Decorating
Past to Present: The Travel Trunk
From steamship luggage to talking-point coffee table, the travel trunk has come a long way but remains as sophisticated as always
The travel trunk is one of many objects that modern production has made virtually obsolete, with the days of suitcases-sans-wheels virtually a distant memory. But it’s always a shame to see outmoded objects go to waste, which is why it’s also a delight to see them recycled and repurposed.
The glorious travel trunk of yesteryear, with all its nostalgic connotations of romance, adventure and travel to far-off destinations, is now a highly practical and character-filled substitute for a variety of furniture pieces. And of course, still serving its original function, it doubles as storage too. Here’s what to know about the classic piece.
The glorious travel trunk of yesteryear, with all its nostalgic connotations of romance, adventure and travel to far-off destinations, is now a highly practical and character-filled substitute for a variety of furniture pieces. And of course, still serving its original function, it doubles as storage too. Here’s what to know about the classic piece.
Louis Vuitton was one of the most notable travel trunk-makers. He began his career in Paris in the 1830s working as an apprentice box maker and packer, making and packing trunks for well-heeled travellers including Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie.
Becoming well versed with the art of box making, he started his own business in 1854 making lightweight airtight trunks with flat tops for stacking. With railroads and steamships changing the face of travel in the late 19th century, baggage became big business and by 1913, the Louis Vuitton store on Paris’ Champs-Elysees was the largest travel-goods store in the world. The rest, as they say, is history.
Becoming well versed with the art of box making, he started his own business in 1854 making lightweight airtight trunks with flat tops for stacking. With railroads and steamships changing the face of travel in the late 19th century, baggage became big business and by 1913, the Louis Vuitton store on Paris’ Champs-Elysees was the largest travel-goods store in the world. The rest, as they say, is history.
With the proliferation of mass travel by auto and air in the 20th century, the travel trunk was replaced by cheaper and lighter suitcases that proved a more practical choice. Fortunately, the travel trunk has not disappeared with time, and today it remains as sophisticated and glamorous as it always was.
THE STYLE
Flat-top trunk
When it came to travel, flat-top trunks, otherwise known as steamer trunks, were by far the most popular luggage style. These trunks made for easy storage on steamboats and trains, replacing earlier rounded-top trunks.
They came in different sizes, shapes and styles with distinguishing hardware, markings and protective coverings. Louis Vuitton’s early productions were covered in grey ‘Trianon’ canvas, pictured below, and marked with a hand-scribed ‘Fremantle’ marking.
Flat-top trunk
When it came to travel, flat-top trunks, otherwise known as steamer trunks, were by far the most popular luggage style. These trunks made for easy storage on steamboats and trains, replacing earlier rounded-top trunks.
They came in different sizes, shapes and styles with distinguishing hardware, markings and protective coverings. Louis Vuitton’s early productions were covered in grey ‘Trianon’ canvas, pictured below, and marked with a hand-scribed ‘Fremantle’ marking.
HOW TO USE IT
With its flat surface, the travel trunk works as table, seat or display surface, not forgetting that they also make for ideal storage.
Old-style storage solutions
With its flat surface, the travel trunk works as table, seat or display surface, not forgetting that they also make for ideal storage.
Old-style storage solutions
Side table
Next to a sofa or chair, the steamer trunk can provide a variety of heights and surface areas on which to set drinks, books and ornaments.
Next to a sofa or chair, the steamer trunk can provide a variety of heights and surface areas on which to set drinks, books and ornaments.
Coffee table
Likewise, the travel trunk can be used as a centrepiece coffee table and covered with protective glass if need be.
Coffee table alternatives
Likewise, the travel trunk can be used as a centrepiece coffee table and covered with protective glass if need be.
Coffee table alternatives
Bedside table
Sitting beside the bed, a travel trunk is a stylish addition to the bedroom as a bedside table with surface space enough for bedtime essentials.
Bedside tables with a difference
Sitting beside the bed, a travel trunk is a stylish addition to the bedroom as a bedside table with surface space enough for bedtime essentials.
Bedside tables with a difference
Occasional seating
Being of sturdy construction, travel trunks make for easy occasional seating. Probably not too comfortable to sit on for any length of time, but certainly an adequate perch for a short while.
Being of sturdy construction, travel trunks make for easy occasional seating. Probably not too comfortable to sit on for any length of time, but certainly an adequate perch for a short while.
Display
Stack a few trunks atop one another to make not only a travel-oriented display, but also a surface on which to display other objects.
Decorate with holiday souvenirs
Stack a few trunks atop one another to make not only a travel-oriented display, but also a surface on which to display other objects.
Decorate with holiday souvenirs
WHERE TO BUY
- Travel trunks can be bought new, but it’s the much sought-after, pre-loved trunks that will have the most history and character.
- Scour local antique shops and secondhand stores as well as websites that sell used and vintage goods.
- Search online for manufacturers or suppliers of new trunks in the ‘vintage style’.
TELL US
Do you have an old travel trunk you use for furniture? Upload pictures to the Comments section below to share your clever finds and ideas on how to use them.
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Do you have an old travel trunk you use for furniture? Upload pictures to the Comments section below to share your clever finds and ideas on how to use them.
MORE
Past to Present: The Writing Desk
9 Salvaged Cast-Offs Reinvented as Storage
10 Upcycling Projects to Turn Your Trash Into Treasure
While their history dates back thousands of years, the more typical vintage trunks hail from the 1800s and early 1900s, when travel became more accessible to a wider population.