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21 Amazing Vintage Old Suitcase Ideas: You’ll Want To Try

Discover inspiring ways to repurpose old vintage suitcases into functional home decor. From coffee tables to wall shelves, explore DIY projects that blend the nostalgia of yesteryears with contemporary style and utility.

Remember the days when vintage suitcases were the norm? They may not be practical for modern travelling – heavy and lacking the convenience of built-in wheels –but they certainly have an undeniable charm.

Lugging them around was like a gym workout, a far cry from today’s wheel-equipped luggage that saves our backs. It’s no wonder train stations and airports were bustling with porters, a sight now rare in our times of self-sufficient travel.

21 vintage old suitcase ideas and decorating with suitcase ideas

Decorating With Old Suitcases

Despite their impracticality in today’s world, there’s something irresistibly appealing about an old vintage suitcase. They carry stories of past adventures and a vintage aesthetic that’s hard to replicate.

That’s why they make such fantastic home decor items, bringing a touch of nostalgic elegance into our living room. Old luggage can provide creative ways to achieve extra storage.

I’ve always had a soft spot for these charming relics. Picking up vintage suitcases from flea markets or the thrift shop for almost nothing has become a hobby of mine. 

They are, without a doubt, one of my favourite things to upcycle. A few are currently sitting in my loft, eagerly awaiting their transformation.

This post contains DIY projects and creative ideas for bringing new life into beautiful vintage suitcases and repurposing them from past travel companions into stylish, functional vintage suitcase decor, merging the charm of old suitcases with modern functionality.

Upcycling Old Suitcases: DIY Decor and Storage Solutions

Transform your home with unique storage and decor ideas using old vintage suitcases. Get creative with DIY tutorials for everything from bedside tables to pet beds, adding a touch of vintage elegance to every room.


Hopefully, you have found something to inspire your next upcycling project with this collection of vintage old suitcase ideas.

Part of the charm of old suitcases is their battered and worn look. However, if your suitcase has been a bit too big in the wars, don’t forget to decoupage it, it can hide a lot of damage.

Another delightful upcycling project for the home involves old baskets. Look at how I painted a wicker basket for Christmas – a similar technique could be applied to an old suitcase.

My fascination with old suitcases extends to my collection of shoeboxes crafted to resemble vintage suitcases, creating whimsical and functional storage.

Don’t forget to explore my other creative storage ideas, such as these innovative repurposed wooden crates and unique upcycled denim storage solutions.

Suitcases featured under S in the ultimate A to Z of upcycling ideas.

If you don’t have any old vintage suitcases, you can still get that decorating with a vintage suitcase; look by painting a dresser to look like them, just like Michelle did at Acraftymix.

suitcase upcycled dresser

This post was updated in 2024

Darlene

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

I have some old suit cases I would love to try some of your ideas. Do you have an email blog to follow?

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Thank you, there is an email subscription form on the page. But I can added manually if you want.

Sam - Raggedy Bits

Thursday 15th of March 2018

So many great ideas for Vintage Suitcases! Love them all!!

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 15th of March 2018

Thank you, Sam.

yuni

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

i love the one with the map! such great ideas!

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you, I love the map one to it sits in my fireplace.

Michelle Leslie

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Love these idea so much Claire. It's becoming so difficult to find vintage suitcases now and they are so appealing. It always makes me think of far away places and long voyages to foreign lands

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you! I have an auction house near me and they come up regularly. I’ve actually got one sitting in my loft waiting to be upcycled.

Sherry

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

These are all fabulous projects. I can not pass up a vintage suitcase when I come across one.

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you, Sherry. I find them hard to resist too!