Decorating with Vintage Suitcases

March 3, 2014


Decorating with vintage suitcases is one of my favorite go-to decorating ideas. And I know I'm supposed to be keeping things uncluttered on the home front since we're moving {sigh}, but I just couldn't resist this one!  Some of the kiddos gave me money for my birthday and of course it was burning a hole in my pocket....ever get that feeling?  Anyway, I felt the urge to stop by a local vintage shop that was having it's President's Day sale.  And boy was I glad I did!  Here's what I found stashed in a corner behind a few mirrors.


It's a vintage Samsonite faux alligator suitcase, and it's huge!  It measures 26 by 20 inches and it's in near perfect condition. And to sweeten the deal it even came with the key.


It also has some beautiful brass hardware.  What's not to love?


I'm always excited when a vintage find still has some useful identifying markers on it, like this one did.


It was easy to spot the manufacturer's "Samsonite" metal tag right on top.

But when you looked underneath you also found this.


I used this style number to investigate my find.  Turns out an identical one had just sold on ebay for $90.00.

I paid $35.00.  Yes, I did the happy dance.

For me $35.00 was a lot to spend on a vintage suitcase, but overall I recognized that I got one heck of a deal and was very happy with my purchase.

Now I can't wait to use it in my decor at the new house, once we finally move.  Until then, I've created a Pinterest board dedicated to vintage suitcases.  They're so practical when it comes to decorating.  

You can stack them.


Paint them.

Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}: DIY Painted Vintage Suitcase

{Find this painted vintage album case in my prior post here}

Use them as furniture.

Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}: Vintage Suitcase Side Table

{Find my DIY vintage suitcase "table" here.}

Or fill them with your favorite things.

Vintage Suitcase Bar - one of the many vintage finds reimagined at eclecticallyvintage.com


Don't you just love this?

I also picked up a large light blue leather vintage suitcase at Goodwill a while back for a song.  That, too, will be involved in my new decorating scheme, once we actually move.  I'm not really into blues so we'll see what I end up doing with it.

In the meantime I guess I'll keep pinning to my Vintage Suitcase Pinterest Board.

Do you have any ideas for decorating with vintage suitcases?  I'd love to hear them!

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xoxo

Leave a Comment!

White Lace and Promises said...

Awesome find! Looks to good to be vintage, but I see the label! Wow! Love what you do with all your suitcases. All I can say is Wow!

NanaDiana said...

My daughter has hers stacked and has used them as an end table for several years. I used to have one that was covered with sheet music and when opened I used it to display vintage Christmas stuff. I passed it along to one of the kids- xo Diana

Nancy's Notes said...

You've got some really awesome suitcases! My daughter collects them too! Yours are great looking pieces and it adds so much to one's decor! Love them!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What an awesome find! You were lucky to find it with the original key. Great deal too.

Gayla said...

Your lucky find! I love the look. I have a set from the forties in the blonde but haven't ever done much with them. I think your ideas might just inspire me!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Looks like you found one in good condition also - You did good. So many are really roughed up - but oh all the stories they could probably tell.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love the suitcases, they are all so fun.

You asked about the pillows at Hobby Lobby, they are in the fabric section, where the rolls of fabric are. Hope you find some you like. Hugs, Marty

Privet and Holly said...

Wow, what a sweet deal!
I also l love your album
suitcase....so cool. You
truly have a refined and
trained eye for lovely deals,
my friend!

xo Suzanne

Donna Wilkes said...

What a bargain for that handsome Samsonite suitcase. i use mine all over the house - mostly very attractive storage. I use the worn out ones in the yard as planters.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Wow at $35 with the key...What a great deal! I love when I have gift money or gift certificates...It is like free money just for me!

Carol

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

I love vintage suitcases and you found a great one!
xx,
Sherry

At Home in English Valley said...

Wow, you hit a nerve with me...my kryptonite. Never met a vintage suitcase I didn't like. I have a bunch, stacked, filled...a few nice ones but not as nice as yours. I used to find them for 3 or 4 dollars...no more. They are a great hiding place for stuff, a pain to unstack, is that a word?
Anyway, great find! Having a key is amazing! I also like monograms. Have a great weekend my friend. Love, Penny

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I have become so drawn to vintage suitcases lately and they are one of the things I look for whenever I go thrifting. I have quite a collection going but they are all listed in my Etsy shop! I recently found a large blue one and can't list it till I find a big enough box for shipping! Love this post! Visiting from Anything Blue Friday.

Debra@CommonGround said...

that's a gorgeous case, what a deal!

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