9 Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Suitcases

How do you display old suitcases? Here are 9 vintage suitcase decorating ideas to inspire you to buy one (or more) the next time you’re thrifting!

One of my favorite finds when I’m thrifting and secondhand hunting are old suitcases. There are so many varieties to be found and each one has it’s own unique details. Sometimes I find them at estate sales, church sales, or even in a curbside trash pile. Once you have one, or a few, you can use the decorating ideas found in 9 Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Suitcases.

I’m joining the Thrifting with the Gals ladies today to share our favorite thrifty vintage finds. You definitely want to follow these girls if you’re a vintage treasure hunter and decorator! If you’ve stopped by from The Ponds Farmhouse, I’m sure you enjoyed all of Rachel’s ideas for decorating your outdoor spaces with thrifted, vintage finds. She is indeed a junk lover like me:) I’ll have links to the rest of the posts at the end.

11 Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Suitcases

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When you find a vintage suitcase, you’re going to want to make it look it’s best. Often, they’re weary travelers and need some reviving to get decor-worthy. Check out my best tips in “Vintage Suitcases: How to Clean and Refresh (and keep their classic appeal)“.

Once they’re all cleaned up and looking their best, here are fun ideas for decorating with suitcases and trunks. You’ll never have to ask, What can you do with an old suitcase?” again.

Shop Vintage Suitcases HERE

1) Use Vintage Suitcases as Side Tables

A stack of different suitcases makes an interesting side table next to a bed or sofa. If you’re cramped for space, stand one or two suitcases on end for a space-saving side table. Just enough room for your cup of coffee.

Or use an old trunk as a coffee table or side table and enjoy the added benefit of storage inside!

2) Hang a Wreath from the Suitcase’s Handle

The suitcase handle is the perfect place to hang a wreath. Whether your suitcase is open or closed, it will add an interesting backdrop for a seasonal wreath. If it’s open, lean the suitcase top against a wall, or prop with something heavy.

For more creative places to hang wreaths, see “10+ Ideas for Where to Hang Wreaths”.

3) Style a Seasonal Vignette in an Old Suitcase

If the inside of your old suitcase is in good shape or you’ve revived it like I do, ( see how to restore old suitcases HERE) create a seasonal vignette inside. It’s the perfect entry table or side table accessory to feature a few pretty things. Old cosmetic cases or small suitcases work wonderfully.

See “5 Simple Steps to a Fun Vintage Suitcase Vignette” for the simple how to.

4) Decorate on Top of a Vintage Suitcase

The character and charm of old suitcases can add to any vignette. Style your decor on top of one, or a stack of them.

{from “12 Creative Ways to Decorate a Vintage Birdacage}

5) Hang a Garland Across for a Wedding or Party

Open or closed, a cute garland attached to the locks is so cute as vintage suitcase wedding decor. If you leave it open, the suitcase can be perfect to collect cards. The same idea can be a sweet backdrop to a party buffet. You could even place serving dishes with food inside for a travel-themed party.

6) Place at the Top of a Tall Cupboard

A single large or a grouping of smaller suitcases are a great way to decorate the top of a tall cupboard or piece of furniture. The handles and locks add architectural and industrial interest to whatever you pair with them.

7) Use as Stylish Storage Under the Bed

Instead of seeing plastic bins sticking out from under your bed, why not use vintage suitcases as extra storage? Off season bedding, photos, or kid’s toys can all be hidden under the bed. Let the suitcase fronts peek out from underneath instead of needing a bedskirt.

8) Use an Old Suitcase Under your Laptop

When you need to get your face up higher when you’re zooming, (to avoid the dreaded double chin) have a small suitcase handy. Simply place it under your laptop on your desk and everyone online will have a better view of you!

9) Stack Your Vintage Suitcases as an Art Display

Last but definitely not least, if you’ve got a dead-end corner, stack your vintage suitcases. Have them go different directions-some laying, some standing. Use old books as shims if you need them to be more secure.

You can add seasonal touches like branches or flowers. I even hung our Christmas stockings from the handles. It’s a great way to store the suitcases I’m not using somewhere else in the house.

If you’ve been looking at all these pictures and are asking…”How many suitcases does she have?” Honestly I’ve lost track:) I probably should count them one of these days, but they’re spread all over the house doing their decorative and functional duty!

They are indeed one of my favorite thrifted, secondhand finds!

Shop Vintage Suitcases HERE

To continue the vintage, thrifted fun, visit my friend, Ann, at Dabbling and Decorating next. She found some great vintage finds this summer, and it’s always so fun to see how she decorates with them in her beautiful Maine and Vermont homes

Thanks for reading 9 Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Suitcases. If you enjoyed your visit, become an Insider to keep the creative ideas flowing! You can also Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Pin, Share, and Enjoy the Rest of the Inspiration!

Thrifting with the Gals

Dabbling and Decorating, “Summer’s Interior Heirlooms and Musings”

Robyn’s French Nest, “The Best 7 Useful Fall Decor Items You Need to Thrift For”

The Ponds Farmhouse, “Hot to Use Thrifted Vintage Gardening Decor”

White Arrows Home, “Lakehouse Vintage Must Haves“

Sharing at these lovely parties:

Farmhouse Friday

Tuesday Turn About

Vintage Charm