Antique Trunks as a Coffee Tables

A friend of mine with a studio apartment has been struggling to find a coffee table that both fits in his small space and provides a bit of extra storage.  My suggestion to him was to keep an eye out for an antique trunk, chest, or footlocker.  There are tons of trunks around on Craigslist and in local antique shops. And, they can work great as coffee tables or for extra storage at the foot of a bed. 

Plus, trunks can work for a variety of different styles. They can be a bit more glamorous (or even "designer" like the photo above),  rustic (lots of unfinished wood options) or masculine and "worldly" (many have cool old stickers from traveling like the one below).

Here are some great affordable options in the Bay Area that I found with a quick Craigslist search.  (Click on the images for the original listings)

A fun blue one for just $25!

This one might need a tray or plexiglass top but I couldn't pass up the color.  And, the inside has already been cleaned out and restored!

Simple black with great brass detailing ($70 and I'm sure it could be negotiated down)

Another great looking black trunk. (Listed for $50)

If they're too short, you can always add casters (wheels) or legs, like Ashley did to an old suitcase here:

Or, if antique/vintage isn't your vibe,  The Container Store has some great (and bright!) new options for $85: