How to Revamp a Vintage Suitcase | DIY Upcycling Ideas for Old Luggage & Trunks

Author:
wellingtonboot
Updated:
Feb 17, 2016

Creative Inspiration & Fun Project Tutorials

Old suitcases and trunks appear quite often in thrift stores and second hand sales and I'm always tempted to buy them because they look so cool, but what can you do with them? They're not really practical to use for travel purposes any more, so I have made this page to show the options for breathing new life into them!

Upcycling and furniture renovation projects have been popular for some years now, and old cases are an excellent resource for this kind of craft and they're easily turned into tables, chairs and pet beds amongst other things. Some of the DIYs are as simple as stacking them to make a side table, or lining the interior with fabric, whilst more challenging ideas include making boomboxes and picnic hampers.

I hope you find plenty of inspiration here :)

Photo and table by Stacie - Find the tutorial on Stars for Streetlights.

Stenciled Suitcase

Creative Suitcase Revamps

Scenic Picnic Case
Brilliant tutorial for a suitcase with an in-built scenic view and real turf!
Suitcase Stack Table
I like the idea of adding a mirror on top for added glamor.
Chalkboard Dollhouse
Creative idea and a great toy for kids.
Jewelry Holder
A wall-mounted holder for necklaces.
Retro Magician's Suitcase
With a painted and decoupaged design.
Picnic Table with Speakers
Everyone else in the park will definitely be jealous of you!
Camera Case DIY
Excellent for keen photographers who travel with their camera and accessories.
Camera Case with a Divider
Instead of embedding the camera in foam, this DIY uses padded dividers.
Suitcase Clock
Make a rustic clock with only simple tools and materials.
Sweetheart Decoupage
The hearts glued all over this case look lovely.

Transformation into Speakers

Ways to Reinvent a Vintage Suitcase

Doll Play Set
Impressive scene-setting suitcase for a fun kid's toy.
Birthday-in-a-Suitcase
Cheerful revamped case that is made to hold all picnic accessories.
Elevated Cat Bed
Add legs to the suitcase and choose cute embellishments.
Vintage Suitcase Chair
The tufted cushions look so comfy!
Wall-Mounted Suitcase Shelves
This is sure to get compliments from every visitor to your home.
Floral Decoupage Suitcase
Glue your favorite fabric onto the outside surfaces for a quick revamp.
Craft Storage Solution
I particularly like the magnetic bead organizers.
Electronic Charging Station
Clever idea to charge your gadgets whilst hiding wires out of the way.
Kid's Decoupage Suitcase
How to create an adorable bird design.

Photo Display

striking display you can create at home or for a wedding/anniversary.
MistyES.

Fun Weekend Projects to Try

Puppet Theatre
This is an idea I haven't seen anywhere else and is really innovative.
Mantelpiece Project
A fantastic centerpiece for a modern room.
Cocktail Cabinet
A more challenging DIY but the result is fabulous (and practical).
Simple Suitcase Table
Basic instructions for screwing a table stand onto a case.
Coffee Table
Perfect for end-of-the-bed storage.
Pop-Up Garden
Cute way to display flowers and other plants.
Kid's Activity Case
Free downloads for 'scenes' including an airport and a spaceship.
Breakfast Tray
A useful idea for a suitcase lid.
Comfy Dog Bed
Spoil your pet with a colorful bed.

DIY Repurposed Dog Bed

Scroll to Continue

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Photo and bed by Michelle and Nate - Click here for the DIY information.

DIYs for Trunks & Chests

Striped Steamer Trunk
Spray paint a stripe pattern using tape for the stencil.
Kid's Animal Trunk
Cute idea if you have a trunk with flat sides.
Hand-Painted Wood Trunk
Inspiration for adding artistic flair.
Shipping Crate Trunk Transformation
Use letter stencils to add a military style.
Old Wooden Trunk Makeover
How a trunk was stripped back to unveil the natural beauty of the wood.
Stenciling Project
How to paint a chevron design on the lid.
...Or Build Your Own Trunk
If you like woodworking then this could be a fun weekend project.

Chess Board

An inventive and fun idea - and I particularly like that the game pieces are stored inside.
Louise LePierres.

Ideas & Inspiration

Statement Shelves
A wall of suitcase shelves looks awesome.
Knitting Yarn Organization
A neat way for knitters to store yarn.
Dresser Drawer Sets
Excellent idea for upcycling many suitcases into a piece of furniture.