Turn an old suitcase into a pet bed, a side table, or a vintage shelf. Before you start, check if your suitcase size fits under an airline seat, because a repurposed pet bed that size won’t work for carry-on travel but makes a perfect stationary bed. Clean the suitcase, remove inner linings, and decide on your project—whether you’re adding legs for a table, cutting foam for a pet cushion, or installing wooden shelves inside the case.
Repurpose as a Pet Bed
Turn an old suitcase into a cozy pet bed. Start by removing the inner lining if it’s still intact to make cleaning easier and ensure a comfortable surface. Measure and cut a piece of foam or an old pillow to fit inside the suitcase as cushioning.
Choose a fabric that matches your decor or your pet’s personality. Cut it slightly larger than the suitcase, leaving enough excess to fold over the edges. Secure the fabric to the interior using a staple gun, keeping it taut and wrinkle-free. Insert the foam or pillow, then add a soft blanket or pet bed cover for extra comfort.
Personalize the exterior with your pet’s name using adhesive letters or stencils and paint. Place the finished bed in a cozy corner of your home. If you travel with your pet, note that a repurposed suitcase this size might not fit under an airline seat for carry-on use, but it makes a perfect stationary bed.
Create a Stylish Side Table
Repurpose an old suitcase into a unique side table. Start by cleaning the suitcase and removing any inner linings or compartments. If the exterior is hard, lightly sand it for a smooth surface.
Determine the table height by measuring the suitcase and adding or removing legs accordingly. Find pre-made table legs at a hardware store, or repurpose old furniture legs. Attach the legs to the bottom of the suitcase using brackets or screws, ensuring they are securely fastened. If the legs are wooden, paint or stain them to match your aesthetic.
Add a glass or wooden tabletop for a flat surface. Custom-cut a piece of glass or wood to fit the suitcase dimensions and secure it with adhesive or screws.
Decorate the interior: leave it as-is for a vintage look, or line it with fabric, wallpaper, or a map print to match your decor. For personalization, accessorize with decorative items such as books, a small potted plant, or a vintage lamp. This will complete the look and make your repurposed suitcase a conversation piece.
Whether placed next to your sofa, bed, or in a cozy reading nook, your repurposed suitcase side table will serve as a functional surface and a stylish addition to your home decor. If you are traveling with the suitcase before repurposing, note that a suitcase size fits under an airline seat for easy transport.
Turn it into a Vintage Shelf
Clean your suitcase thoroughly and remove any inner linings or compartments to create empty space for shelves. Decide how many shelves you want inside, then measure and cut pieces of wood or sturdy boards to fit the width of the suitcase. You can use multiple shelves or a single large shelf.
Attach the boards to the interior using screws, brackets, or nails. Ensure they are secure enough to hold the weight of items you plan to display. For decoration, line the shelves with vintage-inspired wallpaper, fabric, or patterned contact paper for a nostalgic feel.
Arrange vintage books, trinkets, or antique collectibles on the shelves to showcase your style. For an extra vintage touch, accessorize the exterior with luggage tags, stickers, or travel memorabilia. This enhances the nostalgic aesthetic and makes the shelf a conversation starter.
Hang the shelf on the wall or place it on a sturdy surface. The combination of functionality and vintage charm makes it a standout piece. If you are traveling with a repurposed suitcase, remember to check suitcase size fits under an airline seat before bringing it as carry-on storage.
Transform into a Unique Planter
If you're looking to add some greenery to your space, repurposing your old suitcase into a unique planter is a creative and stylish option. This DIY project allows you to showcase your favorite plants while giving your old suitcase a new life.
Start by preparing your suitcase for its transformation. Remove any inner linings or compartments and ensure that the interior is clean and dry.
Next, create drainage holes in the bottom of the suitcase. This will allow excess water to escape and prevent your plants from becoming waterlogged. Use a drill or a sharp tool to create small holes evenly spaced across the bottom of the suitcase.
Line the bottom of the suitcase with a waterproof material like plastic or a plastic liner to protect the suitcase from moisture. This will help prevent any potential damage to the suitcase and ensure a longer lifespan for your planter.
Fill the bottom of the suitcase with a layer of gravel or small stones. This will provide additional drainage for your plants and prevent soil from becoming compacted at the bottom.
Next, add a layer of potting soil on top of the gravel. Choose a high-quality potting mix that suits the needs of your plants.
Now it's time to select and plant your favorite greenery. Choose a variety of plants that thrive in similar conditions and have similar water and light requirements. Arrange them creatively within the suitcase, utilizing the different compartments or sections if available.
Water your plants gently, making sure not to overwater them. Monitor their growth and adjust watering and care accordingly.
To add a decorative touch to your unique planter, consider placing small decorative items such as rocks, figurines, or fairy lights amongst the plants. This will add a whimsical and personalized touch to your repurposed suitcase planter.
Finally, find a suitable place for your planter - whether it's on a patio, balcony, or indoors. Your repurposed suitcase planter will not only bring life and beauty to your space but also serve as a conversation piece and a unique focal point.
Use as a Decorative Storage Solution
Repurposing your old suitcase as a decorative storage solution keeps belongings organized while adding a vintage, eclectic touch to your decor.
Start by cleaning and preparing the suitcase: remove any inner linings or compartments, and ensure the interior is clean and dry.
Decide how to use the suitcase for storage—whether for blankets, pillows, books, or accessories—and plan the layout accordingly. Depending on item size, you can utilize existing compartments or create additional storage by adding dividers, small baskets, or fabric pouches to keep items separate.
For elegance and protection, line the interior with fabric or decorative paper. This adds color or pattern and prevents delicate items from scratching.
