Suitcase nightstand. Loving this little project of mine. Combining a vintage suitcase and an old side table and painting it all white, gave me a lovely bit of storage in this bedroom.
We have an itty-bitty guestroom, that is just big enough for a single bed, a bookcase and a small nightstand. No room for anything more. I want it to be as inviting and cozy as possible anyway, so I was looking for a nightstand that might work.
I still had my parents little side table that used to be part of a nest of three tables.
I painted it white and distressed the edges. It looked much more modern already. I particularly liked the distressed edges.
But it felt a bit skinny and too low beside the bed. It needed something. Come in one old suitcase.
I found it at my in-laws. The little tag says ‘Bedieningskoffer’, which meant that it used to be the suitcase the priest would take with him when he would go to give someone the last sacraments. I guess that is also why there are all of those holes drilled into it. The incense needed air, perhaps.
At first the former life of this suitcase creeped me out a bit, but then I realized that a) it is still just a suitcase, b) it has retired long ago and c) it brought a lot of comfort to people who needed it. So I decided it was ok to give it a new life.
Inspired and encouraged by Sarah’s beautiful white suitcases, I found the courage to simply paint it. Painting suitcases is actually quite easy. If you are hesitant about it, I’ve got you covered because I wrote a guide on how to paint suitcases.
It works beautifully! It fits the little table perfectly and gives the nightstand exactly the right height. I replaced the label with one saying “Linnengoed”, which means Linens, because I’ll keep the bed linens for the guest bed in there.
I love it when a plan comes together!
I think you might like this too
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I love this idea! Can you post some tips on how to do the stripping/painting? I'd love to redo some of my oak furniture from the 80's.
I love this idea! Can you post some tips on how to do the stripping/painting? I'd love to redo some of my oak furniture from the 80's.
The suitcase certainly made a difference to the side table. What a lovely way to use something that had long ago been retired.
The suitcase certainly made a difference to the side table. What a lovely way to use something that had long ago been retired.
I LOVE it! May I feature you in my review?
I LOVE it! May I feature you in my review?
What a great idea. It looks so good painted white !
What a great idea. It looks so good painted white !
By the way, when are we going to get to hear you sing??? Ladies, she's not called "Songbird" for nothing.
By the way, when are we going to get to hear you sing??? Ladies, she's not called "Songbird" for nothing.
Hoi M.,
wat een geweldig idee om die koffer ook gelijk mee in het wit te zetten! Zo krijg je een mooi, charmant geheel en het staat lekker fris, al dat wit. Vorig jaar zag ik trouwens ook bij Aldi zulke strijkplank-hoezen met Jouy-print liggen en dat voor nog geen 4 euro. Ik had net al de mijne, anders had ik beslist eentje daar gekocht: prima kwaliteit en mooi. Mochten ze nog eens in de rekken liggen, laat ik het wel weten 🙂
Groetjes, fijn weekend, al dan niet ´Valentijn´ of carnaval,
Marjolijn
Hoi M.,
wat een geweldig idee om die koffer ook gelijk mee in het wit te zetten! Zo krijg je een mooi, charmant geheel en het staat lekker fris, al dat wit. Vorig jaar zag ik trouwens ook bij Aldi zulke strijkplank-hoezen met Jouy-print liggen en dat voor nog geen 4 euro. Ik had net al de mijne, anders had ik beslist eentje daar gekocht: prima kwaliteit en mooi. Mochten ze nog eens in de rekken liggen, laat ik het wel weten 🙂
Groetjes, fijn weekend, al dan niet ´Valentijn´ of carnaval,
Marjolijn
Oh my — that is really beautiful. You did a marvelous job. So inviting!
Oh my — that is really beautiful. You did a marvelous job. So inviting!
really, really lovely! & i like your touch of placing the doily on the lamp…
really, really lovely! & i like your touch of placing the doily on the lamp…
Whata fun idea!! I have a small tbale like that, and all I need now is the case!! 🙂
I am definately doing that as soon as I get a thrifty score next!!
Whata fun idea!! I have a small tbale like that, and all I need now is the case!! 🙂
I am definately doing that as soon as I get a thrifty score next!!
oh, Marianne!!! i wish i could pay you to come over here and whiten and brighten some of my dark wood furniture…what a gorgeous makeover!!!
oh, Marianne!!! i wish i could pay you to come over here and whiten and brighten some of my dark wood furniture…what a gorgeous makeover!!!
