Vintage Suitcase Side Table

Written by  Rachael Ranney Thu Dec 01 2011 Last modified on Thu Sep 27 2012
Vintage Suitcase Side Table Image courtesy of Kinopicz American

Creating a multifunctional side table to augment your living room furniture is easier and more affordable than you think. Join {Re}habitat host Rachael Ranney as she turns a vintage suitcase into a useful and chic addition to her living space.

Vintage suitcases are one of my favorite ways to keep clutter hidden and my home organized. Buried deep in the dark corners of my closet and all around my office you will find piles of them. I use old funky suitcases to hide my crafting supplies and photos and to store my out-of-season clothes.

I am perpetually drawn to their rugged appearance, rich colors, and beautiful satin linings. After a bit of agonizing, I decided to sacrifice an old leather Samsonite from my collection to make an unusual and hip side table for my living room!

Pile of vintage suitcases

I’m now completely smitten by this super easy DIY side table!

Tools and Materials to build a DIY vintage suitcase side table

Be sure to select a sturdy suitcase for this project. Often the exterior frames of these suitcases are very thin, so select a suitcase with a solid wooden frame.

Applying Painter's Tape for a DIY vintage suitcase side table Painting the Legs for the DIY vintage suitcase side table

Step 1 Use painter’s tape to cover the metal hardware on the bottoms of your table legs. Spray paint each of your table legs. I chose a high-gloss black paint for my project.

Measuring for the DIY vintage suitcase side table Drilling for the DIY vintage suitcase side table

Step 2 Turn your suitcase upside down to install your hardware. Measure and mark where your angle top plates will be and then drill through the bottom of your suitcase.

Installing the Hardware for the DIY vintage suitcase side table

Step 3 Install your angle top plates on the bottom of your suitcase by using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Installing the Legs for the DIY vintage suitcase side table

Step 4 Screw the legs into the angle top plates installed on the bottom of your case and Voila! You’re done!

The finished DIY vintage suitcase side table The finished DIY vintage suitcase side table The finished DIY vintage suitcase side table

You can often find vintage suitcases like this for a few bucks. Keep your eyes open at yard sales, thrift shops, and auctions for these beauties and you can have a funky side table for next to nothing!

Tools, Materials, Process and Final Product:

Rachael Ranney

Rachael Ranney

Rachael Ranney is the host and one of the creative forces behind the sustainable design and home décor series {Re}habitat on Buildipedia.com. This environmentally friendly how-to series focuses on repurposing salvaged, vintage, and recycled furniture and house wares in your home and garden.

As a lifetime treasure hunter, Rachael grew up scouring Midwest flea markets and thrift shops for unique and beautiful pieces. Raised among tinkerers and artists to value sustainable design, she is constantly pushing herself to see the beauty and possibilities within forgotten things.

Constantly inspired by the online green design and DIY communities, Rachael never stops searching for new projects and materials, discovering how to apply green practices everyday to her home and life.