Behind-the-scenes with vintage steamer trunk upcycler Elegant Steamers

Get the story behind Elegant Steamers, and how founder Tracy Messer creates one-of-a-kind chairs from vintage steamer trunks

What first drew you to vintage steamer trunks, and how did the idea to turn them into chairs come about?
I’ve always loved wandering around antique shops, and I often found myself drawn to the steamer trunks tucked away in corners, stacked high and full of mystery. I wondered what journeys they have been on and what stories they could tell.

The idea to upcycle one into a chair came after seeing a similar concept in a hotel lobby. I was instantly inspired and decided to create my own version. Once I had built my first prototype, I found that I absolutely loved the process – from reimagining the design to restoring the trunk’s original charm. That first piece sparked the passion, which then quickly grew into the small business I have today.

Each chair you create is truly one-of-a-kind. Can you walk us through your creative process from trunk to finished piece?
My inspiration doesn’t always begin with the trunk itself, sometimes it starts with a beautiful piece of fabric  or a striking wallpaper design that catches my eye. From there, I work backwards, considering which case finish would work best, evaluating the condition of the fittings, and selecting colours that complement the material or paper.

Or, when I purchase a trunk, I begin by assessing the main body to decide whether a simple clean will do or if a full restoration is needed. Unfortunately, many trunks have spent years tucked away in garages or sheds, often damp and covered in layers of household paint.
If the trunk is in reasonably good condition I will opt for a patterned material on the seat to add visual interest. However, if it requires a complete overhaul, I tend to use a decorative paper for the exterior and pair it with a plain fabric on the seat to balance the overall look.
When working with plain fabrics, I like to add buttoning on the back panel to create texture and elevate the design. Once the upholstery choices are made, I turn my attention to the metal fittings. These are often tarnished or discoloured, so I sand them back and repaint in a colour that enhances both the case and the chosen materials. I also create pieces based on what a customer may want, for instance they may ask for a particular finish or colour to go with their décor.

How do you decide which parts of the original trunk to preserve, and what role does the trunk’s history play in your designs?
I always try to preserve as much of the original trunk as possible. However, time can be unkind and often handles are missing or metal fittings have been damaged or lost. Sometimes I can’t keep the original finish, for instance I am currently working on a trunk which has metal ribs as opposed to the usual wooden ribs. Because the paint was flaking and it was most likely lead based, I have had to completely renovate these using a safer, modern paint.
In cases with missing pieces, I use donor trunks to salvage parts that can be reused. If I cannot find an exact match, I use a modern alternative but ensure they are still in-keeping with the trunk’s style.
One of my favourite details on these trunks is when they still have the old travel tickets. Even if the ink has faded or the edges worn, they tell a story of where the trunk has been, and who it might have belonged to.
If a name or place visible,  this is what I will name the trunk. Whenever possible, I do everything I can to preserve these fragments of history. They bring authenticity  and I love knowing that they continue to live on as part of the piece’s next chapter.

Upcycling is both an art and a philosophy. What does it mean to you personally to reclaim and reimagine these vintage pieces?
For me, upcycling is about giving something that has been forgotten a new lease of life and purpose. I love the idea that these vintage trunks, which may have once travelled the world, can now be transformed into something both beautiful and functional for a modern home. They may no longer be journeying across oceans, but they are still part of life’s adventures.

There’s something meaningful about reimagining a piece that’s been cast aside, allowing it to spark new conversations and memories. Perhaps someone sitting on one of my trunks will find themselves inspired to travel, or simply to share stories of places they long to visit. It’s about honouring the past while creating something full of potential for the future.

Have you ever come across a trunk with a story that changed the way you approached the design?
Yes, I once purchased a trunk from a gentleman who had used it to transport his great aunt’s belongings after she passed away. The trunk still had her initials, along with travel tickets to a hospital in London. As we spoke, I learned she had worked there as a midwife during the 1940s.

Hearing her story gave the trunk a whole new significance. Rather than a full transformation, I plan to preserve as much of the original travel tickets as possible and approach the design as a gentle renovation. I’d like the final piece to quietly honour her life. Moments like these are a reminder that these pieces are not just furniture, they’re storytellers in their own right.

What do you hope people feel or experience when they sit in one of your pieces or bring it into their home?
As well as enjoying the beauty of the piece in their home, I hope people feel a sense of connection to its past. Each trunk has its own story, and by bringing it into their space, they become part of that journey. It’s their turn to add a new chapter, whether it is through daily use or simply the joy it brings to a room. I want them to feel that they are not just owning a piece of furniture but continuing a legacy.