How to Use Storage Trunks for Decor in Every Room of the House

Trunks and storage chests have been used for centuries as a functional, and often beautiful, storage option.

Over the years, storage trunks have evolved into a wide variety of sizes and shapes for storing items at home and for travel.

Each part of the world and time in history had its own uses and styles for storage trunks.

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Trunks continue to be a decorative storage option in our homes. Whether your style is modern, vintage, or rustic, there are storage trunks to fit your home and style.

Storage trunks are a useful solution as they organize household items and can save space in older homes with few closets and small spaces because they have the ability to serve dual purposes.

There are many reasons to love using storage trunks in your home decor!

Here are some ideas for ways to use storage trunks in each room of your home:

Using Storage Trunks In A Bedroom

Storage for the foot of the bed or as a bedside table: This is a great place to store out of season clothing, bedding, or other items that you don’t want to take up space in your closets. Using organizers and scented satchels will keep things fresh and ready for their next use!

Storage for handbags or shoes to protect them from damage: Place your handbags or shoes back in their dustbags or boxes and store in a chest for peace of mind that they are well protected.

Storage of seasonal decorative items and accessories: If you love seasonal decor, storage trunks can be a great place to keep it organized and tucked away until it is the appropriate time of year.

Using Storage Trunks In An Entryway

Storage of seasonal decorative items and accessories: If you love seasonal decor, storage trunks can be a great place to keep it organized and tucked away until it is the appropriate time of year.
Storage of pet items: A trunk can be a great place to store dog treats, collars, leashes, baggies, and even booties or jackets near the door but out of sight.
Storage of clothing, shoes, umbrellas and other accessories: Stay prepared for every season by using organizers to store hats, gloves, and other necessary outdoor gear.

Using Storage Trunks In A Mudroom

Storage of out-of-season clothing shoes, outwear, and accessories : Use a trunk to keep out-of-season items out of the way!
Storage of pet supplies : Use a storage trunk to organize dog food, treats, toys, leashes, and other necessary pet items.
Storage of athletic gear, bags, and clothing not currently in use : Keep the football, hockey, baseball, tennis and other sports gear clean and in good condition by using a storage trunk.

Using Storage Trunks In A Kid’s Playroom

Storage of toys, games, and costumes: Trunks are a great place for kids to store their favorite toys and games. It makes cleaning their room easier and can even be a great way to limit their toys by encouraging them to only keep what they can fit into their trunk.
Storage of athletic gear and equipment : Balls, games, costumes and more will have a perfect home in a storage trunk. This is a great way to keep their bedroom or playroom neat and tidy without taking up valuable closet space.

Using Storage Trunks In An Office

Storage of past years paperwork: Store paperwork or other records not needing to be accessed regularly in a trunk to keep them from being lost or damaged.

Storage of excess office supplies: Paper, pens, paperclips, post-it notes, staples and more can be easily kept in a storage trunk and off your desk. If you’re limited on closet space, it can be an attractive way to keep things organized!

Using Storage Trunks In A Bathroom

Great for bathrooms to add more storage where there is limited amount such as a powder room or bathroom with pedestal sinks: Store toilet paper, feminine products, hand towels, and cleaning products in a trunk for an attractive way to add function to your bathroom.

Using Storage Trunks In The Kitchen and Dining Room

Decorative storage: Small trunks can be an attractive way to store items on open shelving or countertops.
Keep small items safe: Store lighters and matches away from children by placing them in a trunk, possibly even one with a lock.

Storage for special silver pieces: Items that are special but maybe aren’t used often can be stored in small trunks for protection and to keep them organized. Grab a flatware liner or other fabric storage roll to keep things in good condition!

Storage of items for parties: Birthday candles, cupcake liners, or party decor may not get used often, but they are still necessary! Keep them organized in a storage trunk and they will be ready to go when you need them.

Storage to hold recipe cards: Upgrade your recipe box with a storage trunk instead! Keep them clean and organized for when you’re ready to cook up a storm.

Use on a coffee bar: Storage trunks can be an attractive way to store coffee or tea on a coffee bar. Keep things organized and looking great!

Using Storage Trunks In The Living Room and Family Room

Storage of extra pillows, blankets, and more: If you have a sleeper sofa, they can also be a great place to store extra sheets and bedding items for overnight guests.

Storage of games, toys, or activities: Trade in your old coffee table or side table for a more functional storage trunk and keep your games, movies, and other items organized and out of the way.
Storage of seasonal decorative items and accessories: If you love seasonal decor, storage trunks can be a great place to keep it organized and tucked away until it is the appropriate time of year.

Using Storage Trunks In A Laundry room

Storage for dryer sheets, detergent and other laundry products: Free up space by keeping all of your laundry items together.
Storage for out-of-season bedding: Vacuum pack your out-of-season comforters or blankets to free up space in closets.
Storage of vintage or antique family items: Those family quilts and other linens can be stored safely in a storage trunk. Consider throwing in some cedar blocks to keep out moths to further protect them from damage!

Using Storage Trunks In An Exercise room

Shoe Storage: Trunks can be a great place to store different types of exercise shoes and other necessary footwear for all the different athletic activities you love.
Storage of exercise accessories: balls, wrist straps, free weights, knee sleeves, exercise bands, wrist and ankle weights can be easily stored in a storage trunk to keep them organized.
Storage for cleaning supplies and air fresheners: Keep your gym clean and your cleaning products organized by storing them in a trunk between cleanings.
Storage of supplements or protein powders: If you like to buy in bulk, or you need an easy place to keep extra supplements, consider using a storage trunk!

Using Storage Trunks In A Craft Room

Safe Storage: A trunk could be a great place to store sewing machine and other items that you don’t want easily accessible to children
Material Storage: Great option for storing excess materials in an organized and functional way

Using Storage Trunks In A Man Cave

Storage of record player and albums: Keep your collectables protected with a storage trunk.
Media Storage: Don’t forget, storage trunks can be useful to organize and store movies and other media

Bar and Liquor Storage: Storage trunks can be a great option for a unique bar or alcohol storage that could be locked as needed to keep items away from children.

Conclusion

Just as they have been around for centuries, we know the evolving modern storage trunk will continue to be a useful, functional, and beautiful addition to our home storage options for years to come. The numerous ways they can be used in every room of a home just further shows how versatile trunks can be. Whether you use them for creating a safe place for handbags or a hidden bar in man cave, we love the idea of using these traditional home storage items in a completely new way!

How do you use storage trunks in your home? We want to hear from you!