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    Home » Repurposed Items » Miscellaneous Household Items » Repurposed Vintage Suitcase

    Repurposed Vintage Suitcase

    Published by Gail | Published July 17, 2015 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Hi everyone, it's Joan, and I'm back to share a fun diy repurposed suitcase makeover. A few weeks ago I hit the scavenging jackpot when I was offered the chance to go thru a pile of props used by a theatre company.

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet

     The theatre company had housed all their costumes, props, stage accessories...you name it, in an old elementary school. Unfortunately, (or fortunately for me) the school was being demolished and they had to move all their stuff. They had a day to do it.

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet

    Most of the props had seen better days but there were a few things that caught my eye including this old vintage suitcase. It was missing the handle, one of the locks didn't work and it smelled. I love it already!

    It was disgustingly dirty and the first order of business was to give him a good scrubbing.

     

    Vintage repurposed Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe inside was no better. It smelled like an old unused suitcase (imagine that!)

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetI know, it's a shame to rip out that beautiful, orange silky fabric with all the stains and pockets. But I have no shame, and it did smell better already.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetEven with the scrubbing, the outside still looked dirty, so I made the executive decision to give him a couple of coats of white chalk paint.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetFor the inside, a pattern was made of tissue paper to the exact size of the top and bottom of the suitcase.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe pattern was then transferred to a thin plywood and the plywood was cut out with a jigsaw.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe plywood looks better already. It's not attached yet, just making sure the board fits.

    You can still see a lot of the remnants of the glue that held the fabric and some cardboard. The plywood will cover the bottom and top but the sides still need to be cleaned up better. Used a squirt bottle filled with water to wet down the glue and used a putty knife and razor blade to scrape out all the excess. I had no idea that old suitcases were actually made of wood.

    If you like, you can leave the plywood as is, paint it, stain it...it's up to you. I wanted mine covered with fabric.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe wood plywood was used as a pattern to cut the fabric. Doesn't have to be exact, just leave about an inch and a half on all sides. Do remember to iron your fabric before attaching.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetBecause the plywood was so thin, I couldn't staple, used a glue gun instead to attach the fabric. Just like you would cover a chair, work out from the center, pulling tight as you go.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe interior sides were then painted white with a white semi gloss trim paint.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetI wanted stripes on the outside so these were measured out...

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet...and painted. Above, it only has one coat, it did end up needing 2 coats of the yellow.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetTwo shelves were cut, the exact width of the plywood backer, rough edges were sanded, then they too were painted with the semi-gloss white paint.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe shelves were attached with screws to the back of the plywood.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetFor the interior of the door, I wanted something to hold necklaces, bracelets, or anything else dangly. Two leftover pieces of trim were cut, about ½ inch shorter than the width of the plywood. They, too, were sanded and painted with the semi-gloss white paint, then screwed on from the back to the fabric covered plywood.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe shelves were only held on with screws from the back of the plywood so a couple of finish nails were used to hold the shelf in place. Those holes were then filled and painted.

    When all the paint was dry, the outside got a coat of clear wax.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetBoth panels were attached with builders adhesive (liquid nails) and pressed into position.

    The sides of the shelves got a bit of paintable caulk to fill in all the gaps. When the caulk was dry, any areas that still needed it, received a little paint touch up.

    Repurposed Suitcase Jewelry Shelf

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetScrewed in cup hooks to the trim. If you have longer dangly things, the trim board can be placed higher in the suitcase.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetA knob from Hobby Lobby (looks antique doesn't it?) is attached to the lower corner.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinetThe mirror is a Goodwill find. Was actually looking for a rectangle mirror, when I found this one. Perfect size. The mirror got a coat of black paint then it was also attached with Liquid Nails.

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet

     

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet

    Vintage Suitcase Makeover -storage cabinet

    Sorry for all the pictures, sometimes they tell a story far better then I ever could.

    Have I inspired you to dig in Grandma's attic for her old suitcase?

    Joan

    see more of Joan's projects here

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    About Joan

    Joan is always searching for new projects and new ideas to try and use. Her goa is to inspire you to fill your own home with unique and fun ideas.

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    1. Kari

      April 13, 2016 at 7:03 am

      Hi there, can you show/tell us how you attached to the wall??

      Reply
      • Joan

        April 13, 2016 at 2:40 pm

        Since these old suitcases are made out of wood you can either screw directly thru the suitcase to the wall or attach hooks to the back. Hope that helps.

    2. Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

      July 24, 2015 at 12:15 am

      Oh, how cool is that?! I love vintage suitcases, and this is a fabulous idea. Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We'd love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/07/23/home-matters-linky-party-47/ 🙂

      ~Lorelai
      Life With Lorelai

      Reply
    3. Linda

      July 20, 2015 at 9:40 am

      thanks for all the photos, they do tell the story better than our words. I have some vintage suitcases....now just to get busy!

      Reply
      • Joan

        July 20, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        I really couldn't describe with words the abuse I put that poor suitcase through. So glad you liked it.

    4. Amber@twobirdperch

      July 20, 2015 at 12:48 am

      This is an awesome idea! I would have never thought to do this.. genius! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. kathleen@charmbraceletdiva{at home}

      July 19, 2015 at 12:40 am

      I collect vintage suitcases and I think this redo is fabulous! Love the yellow stripes and the mirror -- nice touch!
      xoKathleen

      Reply
    6. Pamela Smith

      July 18, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      I love it! All your ideas are so great! Pinning!

      Reply
    7. Patricia

      July 18, 2015 at 1:59 am

      Love this repurpose!
      I have an old suitcase and would love to do something like this with it...but currently in the state that its in, the bottom of the suitcase is already trying to separate from the rest of the suitcase.. I have it setting on a table and use it for storage. I should give this a THINK... and try a makeover!
      I'd love to see it used in my camper! You've given me lots of ideas here...
      Your's turned out so cute! I love the fabric and shelves... AND HOOKS! all things I love.

      Reply
    8. chris aka monkey

      July 17, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      lots of work but how cute is this love it xx

      Reply
    9. girlfromwva

      July 17, 2015 at 10:42 am

      this is awesome! love how it is repurposed!

      Reply
    10. Lina

      July 17, 2015 at 10:30 am

      I WANT THIS. What an adorable medicine cabinet or jewelry holder or... So many possibilities!

      Reply
    11. Marie@The Interior Frugalista

      July 17, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Joan, what a creative way to transform an old suitcase. Perfect for storing jewelery and so pretty!

      Reply
    12. Tania

      July 17, 2015 at 9:34 am

      OMG, totally love this idea! I'm getting ready to redo my 1/2 bath and now I'm on the hunt for a suitcase to use as a medicine cabinet!

      Tania

      Reply
    13. Claire

      July 17, 2015 at 8:41 am

      Love what you have done with this suitcase, what a great idea. I love finding new things to do with old suitcases and this one is great.

      Reply
    14. Donna

      July 17, 2015 at 7:47 am

      Joan, I love your creativity! I have an old purple cosmetic case that I've been wanting to makeover, but wasn't sure how to go about it. You have totally inspired me! Love the colors you chose, too!

      Reply
    15. gail

      July 17, 2015 at 7:29 am

      Joan,

      I love your repurposed suitcase! I think this would be perfect for a guest room.

      I've never been the recipient of such a vintage suitcase. Thanks for sharing your great project today.

      gail

      Reply
    16. Lisa W.

      July 17, 2015 at 5:57 am

      What a unique idea. Now I am on the hunt for an old suitcase! Thanks for the idea!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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