The Suitcase Chair

Upcycle any old or vintage suitcase into a chair to create a piece of furniture with an old-world charm to it.

Recycle materials around the house into a functional, sturdy, and comfortable piece of art!

Try to use all recycled materials for this project, as I did, you will feel good I promise!

Materials:

Suitcase - the older the better!

Plywood cut to fit inside the suitcase.

2 small pieces of plywood.

4 chair legs and 4 screw-on leg attachments.

2 pieces of foam.

4 L shape corner place angle bracket.

Bolts, nuts, and washers.

Foam glue.

Equipment:

Electric drill.

Screwdriver.

Serrated knife.

Fabric scissors.

Measuring tape.

1. Place the plywood inside the base of the suitcase and drill a small hole through each corner of the plywood and into the bottom of the suitcase.
2. Place the washer on the bolt and push the bolt into the hole in the plywood.
3. Turn the suitcase and thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten it by twisting clockwise.

To make the suitcase stays open at 90 degrees angle:

1. Place the small plywood pieces on either side of the bottom of the suitcase from the inside and drill a small hole through each plywood piece and into the bottom of the suitcase.
2. Place the L shape brackets on the bottom of the suitcase from the outside then place the washer on the bolt and push the bolt into the hole in the plywood onto the L bracket.
3. Thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten it by twisting clockwise.

Note: To match the holes of the plywood pieces with holes on the L brackets, it's easier to mark the holes on the plywood with a sharpie, drill the holes on the plywood first then put it inside the suitcase and go over it one more time drilling into the suitcase.

1. Place the screw-on leg attachment on the chair leg and screw it on.
2. Turn the suitcase and place the chair legs on the corner of the suitcase from the outside then drill holes in the chair mounting plate holes.
3. Place a screw in each hole and attach the chair legs to the suitcase with screws using a screwdriver.

Note: Make sure the holes and screw go through the suitcase and into the plywood making the chair extra sturdy!

1. Measure the bottom and top halves of the suitcase from the inside.
2. Cut the foam to fit both halves of the suitcase using a sharp serrated knife. - Note: cut the foam 1cm less than the width and the length of the suitcase, so it can fit comfortably.
3. Cut the fabric using fabric scissors. - Note: When cutting the fabric add 20cm to the width and length of the suitcase to allow the fabric to wrap comfortably under the foam.

1. Apply a generous amount of glue on the top of the foam and all sides and use a brush or a piece of cardboard to spread it. - Note: Don't apply glue directly on the sides to avoid dripping, apply it on the top and spread with a brush on the sides.
2. Spread the fabric on the top of the foam and smooth it with your hand.
3. Flip the foam and wrap the fabric around the sides and the corners of the foam. - Note: pull the fabric from all sides tightly for a cleaner look.

Repeat the steps for the top and bottom foams of the chair.

1. Tuck in the bottom piece of foam into the bottom half of the suitcase.
2. Spread glue on the back of the foam of the top half of the suitcase and tuck it in on the top.

Note: You don't need to secure the foam in the bottom half of the suitcase with glue.