Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor: 16 Cozy Old Chest Ideas Straight Out of a Farmhouse Magazine

Vintage trunk Christmas decor is the easiest way to make a room look like a page from a farmhouse magazine. That old chest in the attic, the basement or the thrift store has stories in every scratch and brass corner. Add pine, plaid and a few wrapped gifts, and it suddenly becomes the coziest spot in the house. A trunk works hard, too. It can be a coffee table, a tree stand, a blanket bin or a cocoa bar, and it hides clutter inside while it looks pretty outside. Below are 16 ideas to style an old trunk for the holidays, each with a short supply list and simple steps. Some take five minutes, and a few use a little paint or decoupage for a fresh new look. Pick your favorite and let that old trunk shine this Christmas..

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor as a Coffee Table

One old chest can change the feel of an entire living room, and over a million people have watched proof of it. Creator Modern Makeovers took a worn antique gentlemen’s chest and gave it a full restoration with a creative twist. Layer by layer, the tired wood came back to life, and the finished piece looked like it belonged in a fine old home. The chest restoration video has more than 1.4 million views. You do not need a full restoration to get that wow from vintage trunk Christmas decor. Set a steamer trunk in front of the sofa, run fresh pine down the middle and pile on gifts. For more styling tricks, see our Christmas coffee table decor ideas..

You will need: A sturdy vintage trunk, a pine or cedar garland, pinecones, red berry picks, a plaid throw, three wrapped gifts.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the trunk with a damp cloth and let it dry. 2. Lay the garland down the center of the lid and tuck in pinecones and berries. 3. Stack the gifts on one end and drape the throw over the other corner.

An Open Trunk Overflowing With Gifts

Nothing says Christmas morning like a trunk that looks too full to close. Prop the lid open and let wrapped gifts spill over the edge. The trick is to fill the bottom with boxes or a folded blanket, so you only need a few real presents on top. Kraft paper with red plaid ribbon keeps the farmhouse look calm and pretty. Tuck pine sprigs between the boxes for color and a fresh smell. If you love a big gift moment, our giant Christmas presents are a fun match for this spot.

You will need: An old trunk, empty boxes or a folded blanket for filler, kraft paper, red plaid ribbon, pine sprigs, berry picks.

How to make it: 1. Fill the bottom of the trunk with filler so the gifts sit high. 2. Wrap empty boxes in kraft paper and tie them with plaid ribbon. 3. Stack them so a few spill over the edge and tuck pine between them.

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor at the Foot of the Bed

Vintage trunk Christmas decor is not just for the living room. A trunk at the foot of the bed makes a bedroom feel like a cozy country inn. Fold a plaid throw over the top, lean a small wreath against it and add two wrapped gifts. Inside, the trunk can hold extra pillows and blankets for holiday guests. It is a gentle, simple touch that guests notice right away. Find more cozy ideas in our Christmas bedroom decor gallery.

You will need: A vintage trunk, a plaid throw, a small pine wreath, two wrapped gifts, extra bedding to store inside.

How to make it: 1. Place the trunk at the foot of the bed and fill it with spare bedding. 2. Fold the throw so it hangs over one side. 3. Lean the wreath against the front and set the gifts on top.

A Trunk That Holds a Tabletop Tree

Short on floor space? Let a trunk lift a small tree to eye level. A tabletop tree on a trunk looks full and grand, but it takes up only a corner. Set the tree in a galvanized bucket so it feels farmhouse fresh, and wrap the base with a little burlap. Wooden bead garland and plain red ornaments keep it simple. Use battery fairy lights so there are no cords or heat near the wood. Our mini Christmas trees gallery has more ways to decorate a small tree.

You will need: A sturdy trunk, a tabletop tree, a galvanized bucket, burlap, wooden bead garland, red ornaments, battery fairy lights.

How to make it: 1. Set the trunk in a corner and place the bucket in the center of the lid. 2. Stand the tree in the bucket and wrap the base with burlap. 3. Add the lights, bead garland and ornaments.

An Old Chest Stacked With Quilts and a Wreath

Quilts and an old chest go together like cocoa and marshmallows. Open the lid and stack your folded quilts so the patterns show on the edge. Reds, creams and greens look festive without a single ornament. Lean a fresh wreath with a big red bow against the front, and the chest looks like a holiday postcard. This is a lovely way to show off family quilts that usually stay in the closet. See how we use them all over the house in our quilt Christmas decor ideas.

