How an Old Travel Trunk Coffee Table Can Transform Your Living Space

Trunk coffee tables offer a unique blend of style and functionality, bringing an unconventional and captivating element to living rooms and interior designs. Often inspired by vintage luggage, these pieces evoke a sense of history, adventure, and a well-traveled spirit. Whether you prefer the classic warmth of aged wood or leather, the sleekness of metal, or vibrant colors, an Old Travel Trunk Coffee Table can anchor your space and reflect your personal taste.

These distinctive tables aren’t just furniture; they’re conversation starters that tell a story. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, many provide practical storage solutions, helping to declutter your living area while adding character. Exploring the diversity available allows you to discover how these versatile pieces can refresh and enhance your current decor, providing a focal point that is both compelling and useful. Consider how elements like the cost of royal caribbean travel insurance factor into larger lifestyle planning, much like selecting durable and characterful furniture for your home.

Exploring Different Styles of Trunk Coffee Tables

While the classic image of an Old Travel Trunk Coffee Table might be a weathered, vintage piece in a rustic setting, modern designs offer far more variety. You can find contemporary versions made from sleek metal with glass tops, colorful painted trunks for a bohemian vibe, or even minimalist designs with clean lines perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

Let’s delve into some inspiring styles:

Tan with Gray Accents

Vintage suitcase style trunk coffee table with tan leather and gray fabric accents.

This style brings a retro spirit to the setting. Its suitcase design and weathered tan leather finish evoke vintage travel. Gray fabric accents secured with stitching trim the corners, while hardware detailing along the top and sides enhances the retro feel. Resting on sturdy black cylindrical legs, this piece is functional and eye-catching. Decking the top with coffee table books and a decorative planter introduces color, paired beautifully with a deep-blue sofa for an alluring contrast.

Rustic Trunk with Castors

Weathered rustic trunk coffee table with castors and chrome hardware.

This piece often presents a weathered patina, hinting at untold stories. Its rectangular silhouette offers timeless rusticity, while chrome hardware adds an understated sheen. A wooden slab typically forms the tabletop, while wheels at the base allow for effortless movement, bolstering the table’s aesthetic and practicality. Such a piece features well against a southwestern-inspired rug, accentuated by a leather sofa for a balanced setup.

Colorful Trunk Set of Two

Set of two stacked colorful trunk coffee tables with mixed designs.

Taking inspiration from stacked suitcases, this distinctive setup offers an individualized twist. The upper section often features a mix of vibrant colors illuminating the space and forming the room’s anchor with playful energy. The lower section maintains a timeless feel with its monochromatic design, providing a grounding element. This set complements surrounding leather furnishings and works cohesively with a patterned area rug spread beneath it.

Repurposed Trunk Upholstered Top

Repurposed trunk coffee table with a textured wood body and tufted upholstered top.

This compact coffee table style can evoke the feel of a well-worn antique. Its textured wood body and subtle upholstered top form a pleasing contrast of materials. Angled metal legs offer sturdy support while adding a hint of industrial edge to the metal hardware affixed to its body. This mix gives the table a distinctive character and a weathered aesthetic. A tufted tabletop provides a soft touch, while accent pillows present color and soften the piece’s rusticity.

Pedestal Trunk

Unique olive green suitcase style trunk coffee table on a wooden pedestal base.

This piece hints at journeys and adventures with its distinctive design. Its low-slung profile offers a contemporary feel, while the olive-toned top, warmed by subtle brown undertones, creates a timeless vintage-inspired color palette. A warm wooden base grounds the piece, complementing the earthy green tones. This table’s individualized appearance speaks of a rich past, making it an intriguing addition to the space and sure to spark conversation.

Coastal Trunk Style – Distressed Finish

Distressed off-white wood trunk coffee table in a coastal inspired setting.

This unvarnished coffee table, often painted off-white with a distressed finish, presents an interplay of textures. It features a rectangular top with integrated storage and short, round feet. The top provides a satisfying counterpoint to the wood’s rusticity beneath, highlighting intentional distressing techniques. This table sits naturally in coastal or farmhouse-inspired settings, coinciding with neutral hues and natural textures like rattan. It lends a sense of relaxation and timeworn charm.

