Got an old trunk sitting unused? You’re looking at hidden potential. That dusty piece can become your home’s next showstopper.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- 27 step-by-step makeover ideas
- Complete prep instructions
- Storage solutions and furniture changes
- Decorative projects for every skill level
You want old trunk makeover ideas that actually work. Not Pinterest fails or impossible projects. This guide delivers practical solutions. Each idea includes materials, skill level, and my personal twist that makes it special.
Your trunk makeover starts here. Let’s turn that forgotten piece into something amazing.
How to Prep an Old Trunk for a Makeover
Before you start the fun stuff, prep work matters. Skip this step and your beautiful makeover won’t last. Here’s what you need to do first.
Inspect for Damage or Pests
Check every corner. Look for:
- Cracks in the wood
- Loose hinges or hardware
- Signs of bugs or rodents
- Water damage or rot
- Missing pieces
Found damage? Don’t panic. Most issues are fixable with basic tools and materials.
Cleaning the Exterior & Interior
Start with a good cleaning. You’ll be amazed what hides under years of grime.
For the outside:
- Vacuum loose dirt and debris
- Use warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Try vinegar solution for stubborn stains
- Let it dry completely
For the inside:
- Remove old lining carefully
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Wipe down with disinfectant
- Check for musty odors
Repairing & Reinforcing
Fix problems now. Your future self will thank you.
Common repairs:
- Tighten loose screws
- Replace broken hinges
- Fill cracks with wood filler
- Glue down lifting veneer
- Add corner brackets for extra strength
Sanding, Priming & Base Coating
This step makes everything else stick better.
Sanding tips:
- Start with coarse grit (80-100)
- Move to fine grit (220)
- Sand with the grain
- Clean off all dust
Prime time: Use a quality primer. It prevents stains and helps paint adhere. Don’t skip this step.
Now for the fun part. Let’s change that trunk.
Storage & Utility Makeovers
1. Vintage Toy Chest Trunk
Turn chaos into charm.
What you’ll need:
- Chalk paint in soft pastels
- New safety hinges
- Foam padding for lid
- Cute knobs or handles
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Add a chalkboard panel where kids can write their names or draw pictures.
2. Blanket or Linen Trunk for the Bedroom
Cedar lining keeps things fresh.
What you’ll need:
- Cedar planks or spray
- Natural wood stain
- Soft-close hinges
- Lavender sachets
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Install LED strip lighting inside for easy nighttime access.
3. Coffee Table with Hidden Storage
Your living room’s best-kept secret.
What you’ll need:
- Glass or wood top
- Table legs or casters
- Interior dividers
- Felt pads
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Add a lift mechanism so the top opens smoothly with one finger.
4. Mudroom Shoe Organizer
Goodbye, shoe mountain.
What you’ll need:
- Wire shelving inserts
- Boot trays
- Waterproof lining
- Labels
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Install a small fan for ventilation and odor control.
5. Entryway Catch-All with Hooks & Baskets
One stop for all your stuff.
What you’ll need:
- Wall hooks on the inside lid
- Small baskets or containers
- Key holder
- Mail slots
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Add a small mirror inside the lid for last-minute checks.
6. Pet Supply Station or Dog Toy Box
Rover’s stuff, organized at last.
What you’ll need:
- Easy-clean paint
- Removable food bowls
- Toy storage compartments
- Pet-safe materials only
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Paint your pet’s silhouette or paw prints on the front.
7. Firewood Holder with Rustic Charm
Practical meets pretty.
What you’ll need:
- Weather-resistant stain
- Heavy-duty handles
- Drainage holes
- Protective feet
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Add rope handles and metal corner guards for authentic rustic appeal.
Furniture Changes
8. Upholstered Trunk Bench
Seating with a secret.
What you’ll need:
- High-density foam
- Fabric of your choice
- Batting
- Staple gun
- Furniture legs (optional)
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Use vintage fabric or create a tufted top with buttons.
9. Trunk Nightstand with Hairpin Legs
Mid-century modern meets vintage charm.
What you’ll need:
- Hairpin legs
- Power drill
- Wood stain or paint
- Interior LED lighting
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Install a wireless charging pad in the top for your phone.
10. Rolling Bar Cart Trunk
Happy hour just got mobile.
What you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty casters
- Bottle holders
- Mirror tiles for back panel
- Wine glass racks
Skill level: Advanced
Special feature: Add a fold-down mixing surface and hidden ice bucket compartment.
11. Boho Side Table with Painted Patterns
Free your inner artist.
What you’ll need:
- Acrylic paints
- Stencils or stamps
- Brushes
- Protective topcoat
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Use metallic paints for mandala patterns that catch the light.
12. Vanity or Makeup Station Trunk
Beauty is organized beautifully.
What you’ll need:
- Mirror (detachable)
- Compartment dividers
- Good lighting
- Electrical outlet strip
Skill level: Advanced
Special feature: Install Hollywood-style bulb lighting around the mirror.
13. Desk with Liftable Storage
Work space meets storage space.
What you’ll need:
- Desk surface material
- Lift hardware
- Interior organizers
- Cable management
Skill level: Advanced
Special feature: Build in wireless device charging and USB ports.
14. Trunk Ottoman with Cushion Top
Comfort meets function.
What you’ll need:
- Round or square cushion
- Upholstery fabric
- Foam padding
- Decorative trim
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Make the cushion reversible with different fabrics on each side.
Decorative Statement Pieces
15. Decoupage Memory Trunk
Your memories, beautifully displayed.
