How my suitcase table became a practical comfort in difficult times

What has legs and opens? Well, I could ask; what has four legs and reflects your travel? The answer is my new custom suitcase tables. The idea was a simple one originally. I was at a flea market and saw a pile of classic suitcases. The idea struck me that back in the day a suitcase was solid — made to survive a locomotive, DC-3 or a steamship. They were made to last, and as result they are surveyors in our modern world. According to Smithsonian: Early suitcases were lighter and more portable than trunks, but they were still bulky by today's standards. Leather, wicker or thick rubbery cloth was stretched over a rigid wood or steel frame. Corners were rounded out using brass or leather caps. Such suitcases tended to have roughly the proportions of a hardback book: flattened and easy to carry, with a handle on the long side.

What if I put legs on a classic suitcase like that – I thought. Make a cool and retro table? And so, I made quite a few. Many were special orders, others were snapped up as perfect end tables, or accent pieces-all the more practical as they could still be used for storage.

But then along came Covid, and my view changed. Travel became harder and harder. I had always decorated my suitcase table with vintage travel stickers from far off lands, long lost hotels, and no longer functioning airlines and railroads. In fact, when I shared my suitcase was featured on GMA day; they made up special stickers with Lara, Sarah and Michael. I used places people have been to, or dream of going to — sort of a wanderlust/nostalgia theme that can bring a bit of sunshine into a cloudy day.

I now source my donor suitcases online, and install sturdy modern hardware to them so I hand varnish legs. Then, I apply a coat of varnish that is not shiny, and blends in to the patina. And now you can order my suitcase table by size, height, custom order the sticker, and enjoy!