Vintage suitcases and trunks as furniture 'at auction'

Every time I run by a photograph of a suitcase or trunk being used as furniture or decoration, I am struck by the character it adds. It evokes travel and romance - all in an old suitcase! Somehow the older and more beat up it is the better because you know it's been well used.

Designer: Darryl Carter

The Louis Vuitton luggage is always a good choice, but usually the more expensive. Here Darryl Carter just stacks two suitcases under a table for character. 

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This tableau is wonderful in so many respects. The use of rustic furniture is artfully arranged, and the void below the table is filled with two simple old suitcases. Takes some courage, but with great result!

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This is a good example of how mismatched suitcases become a plant stand!

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A substantial Louis Vuitton trunk makes a perfect console table - just add decorative objects on top, and you have a wonderful tableau. 

There are numerous options at auction, and I will give just a few to give an idea of styles and prices. The first three are from Christies. The classic Louis Vuitton trunk commands the highest prices. This one sold for $8,500 off an auction estimate of $7,500 to $12,000. It is 22 inches tall and 43 inches wide. It makes a great console or coffee table. 

This late 19th century Chinese export wooden and bras bound trunk has the warmth of age. This sold for $2,300 off an auction estimate of $1,800 to $2,800. It is 20 inches tall and 41 inches wide. We have a Chinese trunk that we had a stand built for making it a great coffee or side table.

Stacking suitcases makes for very smart looking decoration. They can serve as a plant stand, or just sit under a console table for added interest. This 20th century group sold for $580 off an auction estimate of $750 to $1,200.

Doyle New York often has luggage and trunks available at their auctions. For another Louis Vuitton example I like the shape of this one. It is 22 inches tall and 30 inches wide. This sold for $5,938 off an auction estimate of $3,000 to $5,000. I love the description of the condition: "broken handles, scuffs, small tears and scratches". All the better - you know it's well traveled. It was from the estate of Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl giving it added cache.

This was also from her estate, and would make a good base for stacking other luggage on top. This is a Goyard leather trunk measuring 13 inches tall and 39 inches wide. This sold at Doyle for $2,500 off an auction estimate of $2,000 to $4,000. You can be sure that this also saw some exotic travel!

These Chinese style trunks would be very chic stacked or each set on frames as end tables. These sold at Doyle for $219 for the pair off an auction estimate of $300 - $500. They measure 15 inches tall and are 30 inches wide. 

No matter how much you have to invest in a vintage trunk or luggage, they will add style and character to your decor.