Attach your shelves using L-brackets, or even two screws if your shelves are lightweight enough. Next, determine the length you want your shelves and saw your suitcases in two (pro tip: shallow shelves tend to look best). 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.
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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. 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. 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! 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). 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. Try stacking three different-sized suitcases in a graduating stack. 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. 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. 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. Most closets have upper shelving perfect for stowing box-shaped objects. Think your closet is too cramped to show off vintage luggage? Think again. 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. Try any of these ideas to take vintage luggage from vacay workhorse to totally wow-worthy!
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We’ve collected some of the most ingenious ways to refashion vintage luggage.
#LYON AND HEALY HARP CART HOW TO#
If you’re intrigued by the idea of using vintage luggage as decor, but want a few more ideas about how to use it, read on. For instance, why not co-opt a vintage suitcase for a dog bed? Pop the lid and reinforce it with permanent brackets, drill on legs, and lay down a plush pillow and, voilà, you’ve got a perch any pooch would flip for. Even better is that less precious luggage wear brands encourage you to experiment a bit more. Equally enchanting moments can be created with Samsonite vintage luggage, London Fog vintage luggage, or even brand-less luggage riddled with travel scars. Of course, there’s no need to hold out for designer luggage wear brands. Whether it’s a Louis Vuitton trunk used to sub for a traditional coffee table or bench, or stacking two Louis Vuitton suitcases atop a vintage luggage rack to create a console table, these luggage vignettes are the epitome of luxury.
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Like globes and maps, vintage trunks, suitcases, steamers, and duffles possess a worldly mystique, though, unlike other global ephemera, luggage serves a purpose beyond being just decorative-they can also be used as storage.Īnyone with an eye for Louis Vuitton vintage luggage knows that suitcases and trunks covered in the brand’s iconic logo-flecked leather are often used by designers in unexpected ways. It’s not often we’ll say “yes, please” to more baggage, but when it comes to vintage luggage sets, we’re all aboard. IMBUE YOUR ROOMS WORLDY APPEAL WITH VINTAGE LUGGAGE