You will need: An old chest, 3 to 5 folded quilts, a pine wreath, a wide red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Fold each quilt in thirds so the pattern shows on the edge. 2. Stack them in the open chest from biggest to smallest. 3. Tie a ribbon bow on the wreath and lean it against the front.

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor for the Entryway

Vintage trunk Christmas decor makes a warm first hello at the front door. A trunk is the right height for an entry table, and it holds hats, gloves and scarves inside. On top, set a pair of red mittens, a small lantern and a little vase of pine. Use a battery LED light in the lantern so it is safe to leave on while you greet guests. Visitors feel welcome before they take off their coats. For more ideas, browse our Christmas entryway decor gallery.

You will need: A vintage trunk, a small lantern with a battery LED light, red knit mittens, a small vase, pine sprigs, a scarf.

How to make it: 1. Fill the trunk with winter gear and close the lid. 2. Set the lantern on one end and the pine vase in the middle. 3. Lay the mittens and scarf in a loose, cozy pile.

A Cozy Blanket Station by the Fireplace

Movie nights need blankets within reach, and a trunk keeps them neat and pretty. Roll each blanket tightly and stand the rolls up inside the open trunk, so you can see every pattern. Mix knit, fleece and plaid for texture. Set it near the fireplace or the sofa, and add a little garland along the wall behind it. Everyone can grab a blanket and the room still looks tidy. Plaid is the star here, and our plaid Christmas decor ideas show more ways to use it.

You will need: A vintage trunk, 5 to 7 throw blankets, a pine garland, ribbon or twine to tie the rolls.

How to make it: 1. Roll each blanket tightly and tie it with ribbon or twine. 2. Stand the rolls upright in the open trunk. 3. Hang a garland on the wall or mantel behind it.

Stacked Suitcases and a Trunk as a Christmas Tower

Got more than one old case? Stack them into a Christmas tower. Put the trunk on the bottom and add suitcases from biggest to smallest. Tie them together with red velvet ribbon like a giant present, and top them with pine and one red ornament. This is a great corner filler where a tree will not fit. The tower feels like a holiday trip to grandma’s house. Vintage pieces like this pair well with our vintage sled decor ideas.

You will need: One small trunk, 2 or 3 vintage suitcases, wide red velvet ribbon, pine sprigs, a red ornament, a garland.

How to make it: 1. Stack the trunk and suitcases from largest to smallest. 2. Wrap the ribbon around the stack and tie a big bow on top. 3. Add pine and an ornament on top and a garland at the base.

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor With a Card Lined Lid

Vintage trunk Christmas decor gets personal when you line the lid with old Christmas cards. Save the fronts of cards you love, trim them and decoupage them inside the lid like a collage. Every time you open the trunk, you see years of holiday wishes. Use pictures only, like holly, cardinals and pine, so the lid looks clean. A glossy top coat seals it and makes it easy to wipe. If you enjoy this, try our decoupage Christmas plates for another easy project.

You will need: An old trunk, Christmas card fronts, scissors, a foam brush, decoupage medium, a glossy sealer.

How to make it: 1. Trim the card fronts so only the pictures show. 2. Brush decoupage medium on the lid, press each card down and brush more over the top. 3. Let it dry and add a glossy top coat.

A Painted Trunk With Stenciled Snowflakes

For vintage trunk Christmas decor on a budget, a plain thrift store trunk can look like a boutique find with paint and a snowflake stencil. Soft sage green or creamy white keeps it farmhouse friendly. Stencil white snowflakes on the lid and sides, then sand the edges a little for a loved look. Keep it out all winter, not just at Christmas. Kids can help pick where the flakes go. Want more ideas for old pieces? Our trash to treasure furniture gallery is full of them.

You will need: A small wooden trunk, chalk style paint in sage or cream, white craft paint, a snowflake stencil, a stencil brush, fine sandpaper.

How to make it: 1. Paint the trunk in two thin coats and let it dry. 2. Tape the stencil down and dab on white paint with a nearly dry brush. 3. Sand the edges lightly and add a clear coat.

