How to Decorate a Wicker Storage Trunk: 7 Stylish & Functional Ideas

Wicker storage trunk used as a coffee table, styled with books, tea set, and indoor plant in a cozy living room.

A wicker storage trunk isn’t just a container—it’s a statement piece. Whether you’re styling a boho-inspired living room, organizing a cozy entryway, or upgrading your bedroom decor, this timeless storage solution offers both beauty and function. As more homeowners seek natural textures and multifunctional furniture, the wicker storage trunk continues to trend for all the right reasons. But how do you style it to match your home aesthetic? In this guide, we’ll share 7 easy and stylish ways to decorate your wicker storage trunk so it becomes a focal point—not just a place to stash blankets.

Minimalist wicker storage trunk fully closed, styled in a bright neutral corner with sheer curtains.
Minimalist Wicker Storage Trunk in a Bright Neutral Room

Add a Cushion Top for Extra Seating

One of the simplest yet most functional ways to decorate your wicker storage trunk is by turning it into additional seating. This method is especially effective if you’re working with a wicker storage trunk with lid, as the flat, sturdy surface easily supports soft furnishings.

To style it, choose a cushion or bench pad that complements your room’s palette—neutral tones like ivory, beige, or muted terracotta work beautifully in boho or coastal interiors. Layer with a linen throw or a lightweight quilt for added texture. This transforms your wicker trunk into a dual-purpose piece: a chic bench by day and discreet storage underneath.

If your trunk is in the living room, this setup works perfectly as overflow seating for guests. In bedrooms, it makes an excellent foot-of-the-bed bench, especially when paired with matching pillows or wall decor. By elevating the top with a thoughtfully chosen cushion, your decorative wicker storage becomes a design element, not just an afterthought.

Layer with Throws and Textiles for a Cozy Look

Wicker storage trunk with a boho throw blanket draped over the side in a cozy living room.
Wicker Storage Trunk Decorated with Throw Blanket

Another effortless way to elevate your wicker storage trunk is by using soft textiles to create a warm, lived-in feel. Drape a lightweight throw blanket over one side of the lid, then fold a patterned scarf or handwoven textile beneath it to add visual depth. This method is ideal if your trunk sits in a shared living space or bedroom, where it can double as a decorative anchor.

Using textured layers is especially effective when styling a large wicker storage trunk, as it prevents the piece from feeling too boxy or utilitarian. Opt for fabrics with subtle patterns—think neutral stripes, hand-block prints, or soft fringe details—that enhance your room’s color scheme without overwhelming it.

Beyond aesthetics, layering textiles has a practical bonus: it helps protect the trunk’s surface from everyday wear. This is a great tip for those using their wicker trunks for storage of frequently accessed items like throws, toys, or seasonal pillows.

Want to lean into a relaxed, boho vibe? Mix and match materials like gauze cotton, macrame, and soft jute for an effortlessly curated effect.

>> Related: Best Decorative Storage Baskets for Living Room

Use as a Coffee Table Centerpiece

Wicker storage trunk used as a coffee table with a tea set, books, and a woven tray on top.
Wicker Storage Trunk as a Coffee Table with Books and Tea Set

If you’re short on space or love multifunctional furniture, transforming your wicker storage trunk into a coffee table is both stylish and smart. Its flat surface and natural texture make it an ideal centerpiece—bringing warmth and character to your living room while offering hidden storage for blankets, books, or board games.

To style your wicker storage trunk coffee table, start with a tray to organize smaller items like candles, remotes, or decorative objects. Choose a round or rectangular tray in a contrasting material—such as wood, ceramic, or brass—to create visual balance against the woven wicker. Add a stack of books, a small potted plant, or a sculptural object to complete the look.

This setup isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional. Unlike traditional coffee tables, a storage trunk wicker design offers the bonus of keeping clutter out of sight. It’s especially useful in small apartments, minimalist spaces, or boho-inspired interiors where every piece needs to work overtime.

Whether your style leans rustic, coastal, or eclectic, using a wicker storage trunk as a coffee table adds texture and warmth, grounding your room without overwhelming it.

Style with Plants and Greenery

Adding greenery is one of the easiest ways to refresh your wicker storage trunk while enhancing your room’s natural appeal. The earthy tones and woven texture of wicker pair beautifully with vibrant indoor plants—creating a calming, organic look that feels both intentional and inviting.

Place a medium-sized plant (like a snake plant, pothos, or monstera) beside or slightly behind the trunk to frame the area. If the trunk is positioned in front of a window, this setup allows the greenery to catch natural light and visually soften hard lines in the space. For a cozier corner, use trailing plants in hanging baskets or ceramic pots placed directly on the trunk surface—with a protective tray or mat underneath.

This styling approach works especially well if you’re using a boho storage trunk or aiming for a relaxed, airy aesthetic. The combination of natural fiber and live greenery instantly transforms the trunk into more than just storage—it becomes part of the room’s energy.

If maintaining real plants isn’t ideal, high-quality faux greenery can still create the same mood without the upkeep. Just be sure to avoid overcrowding the top so the trunk remains functional and easy to access.

