Design devotees know there’s nothing like vintage luggage to lend a room a cool factor. Whether it be an old wicker suitcase or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk, vintage luggage old luggage is a chic conversation starter. If you’re shopping for vintage luggage, don’t hesitate to make Chairish your first stop. Our in-house style team has curated a one-of-a-kind edit of vintage suitcases and steamer trunks. From A-lister pieces designed by heirloom brands like Goyard and Gucci to affordable, gently-used Samsonite luggage pieces, our collection runs the gamut. To bring you an unrivaled selection of vintage luggage, we partner with vintage and antique dealers located all over the U.S. and Europe. Each one submits its inventory to us and our curators hand-select he most exceptional pieces to list for sale on the site. Whether you’re looking for a steamer trunk to function as a one-of-a-kind coffee table, or you’re on the hunt for a set of vintage leather suitcases to transform into whimsical bedside tables, chances are high you’ll find something to bring your vision to life within our ever-expanding collection. And with new items arriving daily, our inventory is always changing! Set up an alert to get notified right in your inbox when new travel treasures arrive.
Closet Storage
Yes, it’s something you likely already do, but using vintage luggage sets as extra closet storage is a seriously good idea worthy of a call-out, even if it is a no-brainer. Think your closet is too cramped to show off vintage luggage? Think again. Most closets have upper shelving perfect for stowing box-shaped objects. Ditch the plastic bins you’ve been schlepping around since college and try replacing them with a set of vintage Hartmann luggage or American Tourister luggage. Not only will suitcases look miles better than bins when your guests catch a glimpse of your coat closet's interior, but the built-in handles included on virtually all luggage will make occasional retrievals so much easier.
If you’re among those who’s been blessed with a closet of the walk-in variety, you might consider keeping your vintage luggage on the floor for even easier retrieval. Try stacking three different-sized suitcases in a graduating stack. Curious about what we love to store in vintage luggage? Closet essentials like extra hangers, out-of-season sweaters, and summer sandals tuck into vintage suitcases perfectly. In a closet without built-in storage, they can also be used to stow jewelry, belts, or bulky salon tools (think: hairdryers and curling wands you might not use on the regular). On the less-expected side of the spectrum, consider stashing Christmas decorations, surplus light bulbs, or even extra cleaning supplies inside vintage luggage sets—even duffles!
Floating Shelves
While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this method of display for your prized set of vintage Gucci luggage, it works well for retro suitcases from makers like Samsonite, Unitravel, or Skyway—in case you couldn’t tell, we think suitcase shelves are perfection when paired with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. To create floating shelves out of vintage suitcases, we first recommend collecting five to six bags—trust us, the more suitcases you incorporate the more attention-grabbing the look. If you have the patience, hold out for colorful Mid-Century suitcases (two-tone models work beautifully here) as well as ones with interesting hardware. Next, determine the length you want your shelves and saw your suitcases in two (pro tip: shallow shelves tend to look best). Attach your shelves using L-brackets, or even two screws if your shelves are lightweight enough.
Luggage shelving isn’t the most functional, of course, but these unique shelves are the perfect depth for displaying a simple framed photo, leaning painting, vase, or clock. Try a series of shelves hung over a credenza or dresser, or create a bookshelf-like configuration in a kid’s room or playroom. Suitcase shelves are perfect for propping board books or seating stuffed animals.
Desk or Console
Much like a closed laptop can be flipped open to turn any place into a workspace, so can a vintage suitcase. Not convinced? Consider opening a vintage suitcase, permanently propping the lid open with brackets, attaching desk-height legs, and outfitting in the lid with a flat writing surface. Equip the other side of the lid with shelves and you have a one-of-a-kind writing desk perfect for stowing just about anywhere.
If you like the idea of transforming a vintage suitcase into a table of sorts, but you aren’t sure you want to commit to anything so unabashedly DIY, consider turning a set of vintage luggage into a console. To turn two vintage suitcases into a console, simply stack two slightly graduated cases on top of one another and attach an x-style campaign table base to the bottom. Imperative to note is that the more decorative the base you choose, the more it will make your piece look like a legitimate piece of furniture. Which is to say: skip the flimsy vintage luggage rack base, here, and spring for a substantial barley leg base or Lucite x-base base. If you favor a more Mid-Century look, you might consider attaching metal hairpin legs to a vintage Starline suitcase or vintage Samsonite suitcase.
Bench or Coffee Table
Another idea for those who are hesitant to mar designer luggage from makers like Louis Vuitton or Gucci is to fashion a steamer trunk as an end-of-the-bed bench or coffee table. The secret to making this look go off without a hitch? Choose a trunk that’s the right scale to complement your sofa or bed. For reference, a trunk placed at the foot of a bed should be between 2" to 6" lower than the bed’s footboard. While a luggage trunk used for a coffee table should be more than 1" to 2" nches from the seat of your sofa.
If you’re inclined to add accouterments to a steamer trunk used as a coffee table or bench, consider subtle additions that could easily be reversed, if desired, such as bun feet or a mitered glass top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any value in old suitcases?
Old suitcases can have significant value, especially if they are rare, well-preserved, or from a famous brand. Vintage luggage is popular among collectors and can fetch high prices at auctions or specialty stores. The value depends on factors such as age, condition, brand, and historical significance.
What are vintage suitcases called?
Vintage suitcases are often referred to as steamer trunks, antique luggage, or old-fashioned suitcases. These terms evoke the bygone era of steamship travel and the golden age of rail transportation. Collectors and enthusiasts use these names to distinguish classic pieces from modern luggage.
Do people still use vintage luggage?
While most people prefer modern, lightweight luggage for travel, some enthusiasts still use vintage suitcases for their unique style and nostalgia. Vintage luggage can add a touch of sophistication to travel or serve as a conversation piece. However, due to their weight and delicate nature, vintage suitcases are more commonly used for decoration or storage rather than frequent travel.
What is the oldest luggage brand?
One of the oldest luggage brands is Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854 in Paris, France. The company began by producing high-quality trunks for wealthy travelers and has since become an iconic luxury brand. Other historic luggage brands include Goyard (1853), Moynat (1849), and Globe-Trotter (1897), all of which have rich histories and have produced coveted vintage pieces.