MOOI geworden joh! IK heb nog de oude koffer die mijn opa en oma altijd meenamen naar Canada, dank voor het ideetje.♥♥
Heel fijn weekend ♥.
MOOI geworden joh! IK heb nog de oude koffer die mijn opa en oma altijd meenamen naar Canada, dank voor het ideetje.♥♥
Heel fijn weekend ♥.
I love it! And it IS beautiful! I just picked up a couple of old suitcases at the Flea Market last weekend. I feel a project coming on.
I love it! And it IS beautiful! I just picked up a couple of old suitcases at the Flea Market last weekend. I feel a project coming on.
What a beautiful idea! The table itself is beautiful with the slight distressing, but the suitcase on top just makes it pop! I love it!
Melissa
What a beautiful idea! The table itself is beautiful with the slight distressing, but the suitcase on top just makes it pop! I love it!
Melissa
What a great idea! Iove the way your side table turned out! Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing your orchid tips. Do they grow new flowers each year? Last year I trimmed the stalk off the one in my bedroom, I hope he will grow a new one.
What a great idea! Iove the way your side table turned out! Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing your orchid tips. Do they grow new flowers each year? Last year I trimmed the stalk off the one in my bedroom, I hope he will grow a new one.
Wow… fantastic!! I *love* the painted suitcase. That was such a creative fix!
Wow… fantastic!! I *love* the painted suitcase. That was such a creative fix!
I found you blog from reading comments on abeachcottage – wow I love blogs – yours is wonderful.
check me out sometime I'm fairly new to the whole thing and would love a comment.
I found you blog from reading comments on abeachcottage – wow I love blogs – yours is wonderful.
check me out sometime I'm fairly new to the whole thing and would love a comment.
Simply gorgeous! A reminder for all of us that its not only OK to paint some of our old furniture or flea market finds, but HEAVENLY. Happy Valentine's Weekend.
Cori
Simply gorgeous! A reminder for all of us that its not only OK to paint some of our old furniture or flea market finds, but HEAVENLY. Happy Valentine's Weekend.
Cori
Seriously, this is marvelous. Love your style.
Seriously, this is marvelous. Love your style.
Het is een mooi logeerkamertje geworden. En hoop dat de verf op de koffer blijft zitten, staat wel erg leuk.
groetjes Lia
Het is een mooi logeerkamertje geworden. En hoop dat de verf op de koffer blijft zitten, staat wel erg leuk.
groetjes Lia
I love this, Marianne! You should submit this to a decorating magazine. It is so perfect; wonderful place for the bed linens. I love when furniture pieces are functional as well as just plain pretty. This is one cool idea!
Brenda
I love this, Marianne! You should submit this to a decorating magazine. It is so perfect; wonderful place for the bed linens. I love when furniture pieces are functional as well as just plain pretty. This is one cool idea!
Brenda
I love it! And I agree, the past life of the suitcase creeped me out at first as well. But, y6ou are so right…it helped to deliver comfort. So indeed, it fits well in a guest room. Thanks for sharing!
I love it! And I agree, the past life of the suitcase creeped me out at first as well. But, y6ou are so right…it helped to deliver comfort. So indeed, it fits well in a guest room. Thanks for sharing!
OH that suitcase just rocks that table…what a creative idea! Kim
OH that suitcase just rocks that table…what a creative idea! Kim
I LOVE what you did with the suitcase!!!! Wonderful! And a little itty bitty room filled with such wonder is a pleasure indeed. Thanks for sharing. Charlene
I LOVE what you did with the suitcase!!!! Wonderful! And a little itty bitty room filled with such wonder is a pleasure indeed. Thanks for sharing. Charlene
That is shockingly cute! I would never have thought to change the suitcase. Brilliant! Perfect for your guest room. Thanks so much for linking!
Andy
Poppies at Play
That is shockingly cute! I would never have thought to change the suitcase. Brilliant! Perfect for your guest room. Thanks so much for linking!
Andy
Poppies at Play
That is an awesome idea! I never would have thought of it! I just love it all white…beautiful!
Wendy
That is an awesome idea! I never would have thought of it! I just love it all white…beautiful!
Wendy
Marvelous! Somehow, painting a suitcase just never occurred to me. The table and suitcase look wonderful together – what a beautiful solution!
Manuela
Marvelous! Somehow, painting a suitcase just never occurred to me. The table and suitcase look wonderful together – what a beautiful solution!
