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Become a trunk-junkie in 2011

From new vintage inspired cigar leather trunks to broken-in well travelled pre-loved luggage pieces or old world heritage timber trunks. A decorative trunk is a must have item for every home in 2011.

If you are a space deprived apartment dweller who would love to have an extra storage area or an edgy decorator wanting an authentic collector feel or additional practical storage solution, a trunk can give you individual style, flair and a place to keep your possessions.

Vast has long saluted the found luggage pieces saved from previous lifetimes, now you will not only will you find these vintage collector favourites but also a host of  authentic or replicas of vintage trunks in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, from many origins. Here's a few of our favourite, currently stocked in Vast stores*

 

The Steamer Trunk:
Low and flat, appeared on steamships toward the end of the 1800s. You're unlikely to find a vintage steamer trunk in mint condition in 2011, so at Vast we've found some classy replicas, made of cigar vintage leather or recycled timber.

Luggage Cases
These trunks are designed to get you from A to B. Cart your belongings and go along on the journey to your desired destination. Vast finds some character rich classics that have been around the block or two with distinct marks, colours and authentic eclectic charm. You'll often find these stacked in the corner of a Vast shop, or nursing our textiles and cushions on display, waiting to be loved and taken to a new home.

 

The Bollywood Blanket Box
Rich with carved workmanship, these wooded trunks come in a range of dimensions and design. From simple hints of cultural heritage to a real treasure chest of detail.  Often these trunks will have front hinged openings, some old Indian trunks will be embellished with iron or brass detail, or adorned in traditional artwork or clever masterful carved detailing. Some have been re-crafted from old recycled timbers salvaged from old buildings, some are authentically ancient.

Classic Mission Trunk
Mission style trunks reflect a rustic style that is in keeping with the furniture that is created using the same linear style. When you talk about Mission style furniture you usually refer to a piece that has been man made by a craftsman with skill and care. Mission trunks are finely wrought rustic style trunks that are particularly solid.

The Chinese Storage Trunk
Chinese trunks come in a wide variety of materials and designs. Ancient Chinese did not hang clothes in a wardrobe or closet. They used a storage trunk to fold and store their clothes and then stacked them on top of each other. In the Chinese household today, decorative storage trunks serve the same purpose as cabinets. Like cabinets, they can come in many different sizes. Small trunks are used to store jewellery, documents and hair ornaments while the larger trunks are used to store anything from bedding and linen to clothes and shoes. Chinese trunks are usually made from wood with elaborate paintings or carvings adorning the exterior. These decorations often depict the Buddha culture and Chinese lifestyle. Today, a decorative oriental trunk is a beautiful choice for those wanting a piece of history to hide their belongings.

 

Wicker Trunks
While many people purchase wicker trunks because of its beautiful look, it also serves as easily accessible storage space. Unlike other trunks that are pushed into the back of the closet or kept in the basement, wicker trunks are often kept out in a room to be shown off as a decorative piece. If you do not have enough closet space, a large wicker trunk can hold excess bedding and clothing. Use it in your living room to store toys, books and games for the family. Placing a piece of glass on top can transform it into a functional coffee table. Wicker trunks are not only beautiful, but practical too and make a great addition to any room.

Whichever your trunk of choice, any vintage or classic trunk can add character to any room.

Additional uses: One of the most conventional design ideas for a vintage flat-topped trunk is to use it as a table or bed stand. If the trunk has an attractive exterior, you may be able to use it as a stand-alone piece. In a living room, you could put a television on it or for the larger trunk variety it can also serve as a coffee table. Many people use vintage trunks in the bedroom, toward the foot of the bed. Not only do these chests provide ample storage, they lend an air of worldliness and history to the room.

* Each store is different, please contact your nearest or favourite Vast store to find out what trunk designs are in stock.

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