Vintage Suitcase Side Table

May 11, 2013



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Ever buy something thinking it was one thing and later find out it was really something else?  Not that I like to admit it, but sometimes in my haste to purchase a "score" at Goodwill I might accidentally overlook a flaw or two in the merchandise.  Take this small storage bench, for example.


Not sure how well you can see from this angle, but once I got it home I noticed that the "lid" hung way too much over the sides of the bench.  It looked really sad, actually.  I originally bought it to freshen up and use for a small piano bench of sorts.  Well, not now.  The proportions were just too off.  So I decided to use it for something else I had wanted to make for a long time: a vintage suitcase table.


I removed the ill-fitting lid and saved it for another day. 

 Then I painted the bench an off-white and added the suitcase.

And voila.


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Here it is, sitting on the patio, adorned with my DIY-mercury glass votives and a thrift-store vintage glass pitcher filled with tulips.  I really love the combination of the table with the suitcase.  And did I tell you that I didn't even attach them to each other permanently?  No, that would have been too much trouble!  And this way, I can remove the suitcase and use it in other vignettes whenever I need it.

I filled the suitcase with linens, etc. that I really needed to store somewhere. And it's totally secure just sitting on top of the bench.  But I can move it around if I want!

I can also store stuff in the bench itself as well.  Sweet.

 
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I had some fun moving the whole thing around the yard as well as inside the house for some photos.
 
 
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The inside shots are being saved for another day since they include something else I want to show you! 

I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  And it was SO easy! 

Sometimes I'm glad when I make a Goodwill "mistake."  How about you?

xoxo

 

Leave a Comment!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a save! It's looking so happy right now with the suitcase that's smiling.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Really like the redo! The suitcase adds lots of extra storage.
Have a wonderful Happy Mothers' Day!

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, What a lovely vignette! I love your suitcase! Your re-purpose of the stool is perfect for this! It's precious! Happy Mother's Day!

Artsy VaVa said...

I love the table. I have a table base that is missing the top and I have been trying to decide what to do with it. Now I know! Thanks!

Donna Wilkes said...

The bench base looks as if it was made for the vintage suitcase. I love to use suitcases all over - both inside and outside. I am currently looking for one like this to match one I have!

Jamie-So Much Better With Age said...

What an adorable idea! It's gorgeous. I’d love it if you could link this up to our party, Give Me The Goods Monday! {1 party, 5 blogs}
http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/05/give-me-goods-party-8.html
Have a great week!
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

Stampin' VMG206 said...

Oh that is darling! I love how you have it outside ~ too cute!
I'm visiting you today from a Stroll Thru Life. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesday (open thru Sat). I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog, leave a comment and Link Up, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party

Kelly @ Cornerofmain.com said...

How cute!! It turned out adorable; what a great project =) This would be perfect for our DIY party: http://cornerofmain.com/2013/05/diy-may-nia-2-garage-sale-makeover-how-to-naturally-clean-wood-furniture/

Hope you can stop by!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

This is the cutest idea. I love it. Thanks so much for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

What a cute idea! I've been throwing around the idea of making a table out of my great-grandma's old suitcase that looks similar! I like yours!!

Rachel from FarMorePrecious.com

Unknown said...

This is such a cute idea!! I love that you didn't even attach it, too :) I'm visiting from Show Me What Ya Got.. hope you'll stop by to say hello!

-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
www.revolutionariesblog.com

angela hodges abode said...

Thank is the most unique! I love it! I would for you to link up at http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/assets-and-efforts-linky-party-2.html

Thanks,
Angela

Unknown said...

OMG, I love this! It's so great! Would be a great photography prop too! I pinned it to my crafts board :o) Have a fantastic night!

At Home in English Valley said...

Hi Kathy, What a great idea. I have so many suitcases...
finding the right base is the trick. You've got a great eye!
What a day we had today...the best all year in my opinion! Take care my friend! Love, Penny

Jenna said...

Love it! I love old suitcases and this is a great way to re-purpose one! Awesome job! Thanks so much for linking up at Give Me The Goods Monday! Can't wait to see what you bring next week! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

chateau chic said...

What a great idea. Your suitcase table turned out so cute.
Mary Alice

Debra@CommonGround said...

perfect way to use a vintage suitcase, love how you have it staged, too!!

Day before Michelle said...

Love it!! I wish our goodwill stores weren't so over priced :(

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Adorable! Such a sweet table, you did good!!!
Just back from spending a week with family and my mother, we had a great time. Thanks so much for sharing this sweet table at Amaze Me Monday, hope you'll pop over to join this weeks party...
Blessings,
Cindy

Stampin' VMG206 said...


Thank you for Linking Up last week. I’m featuring you today at Brag About It | Link Party | No.5



~ Megin of VMG206


Brag About It ~ No. 5

Unknown said...

Kathleen, this suitcase looks like the same style as one that I have except mine is the cosmetic train. It is a Maximillian and is worth a pretty penny!

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