Revamp Old Thrift Finds Into Smart Shoe Storage and Decor

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These old antique steamer trunks were once the height of luxury for world travelers. Nowadays, they’re more like relics from a bygone era, kinda like the one in the movie “Titanic.” Some were even custom-made, like the one that held 36 pairs of shoes for opera singer Lily Pons. Even though they’re mostly used for decoration these days, it’s amazing how well-built and sturdy they are. Folks often find them at thrift stores and use them to add an industrial, country, or steampunk vibe to their home decor. And with their unique design, it’s no wonder people are turning them into clever shoe storage solutions.

If you’ve got an old steamer trunk, you might notice the interior is a bit rough around the edges. When you open it up, you might even get hit with that musty, mildew-y smell that’s been trapped inside for who knows how long. That’s because the inner materials like paper, fabric, glue, and thin wood tend to break down over time. To keep your shoes from taking on that stale smell, you’ll want to air out your trunk-turned-shoe-storage before using it.

Some folks remove the old linings and restore the inside with cedar. Others just leave the trunk out in the sun for a day with the lid open to let the drawers and compartments air out. You can also try putting some crumpled up newspapers inside to soak up odors, or soak some newspapers in baking soda before putting them in the trunk. This helps get rid of any lingering mustiness.

Steamer trunks were built to be tough – they had to be to survive all the bumps and bruises from traveling down ship stairs on those transatlantic voyages. But even with that sturdy exterior, your thrifted antique trunk has probably taken a beating over its 100+ years of life. Some of the materials might be broken or chipped. You’ll need to check for any structural issues before using it for storage. Fix any problems, or your shoes won’t have a sturdy container.

If the damage is just cosmetic, you can leave those dings and dents – they’re part of the trunk’s history and make it more interesting to look at. A lot of these old trunks still have travel stickers showing where they’ve been. Combined with the unique character marks, you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind piece to showcase your shoe collection.

Just keep in mind that the interior drawers and compartments aren’t as tough as the trunk’s exterior. To prevent damage, make sure your shoes are completely dry before storing them. Use the drawers for smaller shoes, and lay boots on their sides in the open space under the compartments (or upright if your trunk stands up on one end).