Decorating with a Louis Vuitton Trunk: A Timeless Icon of Style and Heritage

When it comes to luxury home décor, few pieces are as instantly recognizable and endlessly chic as the Louis Vuitton trunk. More than just luggage, these trunks are works of art — rich with history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

Personally, I’ve always been enamored with Louis Vuitton trunks. There’s something about the warm, rich brown canvas and the bold monogram that feels both classic and contemporary. I love that no matter your decorating style — whether your home is modern, eclectic, Parisian, or farmhouse chic — the trunk simply works. It brings warmth, heritage, and a whisper of jet-set glamour into any space. For me, it’s the perfect intersection of fashion and home.

In this post, let’s discuss the fascinating history of Louis Vuitton trunks, why they’ve become such coveted home accents, and how you can style them beautifully in your home.

✨ The History of the Louis Vuitton Trunk

• Founded in 1854: Louis Vuitton launched his Paris atelier at the height of the travel revolution. Steamships and trains were transforming the way the wealthy explored the world, and Vuitton created the perfect companion for these new adventures.

• Flat-top innovation: At a time when most trunks had domed lids (so water would run off when strapped to carriages), Vuitton introduced the flat-top design. This made trunks not only easier to stack but also more practical for modern travel.

• The Monogram Canvas: Introduced in 1896 by Georges Vuitton to honor his father, the LV monogram was both a design signature and an anti-counterfeiting measure. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable patterns in the world.

• Celebrity appeal: Everyone from royalty to Hollywood icons traveled with Vuitton trunks. They symbolized both practicality and prestige, turning luggage into a status symbol.

👉 Owning a Louis Vuitton trunk today is like owning a piece of design history. It carries the spirit of adventure, the golden age of travel, and the artistry of fine craftsmanship.

via @palmerandpen

🏡 Why a Louis Vuitton Trunk Works as Home Décor

The genius of the Louis Vuitton trunk is that it’s never just about storage. Here’s why it’s such a brilliant addition to interiors:

• Heritage meets style: The trunk brings the romance of travel and luxury into everyday life. It looks equally at home in a grand Parisian apartment or a minimalist loft.

• Versatile function: It doubles as storage and as a surface — coffee table, console, or bench. Unlike other statement pieces, it earns its keep.

• Instant conversation starter: Guests notice it immediately. A trunk naturally invites storytelling — where it came from, who might have traveled with it, and how you found it.

• Timeless appeal: While trends come and go, Louis Vuitton trunks never fall out of fashion. They complement classic interiors, bohemian homes, and even sleek modern spaces.

Think of it as both furniture and heirloom.

via M interior design

💡 How to Style a Louis Vuitton Trunk in Your Home

Here are some inspired ways to let your trunk shine:

1. As a Coffee Table

A large LV trunk makes the perfect coffee table. The flat surface is practical, and the scale grounds a living room beautifully.

• Add a tray to keep the styling neat.

• Stack oversized fashion or travel books for height and personality.

• Pair with candles, a vase of fresh flowers, or a sculptural object to balance the bold monogram.

👉 Tip: If your trunk is vintage, embrace its patina — the wear adds character and depth.

2. At the Foot of the Bed

The trunk as a blanket chest is both functional and stylish. It can hold linens, extra pillows, or even seasonal clothing.

Here’s how to make it work beautifully:

• Bench alternative: A Louis Vuitton trunk doubles as a chic end-of-bed bench. It grounds the room, balances the bed visually, and saves space compared to a traditional bench.

• Layer with books: Stack a few oversized coffee table books — fashion, art, or travel titles work best — and place a small decorative object (like a candle, crystal, or vase) on top for a curated look.

• Soft textiles: Add a throw blanket draped across the trunk or folded neatly at one end. The softness of textiles against the structured trunk creates a gorgeous contrast.

• Functional storage: Beyond style, this is the perfect spot to store linens, seasonal clothing, or even your favorite handbags. It keeps the space chic yet practical.

👉 This styling idea works particularly well in bedrooms with a bit of extra space, creating a feeling of luxury without adding clutter. It’s a subtle way to let the trunk shine daily while keeping your bedroom polished and inviting.

image source

image source

3. In the Entryway

Few things say “welcome” like a Vuitton trunk by the door.

