From vintage antiques to modern reproductions, Art Deco trunks serve many functions. Originally used as traveling wardrobes for train and ship travel, designs as varied as the people who popularized them exist. Whether used in the home or for their original purpose, they define art and style.

Art Deco influenced architecture, industrial and graphic design, home décor, photography, art, fashion and film from the 1920s through the 1940s all over the world. Its influence continues. One of the period’s most celebrated gifts is its travel trunks.

There is a tremendous range of art deco trunks and art deco chests available to buy, simply browse through the selection displayed below.

Cappuccino Art Deco 6 Drawer Dresser Chest    US $823.00

Cappuccino Art Deco Dresser Chest    US $974.00

Art Deco Bronzed Terracotta Treasure Chest Circa 1920s    US $25.00

ART DECO WOOD VINYL PADDED STORAGE CHEST TRUNK FLORAL    US $9.98

Birdseye Maple Art Deco Chest or Dresser    US $595.00

DRESSER VANITY CHEST OF DRAWERS ART DECO WALNUT    US $695.00

Vtg 1938 Art Deco Oneida Grenoble Flatware w chest    US $30.00

Art Deco Bedroom Set Chest Full Size Bed Multi Veener    US $695.00

UNIQUE COLORFUL WHIMSICAL SMALL ART DECO CHEST    US $16.92

Art Deco Waterfall Style Antique Cedar Hope Chest Trunk    US $350.00

The “lingerie trunk” resembled today’s modern luggage. More lightweight than Steamer trunks and wardrobes of the day, they feature tray inserts that reveal more storage when removed. A set stacked in a corner can hold your scarves, hats, or lingerie. Original travel stickers naming shipping or train lines, departure and destination cities often adorn these vintage trunks. Stack a set next to your bed; top it with a vintage lamp for a chic bedside table.

Steamer trunks, (aka traveling closets, or wardrobes) were designed for ocean voyages or cross-country train travel. Truly meant to be closets while traveling, they feature hardy nickel or brass reinforcements on corners, cloth fronted drawers, a mix of shoe box, hangers, rod, and fabric dust covers, even a drop down ironing board. Some contain cedar drawers making them weighty.

Designed to stand on end for packing or open while traveling, some steamers have hinged tops providing accessibility to hanging clothes.

These trunks and chests all function beautifully to display vintage bar-ware or as closets in small apartments. Solid in structure, they make perfect window seats, funky coffee tables, or stand one on end in the entry, modern light fixture atop it. No matter how you choose to use your art deco trunk or your art deco chest, this functional art is meant to be seen.