History of Steamer Trunks
The steamer trunks were quite instrumental when Americans began to expand westward, and they reached the peak of their popularity in the 1800’s to early 1900’s. The steamer trunks were built with a durable, rugged, and reliable structure. Most people used these trunks to store clothes, treasures, and other valuables whenever they would travel on trains and steamships. These wooden trunk chests were specifically built with a low profile to fit in berths of trains and in the cabins of a steamships, and then they were given the name steamer trunk. For more info about the fascinating history of wooden chests, check out our blog.
Historians claim that most people wanted their trunk to be built with a rounded lid. The porters loading the trains and ships would often place the humpbacked trunks on top of the stack of luggage. This would help keep the trunk from getting damaged at the bottom of the stack.
Uses of a Storage Trunk
Storage Trunk
Although a steamer trunk is no longer used for traveling, a trunk chest is great way to store valuables and priceless family heirlooms. These sturdy, durable Amish handcrafted trunk chests will keep your delicate china, blankets, and precious family heirlooms safe. With antique hardware and the genuine leather handles, these wooden trunk chests give off a certain air of nostalgia which looks great in any room that you choose to place it.
Coffee Table
When you choose a steamer trunk with a flat top lid, you can also use it as a coffee table, end table, or an accent piece. Place it in the center of any of your rooms, and your friends will be impressed with these authentic trunks chests.
Great Gift Idea
In addition, a steamer trunk makes a great gift to any of your family members or friends. With its great overall appearance and functionality, your friends and family will be impressed with a priceless treasure chest. It is a valuable gift idea that shows how much you appreciate your friends and family. Or gift this beautiful trunk to your children and grandchildren and create a coveted heirloom that will last for years to come!
Steamer Trunk Tops
Our steamer trunks come with two varieties of lids – a flat top lid or a dome lid. Although both styles are quite popular, each style trunk chest has its benefits.
Dome Lids
If you order a steamer trunk with a dome shape lid, you will be able to store more of your valuables inside. Also, the cross beams inside the lid help provide extra strength and visual interest.
Flat Lids
A steamer trunk with a flat top lid can be used in several different ways. With a flat surface on top, this trunk chest can be used for storage at the foot of your bed, as a side table in your living room, or even used as media stand. If you place this beautifully handcrafted trunk chest in the center of your living room, your guests will be sure to notice.
Steamer Trunk Styles
Lock and Sliding Tray
Regardless if you choose a rounded lid or a flat top lid, our handcrafted Amish steamer trunks are available with a functioning lock and a slide tray inside the lid made of aromatic cedar.
Hardware Options
Each of our steamer trunks can be made in solid maple, hickory, or oak. Also, we have a variety of stains you can choose from. Each trunk includes hardware options such as polished nickel, polished brass, antique brass, or dark bronze. The hardware options include the lock, latches, handle caps, and corners. You can design your trunk to match the rest of your home decor and suit your style.
Specialty Finish
The steamer trunk with the “Old World Specialty” finish will give your room an authentic, timeless appeal that blends well with vintage or historic décor. Each of our distressing techniques are randomly applied to your trunk. Rounded and worn corners, knife cuts, simulated worm holes and cracks, chain distressing marks, rasping, and dips all help give the trunk and “old fashioned” appearance.
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