Transform an old vintage suitcase into a charming wall-mounted storage cabinet and writing station, perfect for adding both function and nostalgic flair to any room!
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I just can’t resist a good vintage suitcase find!
A few years back, this old vintage suitcase which was close to a trunk size made the greatest ottoman!
Create Vintage Luggage stencils from digital designs HERE
Since I love the look of stacked old suitcases so much, I even created this vintage suitcase wall art to mimic the look!
Vintage suitcase – before
So when I was fortunate enough to land this old vintage suitcase at the thrift with this perfectly flat profile, I couldn’t wait to transform it into something super cool and productive, while hiding visual clutter! Since the ways to use this can be endless, I’m choosing a rather unique twist in the form of a hidden writing station inside!
Writing stations are like mini offices, that can accumulate a cluttered look nearly instantly with receipts and pens strewn all over. However this idea may be just what you need to keep a smaller space tidy in an entry, office, or kitchen!
While vintage suitcase wall cabinets aren’t exactly a new concept, this was a first time for me, so I was excited to make it my own! The results are SO cool, and of course, it can be adapted to suit whatever you need, such as hidden shelving in a powder room!
Curious to see how and what’s inside? Here’s what I did!
Today I’m teaming up with my creative friends from the Thrift Store Decor Team to transform items easily found at thrift stores! Be sure to check all their unique projects at the end of this post!
Vintage suitcase into a wall storage cabinet
Supplies I used:
Vintage suitcase with a flat-backed profile
10% off Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk, Algonquin and Willowbank
Reclaimed wood
1.5″ wood cedar strips or wood lath
Cordless Drill (I like Makita and Bosch)
Select the right kind of vintage suitcase
1. Choose a vintage suitcase with flat, straight lines along the back and front, instead of curves.
The straight lines help position the suitcase against a wall effortlessly.
2. Clean the suitcase inside and out.
Since the deep teal fabric of this suitcase interior was in very good shape, I chose to work with it. So I gave it a good clean inside and out with a hot soapy rag and allowed it to dry.
10% off Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk, Algonquin and Willowbank
Painting the outside of the suitcase
3. Paint the outside of the suitcase in a colour of choice.
I desired a lighter neutral tone, so I started with Victorian Lace by Fusion Mineral Paint. It’s a lovely neutral colour, however since it needed a 2nd coat of paint anyway, I switched to Raw Silk for a warmer white vibe.
I ultimately painted the entire sides and front, plus the handle and hardware to minimize their appearance. They covered up very nicely! I did not paint the back since my plan was to mount it to the wall anyway.
10% off Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk, Algonquin and Willowbank
Painting stripes on the outside of the suitcase
4. For added interest, paint stripes across the front and sides of the suitcase.
Since I really love striped details on vintage suitcases, I decided to mimic that look! So I measured, then taped off one wider stripe in the middle in Willowbank, and one thinner stripe on each side in Algonquin.
How to reduce paint bleed
To seal the tape before painting the stripes, I painted the base coat along all the tape edges so the stripe colours couldn’t bleed under the tape. This reduced the paint bleed quite a bit!
10% off Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk, Algonquin and Willowbank
How to paint stripes without paint bleed
The stripes were also carried through the front and back of the suitcase. I taped and painted working around the handle.
Mounting the vintage suitcase to the wall
The stripe colours I chose were Algonquin and Willowbank to tie in with the interior of the suitcase fabric! They were hand painted with 2 coats using a paint brush, then the tape was removed once the paint had set.
5. Mount the suitcase to a wall.
With a construction level placed along the top of the suitcase, I screwed through the inside of the suitcase into the wall. After the suitcase was pivoted to be completely level, I added more screws.
If your suitcase will carry some weight, it’s best to attempt to screw through a wall stud or use wall anchors which will help support more weight. I didn’t bother since the contents I chose were very lightweight.
Adding writing station features inside the vintage suitcase
6. Add interior details as desired!
Since a suitcase attached to a wall can become anything, here’s where you can design it to suit what you need! Since mine became a mini writing station, here’s how I made the components.
Adding a wooden shelf
- A small board was cut to the width of the suitcase, then attached with screws from the outside.
- The screws were painted over in Raw Silk.
Creating a mini bulletin board
- A small bulletin board was cut to size, then covered with burlap, wrapping it around the edges and stapled to the back.
- Cedar strips were cut to create a frame, then hot glued into place on top of the burlap.
- The bulletin board was attached to the suitcase backing using sticky backed velcro strips.
Adding key hooks
- Cedar strips were cut to the width of the suitcase lid.
- Black cup hooks were screwed into the strips.
- Sticky-backed velcro was attached to the back of the strips, then stuck to the suitcase lid. Or you could use hot glue to make the attachment more permanent.
The completed vintage suitcase wall cabinet
When closed, the vintage suitcase resembles pretty wall decor! Toned to suit the dresser below, it chimes in perfectly to not only look pretty when closed, but to also work hard once open!
Get this look:
- Small faux plants
- Smaller faux olive tree
- Natural wood star
- Small concrete look planter
- Smaller round decorative wicker plant baskets
Then simply unlatch to swing the door open, and your instant vintage suitcase writing station is ready to be put to work!
With keys super accessible yet hidden, plus all you need to quickly jot a note or save a receipt on the fly, this little writing station is VERY handy to have in a place where space may be limited.
Get this look:
I love how the stripes blend in with the suitcase interior as well as all the other tones in my home. It’s a pretty, neutral piece with a style all its own.
But it’s the functionality that makes this piece super special. All the contents fit one regular sized vintage suitcase perfectly for this use!
Other ways to use a vintage suitcase storage cabinet
However, there are many other ways to use a vintage suitcase hung on a wall for other uses too! Here’s a few ideas:
- As a mini writing station for an entry above a dresser for storage (as shown)
- Mini medicine cabinet or cosmetics storage in a powder room
- To hang jewelry in a bedroom
- Hang a set of tools for indoors
- Fill with all shelves for plants, decor, craft paint, etc.
- Craft room – hang twine, ribbon, etc.
- or whatever you wish!
Suitcase video from Hometalk on Youtube
And just for fun, here’s the video version of this vintage suitcase writing station on Hometalk’s YouTube HERE!
Fun piece, isn’t it?! How would you decorate and use a vintage suitcase storage cabinet for your home?
See many other unique office projects HERE
Check out other creative bulletin board ideas HERE
Visit more Thrift Store Decor Team events HERE
Visit 7 More Thrift Store Flips!
Now it’s time to see what everyone else flipped! Visit each post below to see them all!
1. Thrift Store Cat Boxes-Decoupage Makeover – My Repurposed Life
2. Style a Classic Coffee Table with Thrifted Items – Our Southern Home
3. Vintage suitcase into a wall storage cabinet writing station – Funky Junk Interiors
4. DIY Outlet Cover Picture Frame – Exquisitely Unremarkable
5. Wine Bottle Centerpiece – Shop At Blu
6. How To Age Terracotta Pots – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
7. How to Apply Gold Leaf to Canvas – Our Crafty Mom
8. Free Home Decorating Ideas Using Colored Glass Vases – Redhead Can Decorate
Thank-you for pinning my project!
Vintage suitcase into a wall storage cabinet writing station
Supplies:
- Vintage suitcase with a flat back
- Raw Silk by Fusion Mineral Paint (10% off)
- Algonquin by Fusion Mineral Paint (10% off)
- Willowbank by Fusion Mineral Paint (10% off)
- Painters tape
- Wider artist brush
- Wider paint brush like this Palm Pro
- Bulletin board
- Cedar lath strips
- Black cup hooks
- Sticky backed velcro
- Reclaimed wood board for shelf
- Small carpenter level
Instructions:
- Choose a vintage suitcase with a flat back so it can be easily hung on a wall.
- Clean the suitcase inside and out, and allow to dry.
- Paint the outside of the suitcase in the desired tone.
- Tape stripes across the lid, front and back, then paint in colours of choice. Tip: After taping, paint the base colour first to seal the tape edges. Then follow with stripe colours once dry.
- Attach to the wall by holding in place with a level on top, then attach with screws from the inside.
Creating a bulletin board
- Cut bulletin board to size, then wrap and staple it with burlap. Hot glue cedar strips to create a frame. Attach to suitcase using velcro.
Creating key hooks
- Cut cedar strip or lath to width of lid, then screw in cup hooks to hang keys. Attach to suitcase using velcro.
Adding shelves
- Cut a board that fits inside the suitcase to create a shelf. Hold board in place, then attach with screws from the outside of the suitcase. Cover screws in base paint.
- Decorate, then load up your suitcase cabinet as desired!
Donna,
This is such a clever transformation! You had me at pin stripes. The interior transformation is amazing!
Thanks Christy! I think the stripes really kick up the personality!
I love this, Donna! I never would’ve guessed it started as a plain brown suitcase. Fabulous transformation, inside and out!
Thanks Kim! The colour was really strange, a muddy teal which had no cute factor whatsoever. Thank goodness for paint! haha
I love this transformation and how you completely transformed the inside! It’s in such great shape, too! I have 2 of my grandparents’ suitcases; they must be around 70 years old by now. One I painted years ago, but the other one I have not touched. This is such a great idea!
Thanks Kristin! The shape really is very good, making it a great candidate for wall storage! I’m still deciding how to use it in other situations, so the interior may change yet… haha! I’m always upcycling an upcycle it appears!
This is the best repurpose of a vintage suitcase, Donna. I’ve seen many but nothing like this one. Love it!
Thanks Ann! I’m a little late to this game but since it was my first rodeo, I had to do it! Too fun!
Love everything about this Donna! What a unique upcycle!
Beautiful and hardworking!
Thanks Kim! It’s certainly an unexpected way to gain a little more storage!
Donna,
What a clever upcycle on this thrift store suitcase! I love the colors and all of the sweet touches on the inside, including the hooks! Very clever!
Pinned!
gail