Manuela
I love it. How shabby chic!!
I love it. How shabby chic!!
Móóóói je koffer en nacht"kastje"! Apart verhaal van het koffertje! Maar op deze manier krijgt hij een heel nieuw 2e leven! Fijn weekend, groetjes Elly
Móóóói je koffer en nacht"kastje"! Apart verhaal van het koffertje! Maar op deze manier krijgt hij een heel nieuw 2e leven! Fijn weekend, groetjes Elly
I love this. What a great idea. And you did a fabulous job!!
I love this. What a great idea. And you did a fabulous job!!
My oh my, the makeover queen has done it again! 🙂
I love the fcat that you have 'chipped' the paint. The number of old suitcases I've seen – wish I'd though of painting them before!
My oh my, the makeover queen has done it again! 🙂
I love the fcat that you have 'chipped' the paint. The number of old suitcases I've seen – wish I'd though of painting them before!
wow, they look lovely, you've inspired me to get some others finished… sarahx
wow, they look lovely, you've inspired me to get some others finished… sarahx
A very clever makeover. Love the new look of both pieces.
Becky K.
A very clever makeover. Love the new look of both pieces.
Becky K.
great idea that turned out really beautiful!
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving comments! How sweet!
have a great weekend!
gail
great idea that turned out really beautiful!
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving comments! How sweet!
have a great weekend!
gail
WOW I LOVE IT TOO WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER SO BEAUTIFULLY! THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. LOVE YOUR BLOG. I WILL BE FOLLOWING.
SMILES, ALICE
WOW I LOVE IT TOO WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER SO BEAUTIFULLY! THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. LOVE YOUR BLOG. I WILL BE FOLLOWING.
SMILES, ALICE
I love the idea of suitcases for design and storage. I have one that has been waiting for me. So many projects, so little time. Yours is fantabulous!!!
Cindy at Lakewood
I love the idea of suitcases for design and storage. I have one that has been waiting for me. So many projects, so little time. Yours is fantabulous!!!
Cindy at Lakewood
I love this bedside table. The addition of the painted white suitcase was genius. It is lovely.
Nita
I love this bedside table. The addition of the painted white suitcase was genius. It is lovely.
Nita
Great idea…I love the white on white.
Great idea…I love the white on white.
Love this!
Love this!
You are just amazing with a can of paint in hand!
You are just amazing with a can of paint in hand!
My jaw just hit the floor! You've managed to turn funky junk into beautiful treasures! Oh my goodness girl! The wait for you to join in the party was WORTH it!
I'm in LOVE with this one! And I want to do this!
Thanks for linking up! Check the side bar because you'll be in it during the weekend. 🙂
FJ Donna
My jaw just hit the floor! You've managed to turn funky junk into beautiful treasures! Oh my goodness girl! The wait for you to join in the party was WORTH it!
I'm in LOVE with this one! And I want to do this!
Thanks for linking up! Check the side bar because you'll be in it during the weekend. 🙂
FJ Donna
Hi Marianne…
My friend…what a fabulous makeover!!! You are certainly the clever one…adding that darling suitcase was a stroke of genius!!! I love your pretty little bedside table makeover…love the distressed white finish! It sure brightened it up and feels refreshed! Now…I love, love, LOVE the suitcase! It's just so perfect sitting there atop your pretty table! They look as though they were made for one another! Bravo!!! Love it! Thank you for sharing it with us! I'm coming over from Beth's mantel party…
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design
PS…I am curious though…tried to figure out why there were little holes in the suitcase? Hmmm…guess they will work for letting your pretty bed linens breathe!!! Hehe!
Hi Marianne…
My friend…what a fabulous makeover!!! You are certainly the clever one…adding that darling suitcase was a stroke of genius!!! I love your pretty little bedside table makeover…love the distressed white finish! It sure brightened it up and feels refreshed! Now…I love, love, LOVE the suitcase! It's just so perfect sitting there atop your pretty table! They look as though they were made for one another! Bravo!!! Love it! Thank you for sharing it with us! I'm coming over from Beth's mantel party…
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design
PS…I am curious though…tried to figure out why there were little holes in the suitcase? Hmmm…guess they will work for letting your pretty bed linens breathe!!! Hehe!
Goed idee om zo dat tafeltje wat op te leuken en zo heb je nog wat extra bergruimte (nooit weg) ook!
