I am in love with old trunks. Just yesterday there was a fabulous one at auction, but unfortunately it went too high for me, and also there is the problem that I have given myself a stern lecture. As I plan to move to Georgia in hopefully less than a year, and I will have to move what I have here in Kentucky as well as what I have in storage in North Carolina (and who knows what is actually in there) I need to start downsizing here.
So for right now I am dreaming of old trunks, which are wonderful for storage in small spaces. They also have the added benefit of looking fabulous. Double duty certainly works for me.
If you have unused space under a staircase, this is a wonderful idea. The space isn't tall enough for a closet, but the trunk fits perfectly.
There never seems to be enough extra seating in a small space, but add a cushion to the top and some throw pillow to the back and you have a place for your guests to sit.
Oh, I'd love to have that last wooden one! As you know I'm using a trunk for my coffee table, storing quilts inside. But mine is not wood, and not in very good shape. And I paid $85 for it right after I moved to Tulsa! Hate to think what that wooden one would cost. Brenda
yes I do use trunks! I had to part with a few but still have two, we are in a small apartment, storage is a challenge but it just takes time to work it all out, you will do fine in your new smaller nest, I know it will be lovely thats for certain,
I have an old cedar chest I found at the GW for $20 and I love it for storage. It sits in front of the window and is Charlie's look out place and where I put some plants! I love the old wooden chests, I'll keep looking for a good one for a good price. hugs, Linda
Great post, Laura. I love all the ideas you shared. Very clever to put an old trunk on a stand and make it into a bar, and I could see other ideas evolving from a trunk on a stand. I do use an old trunk in my decorating. It belonged to my grandfather, who brought it with him on the ship from Belgium to America in the late 1800's. It's similar in style to the trunk in the second photo, except mine is quite time worn and now has what I think it a wonderful naturally aged patina. I use it to hold our TV screen here in our apartment. The wooden trunk used as a coffee table is fabulous. Love that trunk! Thank you for your comment on Kris's blog and for leaving one at AJC. It's so nice to meet and follow you. I see we have a lot in common with small space living. I'm very much interested in reading through your series and seeing more of your simple and serene life. I think we're kindred spirits, Laura! Hugs, Nancy
I am so happy to meet you, Nancy. I have an old trunk that my great grandparents brought from Germany in the mid 1800's. I will be passing it on to my youngest daughter when I move to Georgia. I think we are kindred spirits, too. :)
Loved seeing your uses of old trunks, I recently treated myself to an iron antique trunk, smaller size, a few dents and great patina. But I'm waiting for Spring to take it outside and throughly clean out the inside of it. Thank you for your visit to my blog and leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your past posts. xx, Vera
I love old trunks too. I use my mother-in-laws old cedar chest for a coffee table. It is pretty well used but I do not want to refinish it since it holds many memories in all that wear. Debbie
Vintage Secrets, that antique place that I set up 1/2 room at, has about 4 large old antique trunks in the basement. The entire basement is filled with old furniture, etc. I just drool every time I walk through it :)
Vintage Secrets, that antique place that I set up 1/2 room at, has about 4 large old antique trunks in the basement. The entire basement is filled with old furniture, etc. I just drool every time I walk through it :)
I had two trunks that I placed in my basement when we built but after loosing my mom and dad in a short time my perspective on family things changed. I searched for someone who would take on the challenge of restoring both of them. Not far from me, he even came and looked at them and told me he could restore. I got them back after 9 months but worth it!!! They both are from my family who came from Ireland and Norway. I took some of the money my parents gave me and so glad I did. I like your blog so much, please continue to share your life with us.
Oh, I'd love to have that last wooden one! As you know I'm using a trunk for my coffee table, storing quilts inside. But mine is not wood, and not in very good shape. And I paid $85 for it right after I moved to Tulsa! Hate to think what that wooden one would cost.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
The beautiful wood one I saw at auction yesterday went for $45. It's good place to get one.
Deleteyes I do use trunks! I had to part with a few but still have two, we are in a small apartment, storage is a challenge but it just takes time to work it all out, you will do fine in your new smaller nest, I know it will be lovely thats for certain,
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie. I am really looking forward to it :)
DeleteI have used them in other houses to decorate but in this one I have just used them for storage downstairs. I LOVE them! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteMaybe next time you move, Diana you can bring them out again :)
DeleteI have an old cedar chest I found at the GW for $20 and I love it for storage. It sits in front of the window and is Charlie's look out place and where I put some plants! I love the old wooden chests, I'll keep looking for a good one for a good price.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
That was a good buy, Linda. I wish I could have bought the one yesterday, but I am trying to be disciplined. It isn't easy. LOL
DeleteYour inspiration for using old trunks is fabulous!! I never thought of using one for seating...brilliant!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Isn't that a great idea, Mary Alice. I had never thought of it either.
DeleteGreat post, Laura. I love all the ideas you shared. Very clever to put an old trunk on a stand and make it into a bar, and I could see other ideas evolving from a trunk on a stand. I do use an old trunk in my decorating. It belonged to my grandfather, who brought it with him on the ship from Belgium to America in the late 1800's. It's similar in style to the trunk in the second photo, except mine is quite time worn and now has what I think it a wonderful naturally aged patina. I use it to hold our TV screen here in our apartment. The wooden trunk used as a coffee table is fabulous. Love that trunk! Thank you for your comment on Kris's blog and for leaving one at AJC. It's so nice to meet and follow you. I see we have a lot in common with small space living. I'm very much interested in reading through your series and seeing more of your simple and serene life. I think we're kindred spirits, Laura! Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to meet you, Nancy. I have an old trunk that my great grandparents brought from Germany in the mid 1800's. I will be passing it on to my youngest daughter when I move to Georgia. I think we are kindred spirits, too. :)
DeleteLoved seeing your uses of old trunks, I recently treated myself to an iron antique trunk, smaller size, a few dents and great patina. But I'm waiting for Spring to take it outside and throughly clean out the inside of it. Thank you for your visit to my blog and leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your past posts.
ReplyDeletexx,
Vera
Your trunk sounds wonderful, Vera. I think they have some good tips on Pinterest to get any smells out of old trunk and suitcases.
DeleteI love old trunks too. I use my mother-in-laws old cedar chest for a coffee table. It is pretty well used but I do not want to refinish it since it holds many memories in all that wear. Debbie
ReplyDeleteVintage Secrets, that antique place that I set up 1/2 room at, has about 4 large old antique trunks in the basement. The entire basement is filled with old furniture, etc. I just drool every time I walk through it :)
ReplyDeleteVintage Secrets, that antique place that I set up 1/2 room at, has about 4 large old antique trunks in the basement. The entire basement is filled with old furniture, etc. I just drool every time I walk through it :)
ReplyDeleteI adore old trunks and have several around the house. I love the images you selected.
ReplyDeleteI had two trunks that I placed in my basement when we built but after loosing my mom and dad in a short time my perspective on family things changed. I searched for someone who would take on the challenge of restoring both of them. Not far from me, he even came and looked at them and told me he could restore. I got them back after 9 months but worth it!!! They both are from my family who came from Ireland and Norway. I took some of the money my parents gave me and so glad I did. I like your blog so much, please continue to share your life with us.
ReplyDelete