• Top with a mirror or piece of art for a vignette that immediately sets the tone.

• Add a chic lamp or fresh flowers for personality.

• The trunk can also store shoes, scarves, or handbags — keeping clutter hidden.

4. As a Side Table

Stack two smaller trunks or use a medium trunk as an end table.

• Add a lamp for practical lighting.

• Layer a candle, coasters, or a framed photo for that lived-in feel.

• Works especially well in eclectic or masculine interiors.

5. Displayed as Art

Sometimes, the trunk is the art. If you own a particularly rare piece, give it breathing room.

• Spotlight it in a corner with a floor lamp.

• Keep surrounding décor minimal to let the monogram pattern take center stage.

Domaine Home

6. style the lv trunk aS a bar cart

If you love to entertain, transforming a Louis Vuitton trunk into a stylish bar cart is one of the chicest uses for this iconic piece. It blends the glamour of old-world travel with the convivial spirit of modern gatherings.

Here’s how to pull it off:

• Elevate with trays: Place a mirrored or acrylic tray on top of the trunk to neatly organize bottles, decanters, and glassware. This keeps the setup practical and easy to refresh.

• Mix in statement glassware: Cut-crystal tumblers, vintage coupes, or even colorful cocktail glasses add a layer of sophistication.

• Curate your bottles: Instead of crowding the surface, select a handful of beautiful bottles (think artisanal gin, a sleek vodka, or a vintage champagne) for a curated look.

• Add décor flair: Style with a small vase of fresh flowers, a candle, or a decorative ice bucket. These touches keep the bar feeling intentional rather than cluttered.

• Mobile magic: If your trunk is smaller or has wheels, you can move it closer to your entertaining space when hosting — then tuck it back when not in use.

👉 This setup is a conversation starter at parties. Guests won’t just be admiring your cocktail skills — they’ll be swooning over the trunk itself.

Want to get your own? Shop these. . .

🔎 Where to Find Louis Vuitton Trunks

Authentic LV trunks are investments, and knowing where to shop makes all the difference:

• Vintage boutiques: High-end antique dealers often source rare pieces with provenance.

• Auction houses: Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Heritage Auctions regularly feature collectible trunks.

• Online luxury marketplaces: 1stDibs, The RealReal, and eBay (with authentication) are trusted sources.

• Louis Vuitton Special Orders: In select boutiques, you can even commission custom trunks today.

👉 Pro tip: Always check authenticity markers such as the LV label, serial numbers, brass locks, and stitching. A true Louis Vuitton trunk is meticulously crafted.

🖤 Why a Louis Vuitton Trunk Is More Than Décor

Owning a Louis Vuitton trunk is about more than style. It’s about owning a story. Every trunk represents adventure, heritage, and the art of luxury travel. It connects you to an era when journeying was glamorous and the luggage was as important as the destination.

In a modern home, the trunk isn’t just a relic of the past — it’s a bridge between eras. It whispers of Paris ateliers, steamships, and golden-age voyages, while still being practical in today’s interiors.

Decorating with a Louis Vuitton trunk is the ultimate way to merge luxury fashion with interior design. With its iconic history, timeless aesthetic, and versatile styling options, the trunk remains one of the most exciting investments for any home.

If you’re lucky enough to own one, let it tell its story proudly — whether styled in your living room, bedroom, or entryway. A Louis Vuitton trunk doesn’t just decorate a space; it elevates it.

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Decorating my new home & Why thrifting is always a good idea

Decorating is so much fun.

As I have been working on putting together the finishing touches of my new home, I have literally been living in domestic bliss. Like full on, focusing on my home, feeling all of the feels and the process has been so joyful. Nothing can break this full hearted flow.

Luckily, most of my furniture that I had before fit perfectly into my new living room. It’s like my sofa was made for the wide open but small living space. But I found myself stuck with what to put above the sofa for the wall because ever since I purchased my sofa ( literally the most comfortable thing ) it’s been a floating sofa in the middle of the living room. Never has it been up against a wall.