Fijn weekend, Carnaval en/of Valentijn? Hoe dan ook ik hoop dat je je heel goed amuseert! Misschien krijgen we nog wel een make over van jou te zien…ik kan me zo'n prachtige foto in vuurtinten herinneren waar je totaal onherkenbaar opstaat…misschien ben je nu ook wel helemaal wit…hihihi heb je de smaak echt te pakken!! Veel plezier!
Goed idee om zo dat tafeltje wat op te leuken en zo heb je nog wat extra bergruimte (nooit weg) ook!
Fijn weekend, Carnaval en/of Valentijn? Hoe dan ook ik hoop dat je je heel goed amuseert! Misschien krijgen we nog wel een make over van jou te zien…ik kan me zo'n prachtige foto in vuurtinten herinneren waar je totaal onherkenbaar opstaat…misschien ben je nu ook wel helemaal wit…hihihi heb je de smaak echt te pakken!! Veel plezier!
CUTE! I love this idea…so creative!
Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite
CUTE! I love this idea…so creative!
Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite
If Sarah is your inspiration, I'd say you captured the style perfectly! It's a great vignette, Marianne!
Amy
If Sarah is your inspiration, I'd say you captured the style perfectly! It's a great vignette, Marianne!
Amy
Just beautiful! I love the elegant simplicity of it all. What a great way to repurpose a suitcase.
Just beautiful! I love the elegant simplicity of it all. What a great way to repurpose a suitcase.
Thanks for the inspiration! I have a turquoise blue suitcase that would be perfect for a project like this.
Great job!
Thanks for the inspiration! I have a turquoise blue suitcase that would be perfect for a project like this.
Great job!
LOVE that suitcase! Happy Valentines Day! xo natalea
LOVE that suitcase! Happy Valentines Day! xo natalea
What a transformation!!! Fabulous job. Great pictures too!
What a transformation!!! Fabulous job. Great pictures too!
I am super impressed! You took two very ordinary pieces and made them look amazing! The white paint worked wonders and the little details make the piece. Wonderful job, Maryanne!
I am super impressed! You took two very ordinary pieces and made them look amazing! The white paint worked wonders and the little details make the piece. Wonderful job, Maryanne!
Beautiful! 🙂
Beautiful! 🙂
I absolutely love it!!! Fantastic job of combining odd items for a finished piece that looks like it was made to be together.
I absolutely love it!!! Fantastic job of combining odd items for a finished piece that looks like it was made to be together.
I love it – down to the little fish net doily at the base of the lamp. The whole thing is beautiful and I love the attention to even the smallest detail.
best,
-maria
I love it – down to the little fish net doily at the base of the lamp. The whole thing is beautiful and I love the attention to even the smallest detail.
best,
-maria
He wat een geweldig idee! Staat super zo… alsof hij er voor gemaakt is!
Mmm zie dat ik nog steeds je naam moet aanpassen in mn bloglijst *schaam* Eerst maar eens doen haha… fijne dag!
He wat een geweldig idee! Staat super zo… alsof hij er voor gemaakt is!
Mmm zie dat ik nog steeds je naam moet aanpassen in mn bloglijst *schaam* Eerst maar eens doen haha… fijne dag!
Amazing transformation! I love the idea of keeping the linens there, too!
Amazing transformation! I love the idea of keeping the linens there, too!
I would really Love to know how you painted the suitcase. There was a suitcase I saw the other day at an atique shop for $7. If it is still there today, I think I might try to pick it up for this type of make-over. Did you spray paint it or brush it on? What type of paint did you use? Do you have to sand it or pre-treat it in anyway? I would love your advice.
-Kara
kle.design@hotmail.com
I would really Love to know how you painted the suitcase. There was a suitcase I saw the other day at an atique shop for $7. If it is still there today, I think I might try to pick it up for this type of make-over. Did you spray paint it or brush it on? What type of paint did you use? Do you have to sand it or pre-treat it in anyway? I would love your advice.
-Kara
kle.design@hotmail.com
Saw this over on Design*Sponge ~ truly an incredible job! 🙂
Saw this over on Design*Sponge ~ truly an incredible job! 🙂
Hi Marianne,
love the suitcase as well. I am also interested what kind of primer(brand) and paint you used(brand). I'm from germany and just discovered your great blog via Design*Sponge.
THnx for sharing
Piro
Hi Marianne,
love the suitcase as well. I am also interested what kind of primer(brand) and paint you used(brand). I'm from germany and just discovered your great blog via Design*Sponge.