Industrial Trunk – Brown Accents

Dark brown industrial style trunk coffee table with metal hardware.

This style signifies industrial and rustic designs. Its rectangular build and low profile give it a grounded presence. Metal hardware accents the body, emphasizing the industrial feel. A rich dark brown hue adds a rustic touch, complemented by lighter wood tones for visual contrast. This piece partners well with brown sofas, especially those with a leather finish and tufted design, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

Square Trunk Gold Accents

Square brown leather trunk coffee table with white stitching and gold hardware.

This square trunk embodies a retro aesthetic with its brown leather finish and evenly spaced legs offering a classic look. White stitching along the leather provides subtle detailing, while gold hardware adds color and reinforces the piece’s authentic feel. The trunk’s warm finish invites comfort, and subtle accents create retro appeal. Set atop wooden shiplap flooring, it establishes a timeless ambiance within the setup.

Teal Trunk with Castors

Sea green metal trunk coffee table with castors and industrial style.

Merging metal and wood for an exceptional build, this piece’s low, cubical shape and weathered finish cultivate an industrial vibe, further emphasized by metal hardware. The striking sea-green hue, punctuated by touches of dark brown, adds a bold element. Four wheels affixed to its base provide effortless movement for simple rearrangement. This distinctive trunk pairs cohesively with exposed brick, enriching a room’s industrial aesthetic.

Wooden Trunk with Trestle Base

High-set wooden trunk coffee table with a raw finish on black steel trestle base.

This high-set trunk offers a mix of natural and industrial elements. Crafted from raw, unfinished wood, the rectangular top presents a weathered texture. Its imperfections and natural variations speak to a timeless quality. A black steel base offers a counterpoint, lending a smooth finish contrasting with the table body. Paired with wooden chairs, it continues a rustic feel for a cohesive, relaxed, and informal setup.

Vintage Trunk

Worn and weathered vintage leather trunk coffee table with aged metal hardware.

This trunk style invites a feeling of wanderlust, hinting at a rich history through its worn and weathered leather finish. Its design, low profile, and generous size make it a natural fit for rustic or vintage-inspired spaces. Aged metal hardware adorns the trunk, its patina complementing the weathered leather. For a compelling contrast, gold vases filled with white roses on the chest oppose the table’s ruggedness, completing a captivating focal point.

Teak Trunk with Gray Accents

Meticulously crafted teak trunk coffee table with light wood, gray leather, and gold hardware.

This meticulously crafted trunk integrates natural aesthetics and modern accents. A light wood finish forms the base and body, while subtle gray leather accents add a touch of modernity. Gold hardware offers a slight glimmer, further accenting the design. The top features a polished surface, forming a stage for decorative objects. This attention to detail and mix of textures make this trunk a distinctive addition, complementing styles like boho-inspired aesthetics.

Antique Trunk

Antique style trunk coffee table in reddish-brown with chrome hardware and leather straps.

This type of coffee table radiates nostalgia, prompting the style of classic travel luggage. Finished in a warm, reddish-brown tone, it features chrome hardware accents on latches and handles, with subtle hints of orange adding a cozy feel. Black leather straps often line the edges, secured with chrome studs, while convenient handles make rearrangement simple. The piece pairs well with patterned vintage rugs to complement its timeless appeal, creating a balanced setting.

Turquoise Trunk with Tapered Legs

Repurposed turquoise suitcase coffee table with metal hardware, leather corners, and tapered legs.

Displaying a distinctive repurposed suitcase design with a rich turquoise exterior, this style offers a relaxed, low-set rectangular shape. Metal hardware forms latches and levers, accenting the piece, while a front handle bolsters both aesthetic and practical function. Leather corners secured with contrasting white stitching offer a subtle textural element. Four compact legs comprise the base, yielding intrigue. The piece partners well with a blue sofa and a light floral rug for a balanced and inviting setup.

Reclaimed Trunk Coffee Table

Farmhouse style reclaimed wood trunk coffee table with distressed off-white base and wheels.