=>>Related: How to Style a Wicker Storage Trunk Coffee Table

Create a Reading Nook Corner

Wicker trunk placed beside a soft beige couch, styled with a cream boho throw for a reading nook feel.
Boho Reading Nook Featuring a Wicker Storage Trunk

Looking to carve out a quiet space for reading or relaxing? Your wicker storage trunk can become the perfect anchor for a cozy reading nook—especially when space is limited. With just a few thoughtful additions, you can transform this functional piece into a charming spot to unwind.

Start by placing your large wicker storage trunk near a window, a bare wall, or beside a bookshelf. Add a plush cushion or layered throw pillows on top to create a soft seating surface. Choose muted or earthy tones like soft gray, moss green, or rust to complement the natural texture of the wicker.

Enhance the setup with a side lamp, a small stack of books, and a soft rug underneath. To complete the look, consider hanging artwork or a wicker blanket chest above the trunk to echo its texture and tone. This layered approach not only makes the space inviting but also ties the reading nook into the overall design of the room.

What makes this idea practical is the dual function: while you enjoy a relaxing corner, your trunk continues to serve as hidden storage for extra throws, seasonal books, or even board games.

>> Related: Round Wicker Storage Baskets with Lids

Place in Entryway with Baskets for Organized Style

Wicker storage trunk filled with stuffed animals and toys, placed beside a white couch in a bright family room.
Large Wicker Storage Trunk Used for Toy Storage in a Bright Living Room

An entryway sets the tone for your entire home—and a wicker storage trunk can help you keep it both tidy and welcoming. By placing the trunk near your front door, you gain instant storage for shoes, umbrellas, seasonal accessories, or even reusable shopping bags. It’s a smart way to reduce clutter while introducing natural texture to the space.

Pair your storage trunk wicker with smaller open baskets to organize daily essentials. For example, one basket can hold keys and wallets, another for mail or pet leashes. You can place the baskets on top of the trunk for easy access, or neatly beside it to create a layered, collected look.

To elevate the visual appeal, consider hanging a round mirror or wall-mounted coat hooks above the trunk. Add a narrow runner rug and a small indoor plant to complete the scene. This practical setup works especially well in narrow entryways or apartments where every piece of furniture needs to pull double duty.

Using wicker trunks for storage in transitional spaces like hallways not only maximizes functionality but also creates a soft, earthy aesthetic that feels both stylish and intentional.

Use It in a Boho Bedroom Setup

If your bedroom embraces natural tones, woven textures, and relaxed styling, a wicker storage trunk fits perfectly into a boho-inspired space. Placed at the foot of the bed, it becomes both a decorative statement and a functional piece to store linens, seasonal clothes, or extra pillows.

To style your boho storage trunk, layer it with a macrame runner or a fringed textile in earthy colors like terracotta, clay, or olive green. Add a stack of vintage books or a dried floral arrangement in a ceramic vase to introduce height and interest. You can even incorporate a handwoven tray to hold a candle or jewelry bowl—blending function with effortless style.

This placement doesn’t just serve aesthetics—it keeps essentials within arm’s reach while reinforcing the cozy, curated look of a modern boho bedroom. For added flair, pair the trunk with wicker blanket chest wall accents or bamboo fans above the headboard to echo natural textures throughout the room.

Whether your space leans more Scandinavian-boho or earthy eclectic, incorporating a wicker storage trunk in your bedroom allows you to organize with intention and decorate with ease.

Bonus Tips for Styling Your Wicker Trunk Like a Pro

Open wicker storage trunk with lid propped up, revealing spacious interior on a soft shag rug.
Open Wicker Storage Trunk Showing Interior Capacity

Before you wrap up your styling session, here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your wicker storage trunk:

  • Less is more: Don’t overcrowd the top—leave some breathing space to let the natural woven texture shine.

  • Protect the surface: Use a tray, cloth, or padding underneath heavier objects to prevent dents on the lid.

  • Refresh seasonally: Rotate cushions, throws, or decor elements with each season to keep your styling fresh.

  • Customize if needed: If your wicker trunks for storage feel too light or rustic, consider painting or whitewashing them to match a more modern color palette.

  • Mix materials: Combine wicker with metal, glass, or wood to create contrast and avoid a “too matchy” look.

These simple techniques help turn a functional storage piece into a beautiful part of your room’s design.

Make the Most of Your Wicker Storage Trunk

A wicker storage trunk is more than just a place to store blankets or spare pillows—it’s a design opportunity waiting to happen. Whether you use it as a coffee table, a bench at the foot of your bed, or a decorative feature in the entryway, this timeless piece adds both texture and function to your home.

From large wicker storage trunks in boho bedrooms to storage trunk wicker setups in narrow hallways, the versatility of this item is unmatched. And with just a few thoughtful additions—like textiles, plants, or Storage Baskets —you can transform your space without the need for a full room makeover.

Ready to Style Your Space?

If you’re feeling inspired to add a wicker storage trunk to your home, explore our collection of handcrafted, natural-fiber trunks at ChumDecor.com or shop directly on Amazon and Etsy.

For more styling tips and real-life setups, follow us on Instagram @chumdecor.vn and stay updated with the latest in eco-friendly, handcrafted home decor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *