Trunks are a type of furniture used for storage that have typically been constructed from wood or metal and feature a curved hinged lid on top. Varying from traditional, decorative trunks perfect for displaying personal items, to water-proof trunks built for storing outdoor items.
The types of trunks can be divided into 6 categories:
1. Decorative Trunks – These are the most traditional style of trunk and are usually made from wood with a lattice design and metal details. Often found in bedrooms, these trunks serve both a decorative and functional purpose.
They can be used to store blankets, pillows, clothing, or other items, while also adding to the charm of a room.
2. Table Trunks – These trunks are a mixture of both chests and tables, often featuring a large, flat top. These trunks are great for use as coffee tables, accent tables, or for added storage.
3. Storage Trunks – These trunks are designed to provide extra storage space for all types of items. They often feature internal dividers to allow items to be organized and stacked efficiently.
4. Camp Trunks – These trunks are designed to be extra durable with water and dust-proof seals. This makes them perfect for storing camping gear, fishing supplies, or pool toys.
5. Footlocker Trunks – These trunks are typically made of metal and feature a flat top and locked padlock closure. They are designed to be used by students and are ideal for storing books, laptops, or other collegiate supplies.
6. Decorative Boxes – These boxes feature a hinged lid, usually made of wood, and accent details including decorative metal handles, studs, and other details. These boxes provide a stylish way to store items and add to the decor of any room.
What are old trunks made of?
Trunks have been made of a variety of materials for centuries. Before the invention of plastics, travelers carried their belongings in traditional wooden trunks, often made of solid hardwoods such as oak, chestnut, elm or walnut.
These vintage trunks could be plain or elaborately carved, latched shut and built with brass corners, handles and decorative trims. Leather was also used to cover wooden trunks to protect them on long journeys and to make them look more sophisticated.
Later on, trunks made of Wicker became a popular choice as they were very passable and weighed very little. Tin and even iron trunks were manufactured in the 19th century, with tin trunks being a bit more expensive than the wooden versions.
Finally, in the early 20th century, trunks made from canvas material and waterproofed with a special sealant started becoming popular. This canvas material is still used sometimes today in combination with other materials.
What is an antique steamer trunk?
An antique steamer trunk is a type of storage chest that was used primarily in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These trunks were initially made from materials such as paperboard, leather, canvas, and wood.
Due to their lightweight and durable design, they could easily be transported and used on trains, ships, and other forms of transportation. In addition to their practicality, people also often decorated steamer trunks with intricate patterns and even artwork, making them not only useful but also stylish! Steamer trunks had practical purposes as well; they typically featured leather handles and straps, and some had additional features such as tie-down loops and riveted corner pieces.
Because they were so solid and spacious, steamer trunks were often used to store household items such as clothing, blankets, and other personal items.
Are old trunks worth any money?
It depends! Old trunks can be quite valuable depending on their condition, the material they are made of, their age and the manufacturer. If the trunk is in good condition and has original hardware, it can be worth a few hundred dollars or more.
The value of an antique trunk can also be tied to its rarity, as well as any interesting features it might have. A work trunk crafted from a particular type of wood, for example, might be much more valuable than a mass-produced item from the same era.
If a trunk is accompanied by its original paper label, that can also up its value. Ultimately, in order to accurately assess the value of any old trunk, an expert opinion should be sought.
Why did old trunks have rounded tops?
Old trunks often had rounded tops for a variety of reasons. From a practical standpoint, having a curved lid helped to evenly distribute weight and keep the trunk balanced. This made them easier to carry and transport from place to place.
Additionally, round lids usually were more water resistant since water can easily run off rather than pool.
In some cases, a round top also provided extra storage space as lids could often be locked into place and used as an extra shelf or table top.
From a design standpoint, a round lid also provided a stylish look and often featured detailed carvings and patterns, giving trunks a unique and luxurious quality. Additionally, a round lid could often be combined with ornate clasps, handles, and locks to complete the aesthetic.
What is a Jenny Lind trunk?
A Jenny Lind trunk is a type of antique trunk named after Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, who was known as the “Swedish Nightingale. ” These trunks were manufactured from the 1840s to the 1850s and were initially sold as wallpapers, but later became popular for travel cases.
They feature steel and wood bodies, single-piece construction, and elliptical or circular lids with hoop handles. The trunks were made in a variety of sizes, ranging from about 20 to 45 inches in length.
They have a distinct look and are easily recognizable due to their decorative decorations, including turned wood and metal spindles and designs inspired by the popularity of Far East designs. The trunks also typically have a distinctive locking system and a tooled leather handle.
What is a traveling trunk called?
A traveling trunk is a type of storage container typically used for storing personal belongings when traveling. It is usually made of solid, hard-wearing materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. They are typically comprised of two separate parts – a trunk, that is used for storing larger items such as clothes, and a box, for smaller items such as toiletries.
Travelling trunks can often have wheels, making it easier to move and transport them. During the early-20th century, travelling trunks were popular among those embarking on ocean voyages as they protected their belongings from the elements and made them easily accessible.
Today, travelling trunks are still used by a variety of people such as travellers, hikers, campers, film crews, and photojournalists who require secure and portable storage.
