Help with decorating ideas

Question

I have this awesome antique box that is over 5 feet long. I want to decorate it for Fall i.e. open the hinged lid and maybe do a faux raised bottom and use raffia, pumpkins etc inside of it. Any ideas?

Hannah V · Answer

@Crystal @ Urban Patina did a paint job on a trunk that would be perfect for what you're going for! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/cedar-trunk-makeover-3351124

Irish53 · Answer

If there are no small children to worry about then yes open it and fill with a false bottom and loads of fall real and artificial pumpkins squash and corn . Otherwise a fall table runner. Center large pumpkin and then working out from the both sides out to continue with smaller and smaller all kinds of smaller squashes. Put potted mums half way down the lines of fall squashes ending with the smallest pumpkins and squashes to the end of box. Corn stalks can be laid lengthwise along the back of the box or in tall vase on the sides.

Irish53 · Answer

NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! With box closed A different holiday runner. Table size tree in center. Small gift boxes wrapped scattered under tree. A container for holiday cards halfway to edge of box on both side of tree. Can be sleige or something else holiday theme. Or maybe two shallow bowls filled with tree balls or candy for company. OR Wreath on wall instead of tree and have boughs of holly coming down from wreath.

Jeanette S · Answer

Oh how I love the October pumpkins! I love them from hammered metal to glitter to re-purposed sweaters, to jar lids. But get a clay or foam one and paint it hot pink for Breast Cancer Month! I put a lot of cuties on my mantle and in the middle of them is a big pink pumpkin!

Pam Bednar-Huff · Answer

Thanks everyone for such great ideas! The tack? box is so long but I just love it! I can't wait to implement everyone's suggestions!

Donna Byram · Answer

Fill a glass vase with coffee beans and a candle for a nice aroma to your fall decor. You could tie a burlap ribbon around the vase. Also I like the painted wooden candy corn decor to go along with the pumpkins and of course some pretty mums.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Please don't paint as someone suggested! I'd do a top decoration; I't long and wide enough to put pumpkins, etc. on the top or any other seasonal vignette. That way you don't have to move anything out of the inside. What a great storage unit!

Patty Holmes · Answer

I totally agree with Marion Nesbitt. Please don't paint such a beautiful piece of furniture. Do something on top or inside but it's beautiful as it is.

Janis Gibson · Answer

I'd wrap the top lid in burlap securing inside with some duct tape to give it texture. Start with a large item as your focal point to the side, metal wagon perhaps or wheelbarrow, to fill with a load of pumpkins and then items relating to fall of various sizes and shapes spilling out to give it texture. It's a lovely piece and can be decorated every season. Good luck!

Sar368161 · Answer

If it's for Halloween, what about a Mummy in a coffin?

Jjaycee · Answer

I agree this should not be painted. That's just me though. I am very much in the minority as far as not being in favour of covering beautiful Oak and Birch Kitchen Cabinets with paint. This chest has a bad stain on the front right corner though, and looks badly scratched. The finish would have to be sanded down to paint so I would be hoping to salvage the wood look. Only failing at that, would I go for painting.

Dee Williamson · Answer

Oh I like Irish53's ideas! Wouldn't paint it either. But there are so many ways to decorate! I'd love to have a trunk like this.

Chatty Larson · Answer

Do not paint it it will lose it's character. Another Idea is making a cushion for the top to also use it as a window seat.

Patti Lemaire · Answer

I have a similar box and I display my wooden bird houses and some antique candle sticks on it and store my craft supplies inside.

Colleen · Answer

For this box,restain it with a good wax finish. I'm a practical person so I agree with a cushion on top. A cushion cover could be changed for each season.

Pam Bednar-Huff · Answer

Oh my! So many responses!! I, too, am from the school of not painting! But, I do love all the suggestions on decorating! With so many great ideas I can change and try them all! Thanks everyone, I knew you would come through1

Bibi Sweet67 · Answer

I would try putting some type of legs at the bottom for height then decorate the top or inside of the box.

Kelly S · Answer

It would be an awesome tricked out casket for Halloween with black crepe paper, cloth, spider webs etc. Don't paint it, drape it with fabric.

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