To go further, add labels or tags to the exterior indicating what’s inside. This makes locating items easier and adds vintage charm.
Once complete, find a suitable spot—living room, bedroom, or entryway—to showcase the repurposed suitcase. It will make a statement while providing practical organization.
Repurposing reduces waste and adds a unique, personal touch to your space. Get creative with arrangements, mix colors and patterns, and transform your old suitcase into a functional, eye-catching storage solution that reflects your style.
Convert to a Portable Bar Cart
Clean and prepare your suitcase for its new role.
Measure the width and length of the interior space to determine how many shelves or compartments you can create. Using sturdy boards or plywood, create shelves that fit the width of the suitcase. Attach them securely using brackets or screws. You can also create dividers or compartments to hold bottles, glasses, and other bar essentials.
Line the shelves and compartments with felt or other decorative materials to prevent bottles and glasses from scratching and to add color or texture.
Stock your portable bar cart by arranging bottles, glassware, cocktail shakers, and other accessories in an organized manner. Use small trays or containers to group items and keep them snugly in place during transportation.
If your suitcase has an exterior pocket, use it to store napkins, drink stirrers, or a small cocktail recipe book. To complete the transformation, add wheels to the bottom of the suitcase. This makes it easy to move the bar cart around your home or outdoor spaces. When you entertain, simply roll out your portable bar cart.
For added convenience, if you need to check your bag before a flight, remember that a suitcase of this size must comply with airline regulations—check your carrier's policy on suitcase size fits under an airline seat to ensure it meets carry-on dimensions. And if you ever need to access the interior during travel, knowing how to unlock a locked Samsonite suitcase can save time at security.
Repurpose as a Travel-inspired Wall Shelf
Thoroughly clean your old suitcase and remove any inner linings or compartments to create a clean canvas. Decide whether to hang the suitcase vertically or horizontally, depending on its size and shape.
If the suitcase has a hard exterior, mount it directly onto the wall using screws or brackets, ensuring it is securely fastened. Attach the shelves to the interior using brackets or screws, making sure they are level and solidly in place. Leave them bare or paint them in colors that complement your home decor.
Decorate the exterior with vintage maps, postcards, or travel stickers. Attach hooks or small clips to hang photos, polaroids, or mementos from your travels. On the shelves, display travel books, souvenirs, and other travel-related items that hold sentimental value, plus small figurines, miniature globes, or trinkets to enhance the theme. If you have a smaller suitcase that you might normally check for size, check that the suitcase size fits under an airline seat if you ever want to use it for travel again.
Hang or mount the repurposed suitcase wall shelf in a prominent spot such as the living room, hallway, or home office. This DIY project adds a unique decorative element to your space while serving as functional storage, letting you showcase your wanderlust in a creative and meaningful way.
Turn it into a DIY Vanity Case
Repurpose your old suitcase into a stylish vanity case for beauty essentials.
Decide on your layout: measure the interior and determine how many compartments or drawers you want. Use dividers, small boxes, or trays to create separate sections for makeup, brushes, and skincare products. You can also repurpose the suitcase’s existing compartments or small containers you already own.
Attach the dividers or containers securely inside using adhesive, screws, or brackets, ensuring they fit snugly for stability. Personalize the interior by covering it with fabric or decorative paper that matches your style. Add a mirror—either a small compact mirror or a larger one that folds or props up—to create a functional makeup application space.
For extra organization, attach small hooks or holders for jewelry, hair accessories, or other small items. This helps optimize the space and makes items easy to find. Once complete, place your vanity case on a dressing table or countertop and arrange your beauty essentials in an organized, accessible manner.
This project reduces waste and gives you a customized, one-of-a-kind vanity case that is both practical and visually appealing. If you travel with your creation, remember that a repurposed suitcase should be checked for suitcase size fits under an airline seat if you plan to use it as carry-on, ensuring it meets airline dimensions.
Transform into a Playful Dollhouse
Repurposing an old suitcase into a dollhouse is a DIY project that sparks creativity and provides hours of imaginative play.
Plan the layout: decide how many rooms you want and determine the size and dimensions for each within the suitcase. Using sturdy cardboard or foam boards, cut pieces to fit each room’s dimensions as walls. Attach the walls securely to the interior with strong adhesive or small nails.
Decorate the rooms with colored paper, fabric, or paint for walls, flooring, and wallpaper. Let your child choose colors and patterns. Create furniture and accessories from simple materials like cardboard, popsicle sticks, or small wooden blocks—beds, chairs, tables, and other pieces. Encourage your child to help craft the miniature furniture.
Add small details such as curtains, rugs, and artwork on the walls for a realistic touch. Let your child personalize the dollhouse with their favorite dolls, stuffed animals, and miniature toys. This makes the space feel special for their play.
Once complete, your child can create stories in their repurposed suitcase dollhouse. Repurposing promotes sustainability and encourages creativity, giving your child a unique dollhouse to cherish for years.
Conclusion
Repurposing your old suitcase into a pet bed, side table, vintage shelf, planter, decorative storage, portable bar cart, travel-inspired wall shelf, DIY vanity case, or dollhouse gives it a new lease on life. You reduce waste while creating a personalized item that matches your style or decor.
These DIY projects offer functional solutions and opportunities for self-expression. Before starting a project, you might need to know how to unlock a locked Samsonite suitcase or reset 3 digit lock on American Tourister luggage to access the interior.
Instead of discarding your old suitcase, turn it into a cozy pet bed, fashionable furniture, decorative planter, or imaginative dollhouse. Each repurposed suitcase becomes a conversation starter and an expression of your creativity. The key is to have fun and let your imagination guide you as you create something practical, beautiful, and full of character.
Related travel guides: How To Clean An Old Suitcase.
