatile for storage and as eclectic tables
Extra storage: Check. Extra chic: Double check. Extra accent table: Triple check. Whether you are looking for storage, an antique embellishment or just a different take on a coffee or end table, vintage steamer trunks (or their modern equivalents) will accomplish all these objectives with panache.
Options abound, from uber luxe Louis Vuitton and Goyard versions found at auction houses (which I love to daydream about adding to my home), to the pleasantly affordable, worn-in vintage and refurbished trunks via Etsy. If you prefer to wear in the item yourself, you can find brand-new and equally tasteful models too. — Lani from Mon Petit Chou Chou
Options abound, from uber luxe Louis Vuitton and Goyard versions found at auction houses (which I love to daydream about adding to my home), to the pleasantly affordable, worn-in vintage and refurbished trunks via Etsy. If you prefer to wear in the item yourself, you can find brand-new and equally tasteful models too. — Lani from Mon Petit Chou Chou
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| Trunks make the perfect endcap, blanket storage and bench for your bed. |
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If your taste in trunks leans towards the vintage, this achingly cool tuba case from the Elkhard High School Orchestra should fit the bill.
Bonus: It makes the perfect gift for the former band geek in your life.
Bonus: It makes the perfect gift for the former band geek in your life.
| Trunks come in all shapes, sizes and colors. This one's rounded top encouraged its place on the top of the baggage pile to help prevent damage. |
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This is industrial home decor with antique refinement. These stately trunks with leather, metal and wood accents work with just about every interior.
This steamer is the perfect size and height for a coffee table. Insert in living room, et voila!
This steamer is the perfect size and height for a coffee table. Insert in living room, et voila!
by twenty7 design
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A mirrored steamer trunk is most certainly modern enough for a glam living room like this.
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This linen steamer for your flat-screen TV is just begging to be set up in a glam safari outpost.
by Pier 1 Imports
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This neutral rattan version from Pier 1 is a natural beauty with seven cubic feet of storage hidden away.
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My inner fashionista is crying out for a rose steamer! This would be the ultimate addition to my walk-in closet. It's perfect for stowing scarves and accessories and for organizing jewelry.
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For the ultimate steamer iteration, try a folding office. Your home office can literally fold up and hide away at the end of the work day.
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The olive here is far from drab. This antique has been updated with stunning results.
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| Banish boring media consoles for good. This modern steamer was fashioned to mimic its antique counterparts with fabulous brass hardware and leather. And a TV pops up from it via remote! |
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Look at this clever update on the trunk! Part trunk and part TV, this steamer contains a flush-mounted flat-panel TV and stereo inputs.
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These custom consoles, outfitted with a steel base, are made to order. I would use this tall version as a TV and media stand. It even has storage space for your DVDs!
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| I would definitely put this pristine cube trunk from Louis Vuitton (c. 1920) to immediate use as a night stand. Who wouldn't love waking up to this every morning? |
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by RLH Studio
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| This richly decorated interior is perfectly suited for a Louis Vuitton steamer. |
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by Candelabra
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| White faux crocodile is definitely a "do" on this cube. A pair of these end tables would be right at home in a dressing room. |
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by Z Gallerie
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| At this price, double or triple up on these stackable trunks from Z Gallerie. |
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This gasp-worthy vintage trunk is in fabulous condition. Organization never had it so chic.
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Can a trunk be preppy? I think the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes."
by Pier 1 Imports
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You don't need less stuff — just more storage space! Named for India's diamond center, the Surat trunk is covered with a diamond-medallion pattern and accented with antiqued hardware.
This is perfect for sweater or summer clothing storage in the off season.
This is perfect for sweater or summer clothing storage in the off season.
by Pier 1 Imports
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I wish my mother had sent me off to school with a pretty trunk like this. It would make an utterly adorable addition to any dorm room.
by Pier 1 Imports
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This petite wooden trunk is as pretty as it is functional. It would be a welcome addition to a home office as a file cabinet. Très belle!
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Restoration Hardware has a steamer for every room and style. From this classic leather version...
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...to this aviation-inspired metal end table with leather hardware. This one is very rugged and masculine.
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This room is minimalist modern, with a side order of steamer trunk.
More: 8 Ways to Reimagine the Trunk Table
More: 8 Ways to Reimagine the Trunk Table
Ideabook published on Aug. 19, 2012.
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I thought I had done a great job in putting things in logical ez to remember
pieces....
Right !....it took me at least three months to learn my system, because as a man I refused to put tags, as to what was in what !
I can now find my underwear !
"Does anyone know how to refurbish old trunks, or where to send them to be refinished? This ideabook has inspired me to fix up my great-grandmother's trunk (mint metal, brass, papered insides) and display it, rather than keep it in the basement."
I have refinished/restored 2 trunks I inherited and 1 that I found on Craigslist. There are 2 websites where I found hardware, leather handles, hinges, locks, lining, nails, and even tips and how-tos. I think both will refurbish if you'd rather. One is shenandoahrestoration dot com and the other is hardwareofthepast dot com. Oh, the eye-candy on the first one in their before and after pages...Makes me want to find more to restore!