I always find it interesting to watch the trends that come and go in the world of antiques. I remember when trunks were popular. Now they're not. But these old pieces shouldn't be overlooked. In fact, they are so useful for turning into entryway or mudroom benches. (And they have storage space!)
I bought this old trunk/box from my friend, Hollie, at her antiques show.
I simply topped it with a standard pillow covered in my favorite vintage Christmas pillowcase and it was instantly transformed into a little bench.
I can easily change the pillowcase to fit the season.
Have a large trunk? Use two pillows or several toss pillows. It's as easy as that!
I found the trunk here.
My floor tile is from Daltile.
My beadboard wall tile, tile base trim, and tile cap is all from Dirk Elliot Tile.
I purchased my wallpaper from Wallflowers in Spokane. I'm sorry, I can't remember the brand.
* * * *
Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
* * * *
I love it!!!
Posted by: Noelle | December 01, 2011 at 04:45 AM
Hello Serena,
You are so right it is the perfect little bench. Love it and the vintage pillow case is so cute.
Smiles, Paula
Posted by: Paula Parrish | December 01, 2011 at 06:10 AM
Hmmm...I believe there is an old trunk in my attic that might have to come downstairs and be used like this! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Regina L. | December 01, 2011 at 07:08 AM
So very sweet- simple but divine.
Happy Day
Posted by: teresa | December 01, 2011 at 07:38 AM
Such a nice touch to top it with the Christmas pattern. You've inspired me!
Posted by: Kara Brodman | December 01, 2011 at 07:44 AM
I use my old trunk as a tv stand but this is a great idea!
Posted by: Lin | December 01, 2011 at 08:21 AM
My mother in law gave us the trunk she brought from NY state when she was 18. Traveled from NY to Calif on a Greyhound bus. I filled it with board games and it sat in front of our couch for years as a coffee table.
I love your idea, Serena, repurposing it as a bench!
Posted by: Kathy O'Hara | December 01, 2011 at 09:01 AM
Simple and so practical.
Stepback.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sam | December 01, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I love the simplicity,versatile-changing out the linens for the seasons! I bought an old box someone made (from 40's?) on one of my first Goodwill trips as a 18yr old looking to furnish my first apt. it has held magazines, toys, hats, gloves, books, helped me move alot! many many yrs later,we now use it as the "shoe box" so my 3 babies will not lose their shoes. the upolstery fabric used to cover it has now fallen off with wear from my little ones, but the box is still strong. I am inspired to add a pillow and cases for seasons now that it needs a new look. thanks!Sue hope I get to meet you sometime soon for a local book signing!
Posted by: Jenny Boerding | December 01, 2011 at 10:29 AM
This looks great and would be wonderful for hat and mitten storage:>)
Posted by: Kathy | December 01, 2011 at 12:41 PM
What a great idea!
I wasn't able to open that link....
it links to the type pad sign in page.
I'd love it if you get the chance to post the link.
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Dora Taylor | December 01, 2011 at 03:33 PM
You smarty!
Posted by: Kelly Heeringa | December 01, 2011 at 05:44 PM
This is so stinkin' cute! I love it!!
Posted by: Keri | December 01, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Where did you find the vintage fabric on the pillow? It is so sweet!
Posted by: Carol | December 02, 2011 at 08:46 AM
I am actually quite envious of that trunk. It is perfect. A place to sit and store next to the front door. The darling shoe reference on the front gives it such character. I have set a new Junkin goal.
Posted by: Malissa | December 15, 2011 at 06:40 AM