THnx for sharing
Piro
For anybody and Piro in particular (who asked a question but didn't leave an emailadres!).
I used a general spray primer after a good clean. I then added a waterbased lack with a brush, it took two coats to get good coverage.
For anybody and Piro in particular (who asked a question but didn't leave an emailadres!).
I used a general spray primer after a good clean. I then added a waterbased lack with a brush, it took two coats to get good coverage.
Very elegant (though I'd expect nothing less from you, lol). And a great excuse, as if I needed one, to go trawling round some old junk shops and antique shops.
Good tip for you – for nooks & crannies (rg: mouldings) you can't get into to sand, sugar soap is great (and you can get in with an old toothbrush) then a quick rinse… really gives a nice surface for the paint.
Very elegant (though I'd expect nothing less from you, lol). And a great excuse, as if I needed one, to go trawling round some old junk shops and antique shops.
Good tip for you – for nooks & crannies (rg: mouldings) you can't get into to sand, sugar soap is great (and you can get in with an old toothbrush) then a quick rinse… really gives a nice surface for the paint.
This is adorable! I can't believe how elegant an old suitcase can look by being painted white. I love it.
This is adorable! I can't believe how elegant an old suitcase can look by being painted white. I love it.
Thanx marianne!!!
Sorry about the missing emailadress:(
But i dont know where to write it, so it`s still invisible for other readers.
Piro
Thanx marianne!!!
Sorry about the missing emailadress:(
But i dont know where to write it, so it`s still invisible for other readers.
Piro
i love love love this table idea! i wish i was as crafty as you 🙂
i love love love this table idea! i wish i was as crafty as you 🙂
i love love love this table idea! i wish i was as crafty as you 🙂
i love love love this table idea! i wish i was as crafty as you 🙂
I LOVE this. I saw it on a site somewhere about two weeks ago but they didn't link the photo credit so I had no idea who did it. I figured the brilliant mind behind it would have more great things…and you do!
Jami
I LOVE this. I saw it on a site somewhere about two weeks ago but they didn't link the photo credit so I had no idea who did it. I figured the brilliant mind behind it would have more great things…and you do!
Jami
What a perfect idea! I have a small table just like that. It is too low and looks out of scale, but putting a suitcase like that on top will do the job. Now to find one…
What a perfect idea! I have a small table just like that. It is too low and looks out of scale, but putting a suitcase like that on top will do the job. Now to find one…
Hello sweet Marianne. Just wanted you to know that I mentioned this in tonight's post.
Hugs to you.
http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2010/11/repurposed-jewelry-box-nightstand-and.html
Hello sweet Marianne. Just wanted you to know that I mentioned this in tonight's post.
Hugs to you.
http://www.freckledlaundry.com/2010/11/repurposed-jewelry-box-nightstand-and.html
WOW! just WOW!
WOW! just WOW!
Hi Marianne,
Just to let you know that I posted this link to my blog based on inspiration for a friend's quilt. You can find the direct link at: http://cheapchicbyjulie.blogspot.com/2011/05/inspiration-for-bedroom-redo.html
Have a great day!
Julie
Hi Marianne,
Just to let you know that I posted this link to my blog based on inspiration for a friend's quilt. You can find the direct link at: http://cheapchicbyjulie.blogspot.com/2011/05/inspiration-for-bedroom-redo.html
Have a great day!
Julie
Hi Marianne, my name is Marianne too and I LOVE this project. I'm about to try and replicate it by making a coffee table – can you send me some tips about how you distressed and painted the side table and suitcase? Did you use oil-based or latex-based primer? Did you use latex paint, or again, oil? I want to make sure that I do it right since I don't want to screw up a beautiful old suitcase!!! Thanks, your blog is beautiful!!!
Hi Marianne, my name is Marianne too and I LOVE this project. I'm about to try and replicate it by making a coffee table – can you send me some tips about how you distressed and painted the side table and suitcase? Did you use oil-based or latex-based primer? Did you use latex paint, or again, oil? I want to make sure that I do it right since I don't want to screw up a beautiful old suitcase!!! Thanks, your blog is beautiful!!!
This is amazing! I love this project! What treasures you could hide inside…. 🙂
Absolutely adorable idea. I love the use of old suitcase, esp. when made into furniture. Visiting from Roadside Rescue.
This is truly inspirational and sparked similar ideas here in our home. I’m so glad I found your site!