Well hello there, friends! We hope you are having a wonderful Monday….it sure is a busy one over here at Funky Junk Auctions! Spring is finally starting to peek through the clouds (honest!), and you know what that means….it is time to get organized! But who wants those boring plastic bins from the big box stores when you can have something with a little history and a whole lot of soul?
We have been seeing so many awesome vintage goodies lately, and one of our absolute favorite things to hunt for in our online collectible auctions has to be the classic vintage trunk. They are just so versatile! Whether you are a hardcore collector or just someone looking for a cool way to hide the clutter, these old travel companions are just the ticket….
We have come across so many different styles in our travels….
steamer trunks with the original wood slats, flat top trunks that make the perfect coffee table, dome top "camel back" trunks that look like they belong in a pirate movie, heavy duty footlockers, gorgeous worn leather suitcases with brass locks, tiny little vanity cases, wardrobe trunks with the original hangers still inside, metal bound chests, canvas covered trunks with all the old travel stickers still attached, and so much more!
Why We Love These Old Treasures
There is just something special about the way things used to be made….don't you think? Back in the day, when people traveled by steamship or train, their luggage had to be tough! These trunks were built to take a beating and keep the contents safe. And the best part? They just get better looking with age! The way the leather gets that soft patina, the way the brass hardware darkens over time….it is just pure magic.
When you find a great piece in one of our online auctions, you aren't just getting a box….you are getting a piece of history! Imagine the places some of these trunks have been! Paris, New York, maybe even a cross-country train ride through the mountains….the stories they could tell if they could talk!
Practical Magic: How to Use Them Today
We get asked all the time…. "Judy, what on earth do I do with a giant trunk?" Well, let us tell you, the possibilities are endless! They are the ultimate storage solution for just about anything you can think of.
If you have a flat-top trunk, it is practically begging to be a coffee table! Just toss a few of your favorite books and maybe one of those VINTAGE BRASS LAMPS on top (we have some great ones coming up!), and you have a focal point that everyone will be talking about. Plus, you can hide all your extra blankets, board games, or those messy TV remotes right inside. It’s functional art….honest!
Here is a quick list of some of our favorite ways to use these treats around the house….
at the foot of the bed for extra linens and pillows, in the entryway as a bench to sit on while you take off your boots, stacked in a corner to create a unique side table, in the playroom to hide all those colorful toys, as a display stand for your favorite plants, in the office to store old files and paperwork, and much more!
Finding Your Perfect Match
Not all trunks are created equal, and part of the fun of antique auctions is finding the one that speaks to you. If you are looking for something specific, here is a little guide to what we often see coming through the doors….
THE STEAMER TRUNK: These are usually the big boys! They are named after the steamships they traveled on. They often have beautiful wood slats and reinforced corners. They are SUPER STURDY and great for heavy storage.
THE DOME TOP: Also called camel-back trunks. These have a rounded top which was actually designed so that other luggage couldn't be stacked on top of them! It kept them from getting crushed, but it also means they are beautiful decorative pieces today.
LEATHER SUITCASES: These are the ones with the real character…. They come in all sizes, from giant suitcases to tiny little train cases. We love stacking these up three or four high to make a "tower of travel" in a guest room or a hallway.
A Little Help from Your Friends at Funky Junk
We know that bidding on big items like trunks in online auctions can sometimes feel a little intimidating….but don't you worry! We make the process as easy as pie. Whether you are local and want to come by for our scheduled curbside pickup, or you need us to send your new treasure across the country, we have you covered.
(Just a quick reminder….if you need shipping, you pay the shipping and a small packing fee so we can make sure your goodies arrive safe and sound!)
We take a lot of pride in finding these unique pieces and bringing them to you. Every week is a new adventure, and you never know what kind of treasures will show up in the next catalog. It might be a trunk, it might be a rare comic book, or it might be a beautiful piece of art glass….that is the thrill of the hunt!
Tips for Caring for Your Vintage Finds
Once you win that AWESOME VINTAGE TRUNK, you want to keep it looking great! We always recommend a gentle touch. For old wood, a little bit of high-quality wax can really bring that grain back to life. If you have a leather case, a good leather conditioner will keep it from drying out and cracking.
And don't be afraid of a little "character"….a few scratches or a faded travel sticker just add to the charm. It shows that the piece has lived a real life!
Join the Fun!
We are constantly adding new items to our upcoming sales, and we would love for you to join the Funky Junk family! It is so much fun to watch the bids come in and see who ends up with these special pieces. Whether you are looking for primitive antiques, mid-century modern treats, or just something fun for your home, we usually have a little bit of everything….
vintage jewelry, old toys, collectible cards, fine china, rare books, funky lamps, hand-carved boxes, rustic tools, and so much more!
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to our HiBid page and see what we have cooking for you this week. You might just find the perfect vintage trunk to solve all your storage problems and look great doing it!
We can't wait to see what you find! If you have any questions about a specific lot, just give us a shout….we are always here to help.
Happy bidding, everyone!
Check out all our current "goodies" and "treats" over at Funky Junk Auctions on Hibid. We’ve got new auctions popping up all the time, so make sure to check back often!
Team Funky