I also was finding myself stuck on a coffee table. Do I want wood? Do I want all white? Do I want marble? Oooh, I love marble. Do I want round or square? Large or small? Something tall or lower?

Oh the joys of decorating.

Whenever I need some inspiration, I head to my Villa Verde Pinterest board to see what I might come up with. This one photo had always stood out to me when I first started pulling images for my new home. I love the look of a clean and modern white wall mixed with the look of a vintage or thrifted art wall. And I just love the neutral color palate, too.

REASONS WHY I LOVE THRIFTING

You guys know how obsessed I am with curating and creating a HIGH VIBE HOME, I have an entire course on how to do so. Now, here’s the deal. I have an entire collection of gold framed art from all the years I’ve been shopping and decorating. As much as I love buying new, there is something so special about re-using things that you have or re-purposing something from someone else. So I knew I could use my gold framed art collection as an art wall above the sofa.

I also knew the coffee table needed to go with the art wall. So a new piece of furniture wasn’t going to work because in order to use thrifted or vintage pieces, they have to be a nice mix. So, I knew I needed to be on the looking for a vintage style coffee table. It needed to be something small enough to fit in the living area. It also needed to be light enough to not feel too dominating or heavy. I also wanted something with enough room to place large coffee table books and other beautiful things I love.

So, I set out on my Saturday to find some more gold frame art pieces to re-create this art wall look that I had in my mind. At one of my local favorite thrift shops, despite not finding any artwork….and I found this stunning BRASS and GLASS square vintage coffee table. How perfect would that look in my space. I thought?!?!?

SCORE!

So, reason numero uno? There really is nothing better than finding the perfect thing, like a diamond in the rough. If you know what I mean, then you know.

Another one of the reasons is that finding something thrifted, vintage or antique is amazing in that your home won’t look like everybody else’s. When you look at homes in AD, Veranda or House Beautiful, very rarely are homes filled with things that look like every other home you see out there. Like that Anthropologie mirror that everyone and their mother has, it just screams ‘basic’ to me.

More reasons why shopping second hand is a good way to go:

✨ It helps environmentally. Reusing old pieces of art, furniture or other decorations helps to not create so much trash and waste.

✨ So much of what is out there vintage or antique is so well made. One of my first pieces of furniture I bought antique in Manhattan and it has lasted for years, moved across the country and several cities and still is in excellent condition.

✨ The thrill of the hunt and finding something perfectly fit for you is as rewarding and satisfying as winning the lottery.

✨ Your home will look completely chic and stylish when you have a mixed look.

✨ Several of the things in my home were actually hand me downs from different family members. I love to keep my things from my grandparents home that bring me the BEST memories. This can be really good feng shui and energy for your space.

Here’s a little peek of my dining room / bar area. The cabinet is filled with things I have thrifted, glassware from family members and beautiful pieces I have picked up along the way. My dining room chairs were in my grandparents breakfast room from my childhood. Original chippendale chairs. Obsessed.

On the opposite side of my sofa wall, I have a black wall and I absolutely love the way it looks. Also, notice my color coordinated bookcase. This part of my home brings me so much joy, I highly recommend doing this with your books, it is definitely a game changer.

FENG SHUI TIP:

Everything you bring home has meaning. So always be intentional with what you are surrounding yourself with. When I work with my clients on curating a holistic and high vibrational home, we get very intentional with what areas of the home need work, what needs to stay or go…(you can read more about my feng shui services here)

Whenever I am at a thrift shop, I always keep my eyes out for unique things that would look cute in my home, would bring me joy when I look at it and things that represent positive, high vibe energy.

Typically animals + other figures represent positive feng shui.

THE TIGER:

I found this cute tiger art to add to my gold art wall and I just loved this print. Tigers are a powerful symbol of leadership, protection and success. It supports the female head of household and promotes luck and fortune in home and business.

THE SWAN:

Swans symbolize love, grace, beauty, balance and elegance.

Typically, you want to keep swans in pairs to represent soul mates because swans mate for life but you can also keep them in your home to remind you of being your highest self. I think they are just such beautiful animals.

COME ALONG WITH ME MORE ON MY DECORATING JOURNEY….inside my workshop HIGH VIBE HOME.