This farmhouse trunk style oozes rustic appeal. Its rectangular top, often crafted from weathered pallets arranged in a shiplap pattern, adds dimension and texture. The trunk’s long, narrow build and off-white base contrast with the distressed wood. Four wheels offer practicality, allowing for effortless movement within the space. This piece fits naturally into farmhouse or cottage settings, bringing a feel of timeworn charm.

Stacked Set of Two

Cohesive stacked set of two trunk coffee tables with matching leather and chrome hardware.

These stacked suitcase trunks offer a cohesive, retro design. Each piece often features matching leather finishes and chrome hardware, creating a unified look. Handles on both the top and sides provide aesthetic benefits and easy maneuvering. This design adds a touch of retro style to your space, pairing well with a rustic area rug offering a warm texture, contrasting the trunk’s more refined look.

Textured Trunk Coffee Table

Textured wood trunk coffee table with storage drawers, metal hardware, and castors.

This trunk boasts richly textured wood, celebrating upcycled aesthetics. Black metal hardware often accents its back and sides for an industrial contrast. Multiple storage drawers can offer space for organization, improving functionality. The trunk showcases a mix of natural wood tones, creating intrigue, while a shiplap design on the top yields further textural depth. Its clean lines and classic rectangular form often sit atop castor wheels, ensuring easy movement.

Modern Trunk with Brass Accents

Modern trunk coffee table with a repurposed zinc finish, brass accents, and angled legs.

This coffee table presents brass accents and a repurposed finish, showcasing exceptional character. Its rectangular build offers a classic silhouette, while a mix of brass and chrome hardware adds visual intrigue. Four angled legs with metal tips can provide sturdy support and mid-century modern flair. A polished finish reflects meticulous craftsmanship and lends the table a refined feel. This repurposed piece fits well in both indoor and potentially covered outdoor settings, making it an adaptable addition.

Weathered Trunk Coffee Table

Low-set rectangular weathered dark brown trunk coffee table with rustic gold hardware.

In this setup, the rectangular coffee table showcases rusticity with a dark brown finish and weathered appearance. Its low-set design and subtle hints of rustic gold hardware add a touch of understated luxury. The interplay between the weathered aesthetic and gold accents forms a pleasing visual balance. To further enhance its appeal, antique ornaments featured on the table’s surface can complement the piece’s character.

Light-wood Trunk

Light wood industrial style trunk coffee table with black hardware.

This light-wood trunk embodies an industrial aesthetic with its sleek, low-set design and black hardware accents. Subtle hints of dark brown within the wood add depth to its appearance. The trunk’s smooth top highlights craftsmanship, elevating it from simple storage to a decorative element. This piece makes a bold statement, often set against a patterned rug and accentuated by a tufted leather sofa with studded detailing.

Gray Trunk with Leather Finish

Gray leather finished rectangular trunk coffee table with leather corners and subtle legs.

With its rectangular form and leather-accented corners, this low-set coffee table draws the eye without overwhelming the space. Its neutral gray finish, highlighted by brown and off-white details in the hardware, creates an understated aesthetic. Subtle legs can feature intricate carvings, merging classic styles with practicality. The table features well with greenery alongside coffee table books, while a plush leather sofa complements the table’s brown accents.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Using an old travel trunk as a coffee table comes with practical aspects to consider:

Faux vs. Authentic: The Choice Is Yours

Not all trunk coffee tables are crafted from real vintage luggage. Many options are constructed specifically as furniture (“faux trunks”). These modern versions offer unique styles and customization. Weigh the cost and your design goals. A genuine vintage find provides history and a unique patina of age, but new trunks might be more budget-friendly. If seeking a true antique, familiarize yourself with signs of age on materials like leather, wood, and metals, and learn to spot common repairs.

Think in Sets

Two or three smaller trunks grouped together can replace a single large trunk coffee table. This provides flexibility – arrange them together for a larger surface or separate them when entertaining for more side table options. Trunks in the same set don’t need to perfectly match; slight variations in size, color, or hardware add more visual interest.

Modernize It

Add sleek legs to an antique trunk to elevate it (literally) and give it a more modern feel. Choose hairpin legs for a mid-century look, industrial-style legs for an edgy vibe, or simple block legs for a minimalist style.