What you’ll need:
- Family photos (copies)
- Mod Podge
- Foam brushes
- Protective sealer
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Create a timeline of family memories across the trunk’s surface.
16. Map-Wrapped Travel Trunk Display
For the wanderlust in all of us.
What you’ll need:
- Vintage maps
- Adhesive
- Travel stickers
- Clear protective coating
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Use maps from places you’ve visited and add travel dates.
17. Stenciled and Chalk-Painted Focal Piece
Classic technique, modern appeal.
What you’ll need:
- Chalk paint
- Stencils
- Contrast paint colors
- Wax or polyurethane finish
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Layer multiple stencil patterns for depth and interest.
18. Coastal Trunk with Rope Handles and Whitewash
Beach house vibes anywhere.
What you’ll need:
- White paint
- Rope (marine grade)
- Sea glass or shells
- Distressing tools
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Add real sand mixed into the paint for texture.
19. Steampunk-Inspired Industrial Trunk
Victorian meets machinery.
What you’ll need:
- Metallic paints (copper, bronze)
- Gears and hardware
- Leather straps
- Aging techniques
Skill level: Advanced
Special feature: Install working gauge meters and vintage-style switches.
20. French Country Floral Trunk
Romantic and refined.
What you’ll need:
- Soft paint colors
- Floral stencils or transfers
- Distressing materials
- Satin finish
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Hand-paint roses and add gold leaf accents.
21. Farmhouse Trunk with Chicken Wire and Chalk Labels
Rustic organization at its finest.
What you’ll need:
- Chicken wire
- Chalkboard paint
- Mason jars
- Rustic hardware
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Create removable chalkboard tags for easy relabeling.
Kid & Teen Room Ideas
22. Treasure Chest with Pirate Theme
Ahoy, matey! Fun awaits.
What you’ll need:
- Dark wood stain
- Rope details
- Brass hardware
- Treasure map lining
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Add a combination lock and hide clues around the room.
23. Rainbow-Painted Toy Trunk
Color therapy for kids’ rooms.
What you’ll need:
- Bright acrylic paints
- Painter’s tape
- Foam rollers
- Non-toxic sealer
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Paint each stripe a different width for a modern twist.
24. Teen Storage Trunk with Pop Art Decals
Cool factor: maximum.
What you’ll need:
- Vinyl decals
- Bold base colors
- Clear protective coating
- Interior organizers
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Let teens design their own decals for true personalization.
Holiday & Seasonal Uses
25. Halloween Prop Storage with Vintage Labels
Keep the spooky organized.
What you’ll need:
- Dark paint
- Vintage-style labels
- Interior padding
- Moth repellent
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Add battery-operated spooky sounds when opened.
26. Christmas Decor Organizer with Festive Lining
No more tangled lights.
What you’ll need:
- Red or green paint
- Holiday fabric lining
- Compartment dividers
- Cedar blocks
Skill level: Beginner
Special feature: Install ornament hooks inside the lid for fragile pieces.
27. Spring Garden Storage Trunk with Painted Florals
Garden tools never looked so good.
What you’ll need:
- Weather-resistant paint
- Floral patterns
- Waterproof lining
- Ventilation holes
Skill level: Intermediate
Special feature: Add a fold-out tool organizer and seed packet holders.
Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Your makeover should last for years. Here’s how to make sure it does:
- Use quality materials. Cheap paint and hardware fail fast.
- Take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes and do-overs.
- Protect your work. Always seal painted surfaces.
- Test first. Try techniques on hidden areas before committing.
- Plan for use. Consider how the trunk will be used daily.
Where to Find Old Trunks + What to Look For
Best places to hunt:
- Estate sales
- Flea markets
- Online marketplaces
- Antique shops
- Garage sales
What makes a good candidate:
- Solid construction
- Working hinges (or easily replaceable)
- Minimal water damage
- Interesting hardware
- Good size for your needs
Red flags to avoid:
- Extensive rot or pest damage
- Missing structural elements
- Extreme warping
- Chemical odors that won’t fade
- Price too good to be true
Conclusion
Your old trunk makeover starts today. Pick one idea and begin.
These 27 projects prove that forgotten furniture can become home favorites. From simple storage to complete furniture changes, every option works.
The best makeovers happen when you:
- Follow the prep steps carefully
- Choose projects that match your skill level
- Use quality materials
- Take your time
I’ve guided you through everything. Inspection, cleaning, repairs, and creative ideas. You have the roadmap. Start small if you’re nervous. A simple paint job builds confidence for bigger projects later.
That dusty trunk holds possibilities. Storage, seating, display, or pure function. The choice is yours. Your space needs what that trunk can become. Make it happen.
Which makeover idea will you try first?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical trunk makeover cost?
Basic makeovers run $50-100 for paint and supplies. More complex projects with new hardware and specialized materials can cost $200-300.
What’s the best paint for old trunks?
Chalk paint works great for beginners and gives good coverage. For high-traffic pieces, use quality latex paint with primer built in for better durability.
Can I makeover a trunk without removing the old finish?
Yes, but clean thoroughly and use a bonding primer first. Stripping the old finish completely gives the best results and longest-lasting makeover.
How do I know if my trunk is worth restoring?
Check the construction quality and joints carefully. Solid wood with dovetail joints is worth the effort, but particle board usually isn’t worth your time.
What safety features should I add for children’s trunks?
Install soft-close hinges to prevent finger pinching. Add ventilation holes and remove any old locks that could trap a child inside
