Some people get very passionate when it comes to seeking out and buying quality vintage trunks. On the other hand, a good proportion of people would rather get a beautifully restored trunk and use it in their lounge room as a decorative piece of furniture.

The majority of trunks for sale come from earlier centuries as authentic or restored pieces. Vintage trunks is an absolute winner. Some dresser trunks, like wardrobe trunks, became quite elaborate.

The name steamer trunk is almost always misused. A true steamer trunk is about half the height of most regular flat top trunks, the other dimensions are about the same as for a regular flat top.

Many trunk makers made doll trunks as combination toys and advertising. Old fashioned wardrobe trunks have spaces for almost anything and any use imagined. Looking in one particular area alone simply gives you more vintage trunks than Victorian Trunks alone can provide.

The classic flat top trunks with canvas or metal background and hardwood staves were made from about the 1870s to around 1920. Steamer trunks make excellent coffee or end tables. Some trunks are simply reinforced chests with large open space, but the highly sought after dresser trunk comes with drawers, trays and lids. This has been a jealously guarded secret.

Other wall trunks use a different and more elaborate system for the lid to open. Wall trunks have their names derived from the way they open up. Some storage trunks were attributed to the use by specifically one gender, for instance, small trunks got to be known as ‘Ladies’ Trunks’ due to their small sizes and light weighted appearance.

These days trunks are popularly used in family homes for a number of reasons such as hope chests, blanket boxes, as a coffee table or simply as a stylish piece of furniture.

In days past the trunks that are taking pride of place in lounge rooms were simply pieces of luggage to hold clothes and other personal belongings during long and arduous voyages and trips. They were made to last, made to withstand the unavoidable knocks and bumps that occur during loading and unloading and whilst in transit.

Due to the fact that the upper class were the ones who were more often able to afford the cost of travel, many trunks were beautifully adorned with detailed carving or engravings. Some were covered with rich leather finishes or were painted, sometimes by a noted artist.

Finding an antique trunk for sale, such as oak slat trunks or dome top trunks, will enable you to decorate a room in your house with a valuable piece of history as well as a means of gaining more storage space. Not only is the trunk a useful piece of furniture it may have a fascinating history attached to it.