Here is the Pinspiration that started this project:

Don't get your hopes up, mine doesn't look this pretty, but it's a work in progress.  We were given this old trunk that once belonged to the hubby's grandparents:

I already had some metal filing bins and other office accessories that I used to have on our desk (which we sold-hence the need for this project), so I chose not to build the filing part into the chest and use those things instead.  Here is the office storage trunk so far:

The inside of the trunk is in perfect condition, so I don't want to line it or mess with it too much.  The outside needs a lot of work though.  Before I get to work sanding it down, I am trying to decide how I want to refinish it.  I don't know if I want to stain it or go with a great high gloss lacquered look.  Until I make up my mind, it will have to stay like this.

I thought this would be a good project to share because this is a great way to stay organized in a small apartment or dorm room.  You can keep a trunk at the end of your bed, or use a smaller trunk as an end table and no one will know what's in it.