Finding New Uses for Old Luggage

Our family doesn't tend to throw things out, and we've somehow managed to collect a tidy assortment of vintage luggage.

Old suitcases and steamer trunks really aren't practical for traveling any more, but we found it impossible to donate luggage that had our ancestors' scrawled names across the handle. Rather than relegating them to the attic, we simply found other uses for these old suitcases.

How to make them look new again

Some of our suitcases were in pretty sad shape and unable to be restored. For these, we discovered the easiest way to turn them into an unique piece of art was to cover them with travel stickers. Travel stickers can be found in any souvenir shops; stickers with the states on them or a special attraction are particularly fun. These days, many stationary shops are selling reproduction vintage stickers from the 1930s and 1940s, which look fabulous on old luggage.

For the really battered suitcases, I recovered them with self-adhesive shelf paper in a checked or striped print. Self-adhesive paper is easy to apply; use an exact-o knife to cut around the hinges, locks and handle for a professional look. Instead of paper, you could also try covering your suitcase with daisies, stars, or room decor stickers which are available in the home decor section of your favorite discount department store.

Don't be afraid to paint your suitcase with a can of spray paint! Be sure to mask off the hinges, locks, and handles with masking tape first, and then apply the paint by following the instructions on the can.

How can I use my restored suitcase?

1. Steamer trunks make fabulous coffee tables! Ask your local paint and glass store to custom cut a piece of glass to fit on top. This not only protects the trunk from beverage spills, but also adds a bit of elegance to a rather inexpensive furniture solution. Ask your glass cutter to smooth the edges of the glass to prevent injury.