Trunks as Usable Decoration

Trunks are often used as coffee tables, and come in many styles. There's the vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunks, and the Chinese lacquer version. They also add extra storage. We use ours for travel maps that we've collected for places we hope to go back to.

NY Spaces

This is a great example of the classic Chinese trunk used as a stylish coffee table. 

Veranda - Designers: Michael and Alexandra Misczynski

In this modern California home a 17th century truck has been placed at the end of the bed. It's a wonderfully rustic piece adding character to a spare room.

 House Beautiful - Designer: Ken Fulk

Vintage Louis Vuitton trunks and suit cases are very collectible, and can be used in any number of ways. A trunk could serve as a coffee table, and in this case two suit cases make an interesting bed side table. 

Doyle New York

These two Louis Vuitton suitcases fit the bill. They sold at an auction earlier this year at Dyle New York for $1,188 (inclusive of buyers premium).

Doyle New York

This wonderful Indian polychrome painted wood chest sold for an amazing $188 at a Doyle @Home auction! It's estimate had been $400 - $600. I think this would make a wonderful coffee table or that trunk at the end of the bed. Doyle has another Doyle @Home auction coming up June 24th so check out their on-line catalogue when it's available later this month.

Christie's Lot 498 June 24/25 Auction

This is an 19th century English Oak Coffer. It's probably a bit big for a coffee table, but would be great at the end of the bed or just as a decorative piece along a wall with some objects displayed on top, and, of course, more storage!

Trucks or chests make great decoration and are so very utilitarian as well. Please share your trunk example.