We came across vintage trunks, vanity cases and travel bags all the time at auctions and flea markets. They’re often no longer practical for their original use. People now-a-days use lightweight rucksacks or those flight cases on wheels that, once upon a time, used to be the sole preserve of airline pilots & flight attendants.

Upcycled suitcases have found all manner of new uses – coffee tables, desks, shelving and even luxe pet beds. They can be picked up cheaply and, if you’re of a crafty bent, transformed into beautiful bits of furniture. Here are some we found online.

1. Vintage repurposed red suitcase dog bed with hairpin legs: £34.22, Etsy
2. Heisenberg retro suitcase speaker by Bass Trunkies: £390, Notonthehighstreet
3. Occasional table suitcase leather hide low table: £60, eBay
4. Wooden vintage trunk repurposed as a coffee table: £493.92, Etsy
5. Pair of wall shelves made from a vintage metal tweed stripe upcycled suitcase: £91.66, Etsy