How to Turn Suitcases

Introduction

Got old suitcases gathering dust? Don’t toss them! With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform those travel relics into stylish and functional pieces for your home. Upcycling suitcases is a fantastic way to add a touch of vintage charm, reduce waste, and create unique storage solutions. This guide explores several exciting ways to turn suitcases into something new and beautiful.

Creative Ways to Turn Suitcases Into Something New

Suitcase Coffee Table

A suitcase coffee table adds a retro vibe to any living room. This project is relatively simple and yields a stunning result.

• Materials: Suitcase, four table legs (available at hardware stores), screws, drill, sandpaper (optional), paint or stain (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the suitcase thoroughly.
  2. Sand the suitcase exterior if you plan to paint or stain it.
  3. Attach the table legs to the bottom of the suitcase using screws and a drill. Pre-drilling holes can prevent cracking.
  4. Paint or stain the suitcase and legs to match your decor (optional).
  5. Consider adding a glass top for extra protection and a polished look.

Suitcase Pet Bed

Give your furry friend a cozy and stylish bed with a vintage suitcase.

• Materials: Suitcase, soft bedding (pillow, blanket, or pet bed insert), scissors, fabric (optional), glue or staples (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the suitcase.
  2. Line the inside of the suitcase with fabric for added comfort and style (optional). Secure with glue or staples.
  3. Place the soft bedding inside the suitcase.
  4. Add your pet’s favorite toys for extra comfort.

Suitcase Storage

Suitcases are excellent for creating unique and space-saving storage solutions.

• Wall-Mounted Storage: Mount open suitcases on the wall to create shelves or display cases.
• Stackable Storage: Stack multiple suitcases to create a vintage-inspired dresser or side table.
• Hidden Storage: Use suitcases to hide clutter under beds or in closets.

Suitcase Bar Cart

Turn a large suitcase into a mobile bar cart for entertaining guests.

• Materials: Large suitcase, caster wheels, wood or metal supports (for shelves), paint or stain (optional), hardware.
• Instructions:
  1. Attach caster wheels to the bottom of the suitcase for easy mobility.
  2. Install internal supports to hold shelves.
  3. Create shelves from wood or metal, sized to fit inside the suitcase.
  4. Paint or stain the suitcase and shelves to match your desired aesthetic (optional).
  5. Organize your bottles, glasses, and bar accessories inside the suitcase.

Suitcase Sewing Kit/Craft Organizer

Keep your sewing and crafting supplies organized in a stylish suitcase.

• Materials: Suitcase, small containers, dividers, fabric scraps, elastic bands (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Clean the suitcase.
  2. Organize small containers inside the suitcase to hold needles, thread, buttons, and other supplies.
  3. Create dividers to separate different types of materials.
  4. Use fabric scraps and elastic bands to create custom storage solutions for specific tools.

Conclusion

Transforming old suitcases into new and useful items is a rewarding project that combines creativity, sustainability, and vintage charm. Whether you’re creating a statement piece like a coffee table or a practical storage solution, upcycling suitcases is a fantastic way to personalize your home decor and reduce waste. So, dust off those old suitcases and start crafting your own unique treasures!