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.

Art Deco Crinkle Nightstand Bedside Table Chest    US $624.10

Interesting VTG Wood Wooden Arts Crafts Art Deco Era Tramp Folk Art Chest Box    US $40.00

Gorgeous Large 5 Drawer Art Deco 1920s Furniture Chest High Detail Cherry Wood    US $350.00

Art Deco Chest Drawers Console Table Sideboard    US $1,256.10

ART DECO 4 DRAWER MAHOGANY CHEST SECRETARY    US $1,095.00

Pair Art Deco Mirrored Bedside Cabinets Chests Tables    US $1,098.10

Mixed Media Art Deco 21 Trunk or Chest OPEN FOR DISCUSSION Unique Original    US $99.99

dolls house CHEST OF DRAWERS handmade ART DECO new 95C    US $7.88

ART DECO SET OF EIGHT OAK CHEST OF DRAWERS HANDLES VINTAGE Arts Crafts    US $31.60

Art Deco Mirrored Double Commode Chest Drawers    US $1,817.00

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.