I’m gonna start by admitting that this military trunk was one of my dumbest purchases ever.
WAY dumb.
For starters, I bought it when I was in New Mexico back in June.
Who buys a big wood trunk while traveling and would have to pack it in a vehicle full of people and luggage?
Well, that would be me. What was I thinking?
I also had no need whatsoever of a military trunk. None.
The other reason it was a dumb purchase is because it was in bad condition.
I don’t mean it just looked bad. I mean the wood was falling apart.
So, why did I buy it?
I’ve asked myself that question more than once.
I blame the hardware.
Latches, metal corners and metal feet are all I saw, and I didn’t inspect the condition of the trunk.
The store didn’t take returns, so I was stuck with it, and thus began…
… the dumbest thrift store purchase makeover…
My poor husband got the short end of the stick.
He had to basically rebuild it, just to make it sturdy again.
I had the easy job.
I told him what I wanted and he did it.
The whole front panel had to be replaced, and he added supports inside to stabilize it.
I did paint it though, and stained the trim. 🙂
I didn’t take in-progress photos, but you get the idea.
Strengthen it, paint it, add trim, and add handles. Done.
It sounds quicker than it was. Neither of us was excited about it, and we drug the project out for several weeks.
The only thing I bought was metal chest handles (affiliate link) to replace the original wood handles.
They were silver colored, so I painted them white to match the rest of the hardware.
My husband used scrap wood to do all the repairs on it.
So, it wasn’t an expensive makeover – just a dumb one.
A word to the wise…
If you see an old wooden military trunk, salute it, then run away.
Even if it has cool hardware.
Vaya con Dios,
The Making of My “Antique” Cupboard
LOL Angie! You did do a great job though. I appreciate the honest way you write your posts… refreshing!
Thanks Julie, I guess I figure that hearing all the dumb things I do will make everyone else feel smart in comparison! 🙂
Good story and something I would do… wait I did do it. Had to take the train home while my family drove home with an antique in my car seat… LOL
At least it turned out great!!! and you have a cool story.
LOL, I took the train home too! It was the rest of my family that was in the crowded vehicle with the trunk! That’s too funny that we did the same thing!
Ha ha ha Angie, too late, I have one in my basement storage room and after reading this post, maybe that’s where it will stay! Got it from my Grandmother on my 16th birthday – a “hope” chest (remember those). Survived two marriages and multiple moves and I’ve been wanting to give it a makeover for over three decades. Not so much anymore. lol Yours looks great and makes a perfect coffee table. You get an A+ for determination.
Turned out great……I love it.
Thanks Terri!
Total transformation! Looks great. And where did the rug in front of the wicker coach come from?? Love it
Shirley – the rug came from Big Lots!
I have my fathers old footlocker from world war III and it looks simular. It is a great piece of family history. I like what you have done to yours.
Thanks Marlene. That’s awesome to have a footlocker wither personal family history – how are you using yours?
But now that you are done with the makeover it looks really great, especially with the cool hardware.
Thanks Mary – hardware is gonna be my downfall! 🙂
Angie, you are so funny! You didn’t say whether you liked the looks of it once you were done or whether you like the way it looks in your living room. It does sound like it was a drag, but I think it is pretty nice-looking and a useful piece once finished. You did a nice job on it and, after all, everyone makes a dumb purchase from time to time. So, it’s a” learning experience”, right? I don’t know why we have to endure so many “learning experiences” over the course of our lives!
Hope the next project is much more fun!
Naomi, I really do love the end result. I just have to get past being mad at myself for buying it in the first place! 🙂
Just think of all the stuff you can hide in it !!! Love you blog !
LOL – thanks so much, Sue!
Dumb or not, I love it! My hubby is retired from the national guard. He had a trunk just like that. I just asked him where it was. I think it might still be at our old home, which our son bought. I must see if I can find it! lol! Now I’m going to have a hard time walking away. 🙂
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann – at least you won’t have to pay for yours, and I hope it’s in better condition than the one I bought!
My son received the Military trunk that my mom had after she passed away you have given me a great ideal to re do it for him to add to his home instead of it being in the closet. I think I might do a navy theme for my navy boy… take care of you and the family
That’s a great idea to do a Navy theme makeover, Bonnie – I’ll bet your son will love it!
Awesome makeover and it’s going to be great for storing blankets, etc. in your family room.