Do people still use steamer trunks?
Yes, people still use steamer trunks. These types of trunks are popular with people who enjoy the vintage style or traditional look of old-fashioned luggage. Although modern technology has given rise to lightweight and more practical suitcases, steamer trunks remain a classic.
They can be used for many purposes, such as bike transportation, decorating a home or office, storing items, and even traveling. Many people love the look of steamer trunks and use them as a statement piece that’s both stylish and functional.
Additionally, steamer trunks often have more storage space than other styles of luggage, making them ideal for longer trips or for packing multiple items.
How do I know if my chest is antique?
When determining if a chest is antique it is important to examine, in detail, its construction, style, material, and hardware.
Construction: Antique chests were usually constructed out of solid wood and were often made by hand. Pay attention to the joinery – it should be mostly dovetails, or a mixture of dovetails and mortise and tenon joinery.
Hand-cut dovetails indicate a chest is likely antique.
Style: Evaluation of style can help determine if a chest is antique. For example, if a chest has rounded sides, it was likely made in the early 1800s. If it has a more angular appearance to it, it may have been made in the mid 1800s.
If it’s very ornate with carvings, it likely dates from the 1900s.
Material: Different woods were popular during different eras of furniture production. Old chests will likely be made from oak, walnut, mahogany, cedar, pine, or chestnut.
Hardware: Metal fasteners on a chest’s exterior – such as drawer pulls, locks and hinges – can help date an item. Many of these fasteners were originally handmade, so they often display signs of aging.
Additionally, aged metal often displays a golden hue or patina. If the metal has a shiny and new appearance, it might be a sign the chest has been modernized.
Once you have inspected your chest in detail, you may want to consult with an antique furniture expert to determine if it is indeed an antique.
What can I do with old wooden chests?
There are so many creative and fun things you can do with old wooden chests! Depending on their size and condition, you can use them for storage, such as for blankets, toys, magazines, or old books. With a bit of creativity, you can repurpose the chests for a multitude of upcycle projects such as a planter box for a garden, a bookshelf, a storage bench for the entryway, a side table, a dog bed, or even a TV stand or coffee table.
You could even create an outdoor cooler and use it for entertaining during the summer months. With some elbow grease and paint, you can give the chest an entirely new look and even add dividers and compartments to really show off your creativity.
For smaller chests, you can also turn them into jewelry display cases or home decor display cases. Plus, wooden chests make great shabby chic furniture to bring warmth and charm to your living space.
How do you refurbish an old trunk?
Refurbishing an old trunk is a great way to give a piece of furniture new life. The steps for refurbishing an old trunk depend on the condition of the trunk, what materials you have available, and the look you are trying to achieve.
To begin, you will need to remove all of the hardware from the trunk, such as the hinges, handles, and latches. Next, use a wire brush to scrub off any dirt, rust, and old paint layers that may be present.
Once the trunk is clean, you will need to decide whether you want to repaint or refinish the trunk. If painting, use a primer and multiple layers of latex-based paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
For refinishing, you should sand the existing surface and apply a coat of protective finish, such as polyurethane.
If you want to give the trunk a new look, you can upholster it. Remove the existing fabric from the trunk and prepare the new fabric, using fabric glue to adhere the fabric to the trunk and upholstery tacks to secure the edges.
Finally, reattach the hardware and add any extra decorations, such as decals or paint. Before using the trunk, be sure to line it with a fabric liner to protect the contents from dirt and dust. With a little bit of effort, you can transform an old trunk into a stylish, functional piece.
How do you identify a steamer trunk?
To identify a steamer trunk, look for characteristics like a flat, rectangular shape with rounded edges, robust metal or wooden exterior that’s usually reinforced with corner brackets, a hinged lid with handles, and a pull-out tongue or tray at the base of the trunk.
A steamer trunk will also typically have a keyhole embossed in the center of the lid, and the latches, locks, and handles often display brass details. Additionally, steamer trunks may have a manufacturer’s label or monogrammed initials on the exterior.
How much are old steamer trunks worth?
The price of antique steamer trunks based on their age, condition, size, rarity and decorative features. Generally, a small, basic trunk from the mid-19th century might sell for $200 to $500, while a larger, highly decorated one from the same era might sell for $2,000-$5,000.
For example, a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk from the early 20th century could sell for $7,000 to $10,000. Rare pieces, such as those bearing the signatures of well-known makers, also command higher prices.
So, without seeing the actual steamer trunk, it’s difficult to determine a price. It’s best to consult a collector or an antique appraiser to get an accurate assessment of its worth.
How do you get the musty smell out of an old trunk?
To get a musty smell out of an old trunk, it is best to start with a good cleaning. Begin by vacuuming the inside and outside of the trunk to remove any dirt, dust, and other debris. If you have an upholstery attachment, use it around any seams, creases, and edges.
After vacuuming, use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to wipe down the inside and outside of the trunk. When the trunk is dry, you may want to place a container with baking soda inside to absorb any moisture and bacteria.
Finally, leave the container in the trunk for 48 hours or longer and then remove it and discard. This should help remove the musty smell.