Look Up

The space above your trunk is prime decorating real estate. Suspend a vintage-looking pendant light, a boho macrame plant hanger, or a simple, sculptural mobile to draw the eye upward and add a touch of whimsy.

Coffee Table Curiosities: FAQs

Tackle the journey of discovery and uncover the subtle ways this often-underestimated piece can reshape your living space.

Are trunk coffee tables prone to damage from pests or insects?

Depending on the materials used and the environment, trunk coffee tables can be susceptible to damage from pests such as termites, beetles, or moths. Regular inspections, proper storage, and preventive measures like using cedarwood liners or insect-repellent products can help mitigate the risk.

Do trunk shapes influence how they’re used as coffee tables?

Yes, here’s how shape can impact usage:

• Domed tops: Offer a less stable surface, better for decorative displays.
• Flat tops: Ideal for placing drinks, books, or trays.
• Rectangular: Fit most common living room layouts.
• Half-dome: Work well pushed against walls for space-saving solutions.

What are the telltale signs that a trunk coffee table is trying to reproduce a vintage style rather than being truly old?

Look out for these clues:

• Artificial distressing: Perfectly uniform scratches look manufactured.
• Pristine hardware: Some patinas are difficult to fake convincingly.
• Uniform construction techniques: Modern methods differ from older crafts.
• Mass-produced look: Too many identical copies suggest it’s recent.

What types of hardware are common on trunk coffee tables, and can they help identify their age?

Hardware can be a big clue. Look for:

• Hand-forged nails or screws (older).
• Mass-produced hardware (more recent).
• Latches, locks, and corner protectors (vary across eras and styles).
• Hinges: simple strap hinges are older than complex piano hinges.

Are there alternatives to a standard trunk coffee table that still offer a similar look and feel?

Yes, get creative with:

• Vintage suitcases stacked to create a tiered table.
• Old wooden crates converted with added legs/wheels.
• Blanket chests with decorative hardware and a modernized finish.
• Metal footlockers given a fresh coat of paint.

How do I keep the inside of my trunk coffee table from smelling musty?

• Ventilation: Leave the trunk open occasionally to air out.
• Baking soda: Place a bowl inside to absorb odors.
• Clean the lining: If feasible, clean the interior lining with a gentle solution.
• Cedar chips or sachets: Add a pleasant, natural scent.

My trunk coffee table has developed a squeak. How do I fix it?

• Locate the squeak: Is it from hinges, the lid, or elsewhere?
• Lubricate: Hinges often benefit from a bit of WD-40 or similar lubricant.
• Tighten hardware: Loose hardware can cause noises.
• Consult a restorer: If it’s an antique trunk and the squeak persists, a professional might be needed.

What’s the difference between a steamer trunk, a dome-top trunk, and a flat-top trunk in terms of coffee table suitability?

For coffee table use, steamer trunks offer a classic look with a practical flat top and varying storage depths. Dome-top trunks boast antique charm but have less usable surface area and less accessible storage. Flat-top trunks are the most practical surface-wise, offering good storage but potentially lacking visual flair. Your best choice depends on style preferences, surface space needs, and desired storage type.

Are there downsides to using a trunk as a coffee table?

Potential downsides include:

• Limited surface area: Some trunks have uneven lids or aren’t spacious enough for serving food or games.
• Awkward to open: Depending on the design, frequent access to the interior can be cumbersome.
• Wear and tear: If used heavily, the hinges or surface might show wear quicker than a standard table.

Can I refinish a trunk coffee table or will it ruin its value?

Refinishing can decrease the value of an antique trunk. Collectors often prefer the original patina. However:

• If the trunk is heavily damaged, careful restoration might be worthwhile.
• Modern, vintage-style trunks can be refinished without much value loss.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our exploration of how an old travel trunk coffee table can elevate your home, we’ve seen how these unique pieces offer both style and substance. More than just furniture, they embody a spirit of adventure, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of personalized design. Whether you gravitate towards rustic or contemporary aesthetics, a well-chosen trunk will enhance your living space with its distinctive character and practical advantages. Let this piece become a reflection of your story, a testament to your taste, and a timeless addition to your home. Embrace the journey of making your space truly your own!