Modern Storage Trunk

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.

Updated 20/03/2021

Back of the turn of the century, most moving and travel was done via steamer trunk. They were leather, had plenty of storage space, and were designed to hold everything firmly and in an organized fashion. Cheaper options popped up and the steamer trunk went away. But this concept is making a comeback and we have a few modern storage trunks you might want to take a look at.

Buying Guide

Storage trunks are an ideal way of introducing function and beauty into decor. Not only are they decorative accents but they're useful. Selecting a modern storage trunk can serve as a focal point or an addition to a collection to unify to the room. When redecorating a room using a trunk, there are many styles, materials, and features to take into consideration.

Where to place a modern storage trunk?

One of the most beneficial things about using a modern storage trunk is its versatility. These trunks can work in just about any room in your home including:

The living room: use a large trunk as a replacement for the coffee table or one that’s smaller as an accent table. Place games, books, blankets, toss pillows, or other items you’d like to store in there to help reduce clutter.
The bedroom or guestroom: storage trunks are excellent additions to the end of the bed for storing blankets and sheets. You can also place them next to the bed with a stack of suitcases on top of them to create a unique bedside table.
A Child’s bedroom: use them as a decorative way of storing toys, extra clothing, blankets, or other items you’d like to keep out of sight. Use of modern storage trunks is also an excellent addition to a teen’s room to help with organization.
In Hallways or Mudrooms: trunks are an optimal addition to hallways or mudrooms when padding is placed upon them because they quickly convert into benches. Not only do they serve as convenient storage for hats, mittens, scarves, and other essentials but they simultaneously provide additional seating.

How to style with a modern storage trunk?

Unlike a vintage trunk, a modern storage trunk differs in that it features up-to-date options, materials, paint, or customizations. Here are some examples of modern trunk styles:

Contemporary styles: these trunks feature bold paint colors or metal finishes. They also have sleeker lines and, under some circumstances, the trunk is clear.
Portable closets: are you looking for a “closet on the go,” or a place where your guests can put their items? These modern storage trunks feature areas where you can hang clothes, drawers for clothes, and cubbies for storing items.
Dorm Room Storage Styles: students are continually looking for ways to optimize their space, so these styles are optimal for them. They feature sturdy construction, vibrant colors, and durable hardware.

What are the standard storage trunk measurements?

Under most circumstances, you’ll find storage trunks are going to vary in size. The main reason is that they serve a variety of uses. However, you can locate them most often for standard sizes measuring at twenty inches long by thirteen inches long and eleven inches high. When they're empty, they'll typically weigh approximately sixteen pounds if they feature construction that’s from a combination of birch plywood with a laminate covering.

Bonus tip: Speaking of birch plywood and laminate coverings, look closely at the construction of the trunks you’re selecting. They should feature high-quality construction and materials. You’ll find this is especially essential if their placement is in a high-traffic area like hallways, mudrooms, or a child’s bedroom. That way, they’ll handle heavy usage and last longer.