Trunks, Crates and Sewing Machines: Set These Aside!
Make your decor completely individual with salvaged pieces repurposed for a brand new life
From the now-why-didn’t-I-think-of-that to the straightforward, these repurposed vintage suitcases, steamer trunks, tea chests, crates and more, are certainly conversation starters. And in most cases, just as side dishes help to amp up a main meal, these repurposed pieces lend a sometimes quirky yet familiar feel to the overall look of a space. A good place to start digging is your store room (or mum and dad’s!) and flea markets. All it takes is just a bit of imagination to create vignettes and points of interest in any space.
Vintage suitcases
They are a real treat if you find some and you can use them in a lot of ways: stack them on top of each other for an alternative to a side table…
They are a real treat if you find some and you can use them in a lot of ways: stack them on top of each other for an alternative to a side table…
… add legs and it’s a coffee table!
Add some castors and you could easily move this from room to room to serve as a table or open it up and it becomes a mobile bar – great for parties.
Check out these cool bar carts
Check out these cool bar carts
These vintage Louis Vuitton bags do double duty as night stands and storage for additional bed linen or toiletries.
More night stands for your viewing
More night stands for your viewing
This repurposed (encased in lucite) steamer trunk creates visual interest in a living room that’s been minimally decorated.
A sewing box
A multi-layered sewing box offers storage space (spare batteries, torchlight, a small first aid box, etc.) and an interesting focal point.
A multi-layered sewing box offers storage space (spare batteries, torchlight, a small first aid box, etc.) and an interesting focal point.
Place the sewing box next to the sofa and it will tidily corral knick knacks and remote controls.
Wine crates
This one blends right in with the comfy sofa and wood flooring in the room. The slim metal legs supporting the crate add just the right touch of modern.
This one blends right in with the comfy sofa and wood flooring in the room. The slim metal legs supporting the crate add just the right touch of modern.
And in the raw … a stack of crates to hold potted plants and the like.
Wheels
A steam punk-inspired side table or…
A steam punk-inspired side table or…
Photo by graphic designer Betty Wong; sewing machine repurposed by A Luxe & Co
Treadle sewing machine
With a rich history that dates back to the 1800s, the treadle sewing machine is a one-of-a-kind design that’s still coveted by many. Rescued from a neighbouring HDB void deck, this sewing machine has been given a new lease of (modern) life, with the same proportions of its original tabletop and side drawers made in acrylic instead. It’s now a petite study desk, perfect for the owner’s laptop.
Treadle sewing machine
With a rich history that dates back to the 1800s, the treadle sewing machine is a one-of-a-kind design that’s still coveted by many. Rescued from a neighbouring HDB void deck, this sewing machine has been given a new lease of (modern) life, with the same proportions of its original tabletop and side drawers made in acrylic instead. It’s now a petite study desk, perfect for the owner’s laptop.
And it looks just as good in the outdoors as a planter stand.
Drums
Not everyone has them but if you do (and you’re no longer into drumming circles etc.), all it takes is a glass top for each and voila! Separate them and you’ll have two side tables. Perfect for reconfiguring your living area if you’re throwing a party and need strategically-placed drinks stands.
Not everyone has them but if you do (and you’re no longer into drumming circles etc.), all it takes is a glass top for each and voila! Separate them and you’ll have two side tables. Perfect for reconfiguring your living area if you’re throwing a party and need strategically-placed drinks stands.
Chew on these ideas too!
An old door…
An old door…
…a wine barrel…
…or plain ol’ concrete bricks!
TELL US
Yay or nay – do you like repurposed furniture? Let us know why (or not) in the Comments section.
TELL US
Yay or nay – do you like repurposed furniture? Let us know why (or not) in the Comments section.
These lend themselves to creative furnishings like the above. Add a tray or basket to hold keys and mail.