I wanted to maintain the integrity of the suitcase, so I did not paint it or change it in any way. Using an old sponge, soft scrub brush, and a little elbow grease, I dusted it off and cleaned it up. I also left it open for a day to “air it out” a bit…it had a musty smell.
Since the leather is a dark color and some of my other furniture is dark, I went with a dark mahogany stain for the legs. These I purchased at Home Depot for around $4/each. (I was hoping to re-purpose some legs but could not find any I was happy with for the project.) 
I have found that poking the screw portion through the top of a box makes an easy way to paint/stain them without having to touch them for turning.
After staining them, I put on a coat of poly and let them dry for 48 hours (just to be sure).
Home Depot carries these Heavy Duty Top Plates for $2.38/each. This made it easy to install the legs. Because the suitcase was hard-bodied, I did not add anything inside. I simply screwed the top plates into the case…and the legs into the top plates…easy.
I think it is really cute. I also have the big case (on display in the living room)…I wonder what I shall do with it??? And, I still have my Vintage Suitcase Ideas Pinterest board going for future inspiration. In the meantime, I am enjoying the use of my new side table!
Enjoy your day!
This post is linked to:
http://bellanest.blogspot.com/2012/07/party-on.html
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/07/linky_party_96/
http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-2.html
http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/2012/07/free-for-all_13.html
http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2012/07/whats-shakin-link-party-17-party-faves.html
http://www.homemakerinheels.com/2012/07/weekend-craft-soiree-51.html
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/2012/07/nifty-thrifty-sunday-66.html
http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/07/think-pink-sunday-no-69/
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2012/07/just-something-i-whipped-up.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2012/07/link-party-time-craftomaniac-monday_15.html
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2012/07/creative-bloggers-party-hop-68.html
http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2012/07/motivate-me-monday-131.html
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/07/sunday-showcase-party-no-110.html
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/07/blog-hop-lets-have-fun-5.html
http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2012/07/inspire-me-monday-and-giveaway.html
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/07/tuesday-to-do-70-and-69-list-makers.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/07/show-me-what-ya-got-83.html
http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2012/07/trendy-tuesday-9.html
http://todayscreativeblog.net/diy-chalkboard/
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/07/uncommonly-yours-link-party-37.html
http://www.claimingourspace.com/2012/07/tout-it-tuesday-15.html
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/07/whatever-goes-wednesday-126.html
http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/2012/07/wildly-original-round-up-9-and-features.html
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/2012/07/creative-inspirations-linky-party-23.html
http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2012/07/catch-as-catch-can-82.html
http://whipperberry.com/2012/07/friday-flair-the-great-pinteret-hunt.html
Thanks, Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteThat is really cute! I just love how it turned out. Now I am going to have to keep my eyes open at my local Goodwill for a fabulous vintage suitcase!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Def. keep an eye out...there are tons of great ideas for projects with them. Check out my Pinterest board on the subject. ;^)
DeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI love old suitcases. This is very cute. Thanks for linking up to Hot Fun in the Summertime.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maggie!
DeleteI'm a sucker for a vintage suitcase! I really like this next to the couch - that's my two cents worth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen, I appreciate your "2 cents"!! ;^)
DeleteI love this. And the fact that you can use the suitcase as extra storage for little things like coasters, candles or other odds and ends is bonus. I would love it if you would share this on my linky party - Tout It Tuesday. http://www.claimingourspace.com/2012/07/tout-it-tuesday-15.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to add some character to your room ... Thanks for sharing this at the {what's shakin' link party} this week!!
ReplyDeleteLove it as a side table!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
When I first saw this I thought what a great idea and extra storage as well!! You can ALWAYS find these old suitcases at a second hand store for almost nothing!
ReplyDeleteYour suitcase table looks great! I never find these type of suitcases around here.
ReplyDeleteLove the stained legs!
gail