All across DIY-land, you see crafty 2012 folk making things out of vintage suitcases: end tables (remember Laura’s?), dog beds and recently I saw wall shelves. But our grandparents were already well ahead when it came to innovating with suitcase conversions. LoOk: Here is a true, vintage tall dresser made from suitcases — which converts to usable suitcases. In fact, the piece is branded “Lug-A-Ture“, according to reader Cindy, who spotted it in an antique shop and good girl, had her camera handy to report back. “Lug-A-Ture” — get it? — “Furni-Ture” that you can you can break apart and use as luggage when you need to get a move on. Cindy writes:
One of the most curious things I’ve ever seen, from Midway Antiques Mall in Sacramento CA. They specialize in the mid-mod stuff. A 1950’s luggage dresser by Lug-A-Ture. Take one or all pieces of luggage as needed. They have a lot more cool stuff, including a stash of pink plastic bathroom tiles.
Indeed, Cindy, not just “curious,” but one of the most odd and wonderful consumer products from midcentury America — woddities — that I have ever seen. Well, maybe just a teensy bit under push-button plumbing and of course, the Electro-Sink (bow down to the almighty E-S!)
Interestingly, I found a modern day reconception of this idea — “suitcase dressers” from the British designers JamesPlumb. There are also “suitcase stacks”. The website explains:
A selection of old suitcases are housed individually in antiqued steel and wood cases that have been tailor made in Somerset. Every case is carefully and painstakingly repaired and repurposed – relined in Swedish linen ready to recieve their new contents.
I love upcycling and yes, this seems to be a fantastic way to repurpose vintage suitcases. Even so, I am now on the eagle-eye lookout for the one-and-only, original Lug-A-Ture.
Jil Casey says
Too fun! I like the suitcase chests.
Carole says
I’ve never seen anything like that, and what a fabulous idea! Usable all the time, no need to store it some place ‘out of the way’, and removable for usage on trips.
Beth Putnam says
To cool for school. In my dreams those would be mine. I do use vintage leather luggage of my moms as a side table.
TappanTrailerTami says
OMG! Hubby and I were planning to ride our motorcycles somewhere today, and I was half-toying with going to Midway in Sacramento. I think this just “sealed the deal” LOL~ I LOVE that place, it is one of the best antique malls anywhere, but tends towards the pricey side for cool MCM stuff.
I may have to HAVE this!
Tami
Just another Pam says
There are very few things I’d say this about but I’d pay retail for that and I have no where to put it….the latter I have to confess to a lot…
The JamesPlumb ones I could make and actually have everything needed to do it in the house or garden shed but the original….be still my heart. What a find!
Guy H. says
Is the last sentence supposed to say you are NOT on the lookout or NOW on the lookout? I can’t decide if it’s a typo or if you just wouldnt have a need for these…
pam kueber says
“now” of course. this is what happens when i make a post late at night and have no editor. but i have you all so all is good! many thanks!!!
Guy H. says
I figured that, but I wasn’t entirely sure!
I love the idea of the suitcase dressers made by the British designer. I am trying to think of a way to steal that idea for my house (somewhere other than a dresser.)
Ann-Marie Meyers says
I would love this. The way I am always traveling back and forth between Texas and Wisconsin, I could just take my drawers along with me, and not be always packing and unpacking.
It feels like I am living out of a suitcase anyway. I might as well do it for real, and be proud.
I will keep my eyes peeled for something like this at a reasonable price in my auctioning and estate sale hunting.
Thanks, Pam and Cindy!
Katherine says
Isnt it Lug-a-ture? I.e. lug, not tug?
pam kueber says
woopsy, after I made this post, Cindy sent additional info (price tag writeup) that clarified the name is indeed “Lug-a-Ture”. That makes even more sense! Thanks for the catch, Katherine: Fixed!
Heather Staas says
I love the look of it! It’s neat, tidy, the color is so pretty, the rounded corners… it’s just lovely!
chris says
Very neat! Love the tug-a-ture piece best!
But I’m baffled. How did the drawers work? Were they able to slide out, somehow? Did Cindy try it?