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Amazing and unique ways to repurpose vintage suitcases

Unique Upcycles of Vintage Suitcases You Might Not Have Thought Of

Vintage suitcases aren’t very practical for traveling with these days, but they do look good!
 
They are heavy and don’t have inbuilt wheels. Lugging them around is like a gym workout. Now everyone wants a modern suitcase with wheels just to save their backs if nothing else.
 
That’s why train stations and airports used to be full of porters ready to carry your luggage for you. I can’t remember the last time I used a porter, do they still exist?
 
However, there is something very charming and appealing about vintage suitcases, that’s why they look so great revamped into some sort of home decor item.
 
12 Amazing and unique ways to upcycle vintage suitcases.  From decoupage, to clever furniture and even a dolls house.
 
 
I’m always picking up vintage suitcases for next to nothing. They are one of my favourite things to upcycle, I’ve got a few sitting in my loft at the moment waiting to be pimped.
 
 

Decoupaged suitcases….

 
1. Brilliant Vintage map suitcase – Pillarboxblue
 
This is definitely one for those with wanderlust. Just adding a world map to both the inside and outside transformed a vintage suitcase into something awesome.
 
Amazing vintage suitcases - Vintage Map Suitcase
 
 
2. No Sew Denim Patchwork Suitcase – Pillar Box Blue
 
Just add a pair of old jeans, this is a great way to transform a vintage suitcase that has seen a bit of wear and tear. No sewing involved either.
 
Patchwork Denim Suitcase - Upcycled vintage suitcase with old jeans. This is a no sew tutorial.

 
 
3. Make your own floral suitcase – A Beautiful Mess
 
These suitcases are just so colourful and gorgeous.
 

 
 

Vintage suitcase furniture …

 
4. Vinatage Suitcase Side table – Sadieseasongoods
 
I love the contrast of the chunky legs with this suitcase and the luggage tag detail. This would look awesome in any entrance way.
 

 
 
5. Vintage Suitcase Shelves – Grillo Designs
 
How about making some fabulous unique shelves with old cases?
 

 
 
6. Vintage suitcase Chair – See Kate Sew
 
As well as adding little legs, upholster the suitcase to create a cute little chair.
 

 
 
7. Suitcase Pet Bed – Sadieseasongoods
 
Old suitcases aren’t just for grown ups, they can be adapted for pets too!
 

 
 
8. Vintage suitcase sidetable – Pillarboxblue
 
This is such a cool bedside table for those with wanderlust. Comes with handy storage too!
 
Upcycled vintage suitcase side table with free luggage label printables.
 
 
9. Bathroom Vanity With Upcycled Suitcase – Heathered Nest
 
This has got to be one of my favourite suitcase upcycles, and I just love the map lining. Great tutorial too!
 

 
 
10. Suitcase coffee table – DIY Network
 
Add hairpin legs and hey presto you have a table!
 

 
 

Other great suitcase ideas…

 
11. Suitcase into Puppet Theater – Melly Sews
 
My kids would have loved one of these puppet theaters when they were younger.
 

 
 
12. Suitcase Dolls House – My Poppet
 
Another one for the kids. This is just so freaking adorable, I wish I had a little kid to make one for. You could even do a superhero lair version, just change the chalkboard on the outside to suit.
 

 
 
Hopefully, you have found something to inspire you to upcycle a vintage suitcase. Part of the charm of old suitcases is their battered and worn look. However, if your suitcase has been a bit too much in the wars, then don’t forget to decoupage, it can hide a lot of damage.
 
 
 


 
 

Darlene

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

I have some old suit cases I would love to try some of your ideas. Do you have an email blog to follow?

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Thank you, there is an email subscription form on the page. But I can added manually if you want.

Sam - Raggedy Bits

Thursday 15th of March 2018

So many great ideas for Vintage Suitcases! Love them all!!

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 15th of March 2018

Thank you, Sam.

yuni

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

i love the one with the map! such great ideas!

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you, I love the map one to it sits in my fireplace.

Michelle Leslie

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Love these idea so much Claire. It's becoming so difficult to find vintage suitcases now and they are so appealing. It always makes me think of far away places and long voyages to foreign lands

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you! I have an auction house near me and they come up regularly. I’ve actually got one sitting in my loft waiting to be upcycled.

Sherry

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

These are all fabulous projects. I can not pass up a vintage suitcase when I come across one.

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 13th of March 2018

Thank you, Sherry. I find them hard to resist too!