A Porch Trunk for Firewood and Pinecones

A weathered trunk on the porch says welcome before anyone knocks. Fill it with split logs and a basket of pinecones, and tie a plaid bow on the front. Add a pair of boots beside it for a lived in look. Pick a spot under the roof so rain and snow stay off the wood. It is rustic, simple and costs almost nothing. See more ideas for outside in our Christmas front porch ideas.

You will need: A weathered trunk, split firewood, a basket of pinecones, a pine garland, a plaid ribbon bow.

How to make it: 1. Place the trunk on a covered part of the porch. 2. Stack the logs inside and set the basket of pinecones on top. 3. Hang the garland and bow on the front.

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor as a Hot Cocoa Bar

Vintage trunk Christmas decor can be sweet, too. Turn a trunk into a hot cocoa bar for family nights. Set a wooden tray on top with white mugs, a jar of marshmallows and peppermint sticks. Store extra cocoa, napkins and spoons inside the trunk so refills are easy. Add a short garland along the front edge for color. Guests love to build their own mug. Get more topping ideas from our hot cocoa bar ideas.

You will need: A vintage trunk, a wooden tray, white mugs, plain glass jars, mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, a short garland.

How to make it: 1. Set the tray on the trunk lid. 2. Fill the jars with marshmallows and peppermint sticks and line up the mugs. 3. Store extra supplies inside and add the garland on the front.

A Lodge Look Trunk With Antlers and Greenery

For a mountain lodge feel, pair a dark trunk with antlers and fresh greens. Lay a plaid runner across the top, then add cedar, pine and a few pinecones. Shed antlers or faux ones in the center give it that cabin look. It works well in a den, a mudroom or a reading corner. The rich browns and greens feel warm on a snowy night. For more nature looks, see our woodland Christmas decor ideas.

You will need: A dark trunk, a plaid table runner, cedar and pine branches, pinecones, real shed or faux antlers.

How to make it: 1. Lay the runner across the trunk lid. 2. Arrange the greens along the runner. 3. Set the antlers in the center and tuck pinecones around them.

Vintage Trunk Christmas Decor Full of Shiny Ornaments

An open trunk full of shiny ornaments is the most magical vintage trunk Christmas decor of all. Fill the bottom with tissue paper and pile ornaments on top in red, gold, silver and green. It looks like you just found a box of family heirlooms in the attic. Use shatterproof ornaments if you have kids or pets nearby. When the season ends, the trunk becomes your ornament storage box. Love old style balls? Check out our vintage Christmas ornaments.

You will need: An old trunk with straps, tissue paper, 30 to 50 ornaments in mixed colors and sizes.

How to make it: 1. Fill the trunk about halfway with crumpled tissue paper. 2. Pile the ornaments on top, mixing sizes and colors. 3. Leave the lid open and the straps hanging loose.

A Christmas Eve Trunk for the Kids

Make Christmas Eve extra special with a small trunk the kids open after dinner. Pack it with new pajamas, a picture book, fuzzy socks, a mug and a packet of cocoa. Keep the same trunk each year, and it becomes a family tradition they will remember. Add a blank tag with each child’s name in your own writing. It is a sweet way to slow down before the big day. Our Christmas Eve boxes gallery has more fun ideas to fill it.

You will need: A small vintage trunk, kids pajamas, a picture book, fuzzy socks, a mug, a cocoa packet, a blank gift tag.

How to make it: 1. Line the trunk with tissue paper. 2. Fold in the pajamas and add the book, socks, mug and cocoa. 3. Close the lid and tie on a tag with the child’s name.

A Small Tin Trunk as a Gift Box

A tiny tin trunk makes a gift box people keep for years, and it is vintage trunk Christmas decor you can give away. Look for small trunks at thrift stores or craft shops, then paint them red with white snowflakes. Fill one with homemade cookies, fudge or a small handmade gift, and tie it with twine and pine. The box becomes a keepsake after the treats are gone. It is a thoughtful gift for neighbors, teachers or grandparents. For more ideas, see our Christmas cookie tin crafts.

You will need: A small tin or wooden trunk box, red and white craft paint, a small brush, tissue paper, cookies or treats, twine, a pine sprig.

How to make it: 1. Paint the box red and let it dry, then dot on white snowflakes. 2. Line it with tissue paper and fill it with treats. 3. Tie the box with twine and tuck in a pine sprig.