Junk in the Trunk

Sorry, I could not pass up an opportunity to use JITT as a post title. I promise this post is really about trunks rather than the phrase in the Urban Dictionary sense of the word!

A few weeks ago I was so flattered by all of your positive feedback on my sneaky solution, where I disguised the dreaded cat litter box in a vintage trunk. I'd been wanting an excuse to use an old trunk in my apartment for the longest time and am glad I finally found a great way to do double duty in terms of both decoration and function.

I love old trunks and are always drawn to them whenever I see them at antique/vintage stores. In a world where decor is becoming increasingly homogenized thanks to chain stores, online stores, and instant access to trends via blogs, there also comes a desire to have something that no one else has. Enter vintage trunks, which by their very nature are one of a kind. Each has its own story and the one you buy tomorrow will be different than the one you bought yesterday. In terms of getting a unique item that really makes a statement in your room, there is no better bang for your buck than a vintage trunk. My parents have an old camelback trunk that for years sat in the garage. When I was little I was convinced I'd find pirate treasure in it! Trunks have sort of a mythological quality to them, don't they? A perfect symbol of trips taken, lives lived long ago, and the lore of treasured objects once stored inside.

Trunks can be upscale casual, like this one in Country Living.

They can be utterly chic and sophisticated, like this one in Tommy Hilfiger's home (via Fashionphile).

Stacked suitcases with a clever wooden topper would make a perfect bedside table- they definitely don't have to be LV to lend a similarly striking effect!

My favorite part of this room isn't the LV trunk table (which, again, you could easily duplicate with a stylish old suitcase of your own), but rather, the fawn print rug. Fabulous!!! Mountain Living via Fashionphile

I spy a table identical to the one above...Louis Vuitton Pullman Case on Stand, 1st Dibs. Don't forget your coasters when serving drinks near this baby!

We've featured this room before, and love the black and gold trunk used as a small coffee table. Elle Decor

A smaller cube-style trunk makes a perfect bedside table or side table. Decorpad

What a perfect alternative to a bench at the end of a bed- swap in a vintage trunk and you've got a great place to store extra blankets.





Check out the above trunk's doppelganger on Craigslist DC!





Painted trunks convey a more nautical theme. Coastal Living

As I mentioned, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a great vintage trunk; far from it. I saw a lot of great camelback trunks over the weekend at Ruff & Ready for under $100. And I just did a quick Craig consultation and look what I found all around the US of A!

Craigslist DC - $45





Craigslist Charlotte- $60





Craigslist Dallas- $50





Craigslist New York -$120

MoS Charlotte told me she already picked out my birthday present, this Vintage Goyard Steamer Trunk from  Malleries ($26,500). Isn't she generous? Ha! After all, we've got some catching up to do with Uncle Karl!

  



Do you have any vintage trunks in your home? How do you use them? Or how would you like to use them? Everyone needs a little JITT!