Refinish Old Trunk

This is an example of what you can do to refinish an old trunk. I would not add the shelf in mine, but I do like the colors of this trunk once finished. I bought some canvas to replace the old canvas on mine and would maybe coat it with a stain. The results of this person’s project can definitely give me incentive to start mine.

From the restorer: "It took a LOT of work to get it back to this shape. I had to remove the canvas, the paper lining inside, then scrub her down hard! After she dried, I put on a nice wood conditioner and then a simple clear coat. I chose to stain the accent wood pieces darker though.

"I did the same steps on the inside then stepped back and thought - it's nice. But it's missing something.

"My Spin! So my spin on it is - if it's going to be a functional coffee table, it needs easier access for often used items like remotes and coasters. I cut her open and installed pine shelving on the lower part. The pine boards are removable so you can use the "basement" of it as hidden storage for money, Christmas stuff... or ... whatever you want hidden ;)

"Then I added another shelf over top of the cut out - for games, blankets etc, things not often sought after. It is a bit of a pain having to clear off the trunk everytime you need to get in and out of it. So - upper shelf - not often used items. Lower shelf - quick access items - hidden area - for whatever you please!"