DIY Folding Luggage Rack Makeover with Chalk Paint and Ribbon

There’s something about an old luggage rack that I’ve always loved. I have them tucked into several bedrooms in our Vermont home, and I’ve even used them throughout the house as little stands for baskets and vintage accessories. So when I found two beautiful antique cast iron and brass twin beds while antiquing in Midcoast Maine a few weeks ago, I knew the modern folding luggage racks that had been collecting dust in my garage weren’t going to fit the look I was creating for our attic guest bedroom. After all these years, it finally felt like the perfect time to give them a makeover.

With a little Chiffon Cream Chalked Paint, some decorative ribbon from Michaels, and a free afternoon, I transformed these plain luggage racks into charming pieces that feel right at home alongside the antique beds. Today I’m sharing exactly how I did it, so if you have a basic folding luggage rack that’s seen better days, or doesn’t match your style, you can give it a whole new look with just a few simple updates.

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How to Make Over a New Folding Luggage Rack

This makeover is designed for a newer folding luggage rack with removable screws and webbing, which makes the whole process wonderfully straightforward. I set up a simple workstation, gathered everything I would need, and started by removing the original straps before giving the frame a fresh coat of chalk paint.

What You’ll Need for This DIY Luggage Rack Makeover

• New folding luggage rack
• Rust-Oleum Chiffon Cream Chalked Paint
• One-inch paintbrush
• Paint stir stick
• Phillips-head screwdriver for removing the screws
• Flat-head screwdriver for gently lifting the staples
• Decorative ribbon
• Scissors
• Clean cloth
• Sandpaper, optional

I love projects like this because there’s very little prep work involved. Once I had my chalk paint stirred, my ribbon measured, and my tools nearby, I was ready to give these forgotten luggage racks a whole new look.

Step 1: Remove the Original Straps from Your Folding Luggage Rack

The first step in this folding luggage rack makeover is removing the original webbing straps. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this was. Using only a Phillips-head screwdriver, I removed the screws that held each strap in place. There was no need for a drill or any special tools; the screws backed out easily by hand.

Once the screws were removed, I slipped a flat-head screwdriver under each staple and gently pried them out. The webbing straps lifted right off, leaving the frame ready for paint. This entire step took less than ten minutes.

Step 2: Paint the Folding Luggage Rack

Before opening the paint, I gave the entire folding luggage rack a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Since I was using chalk paint, I skipped sanding altogether and went straight to painting.

One thing I quickly discovered is that once you remove the original webbing straps, the luggage rack no longer has anything to hold it securely open. It becomes surprisingly wobbly and wants to fold in on itself while you’re painting.

After a small mishap (and a spilled can of paint on my gravel driveway!), I learned it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to stabilize the luggage rack before you begin. I propped mine up using a couple of heavy paint cans and a sturdy box until it sat securely without wobbling. Lesson learned, and hopefully one you won’t have to learn the hard way!

Once everything was stable, I applied two light coats of Chiffon Cream Chalked Paint, allowing the first coat to dry before adding the second. On a warm summer day, the paint dried quickly, and within no time the luggage rack already looked brighter, softer, and much more at home with the vintage style I was creating for my attic guest bedroom.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the New Ribbon

While the chalk paint was drying, I turned my attention to the new ribbon. One of the easiest parts of this folding luggage rack makeover is that you already have the perfect measuring guide: the original webbing straps.

Before tossing them out, simply lay each piece of webbing flat and cut your ribbon to the same length. I repeated the process until I had four matching ribbon straps ready to attach. Once everything was measured and cut, I no longer needed the old plastic webbing and set it aside.

Taking a few extra minutes to use the original straps as a template makes this step quick, easy, and ensures your new ribbon will fit perfectly.

Step 4: Attach the Ribbon to Your Folding Luggage Rack

Once the paint was completely dry, it was time for my favorite part of this folding luggage rack makeover: adding the ribbon. Before attaching anything, I draped the ribbon over the painted luggage rack to make sure I liked the spacing and how everything lined up. Think of it as a quick dress rehearsal before making it permanent.

When I was happy with the placement, I brought the luggage rack inside and lined each ribbon strap up with the original screw holes. Using the same screws I had removed earlier, I simply fastened the ribbon into place. I chose not to reinstall the staples because the screws held the ribbon securely for my purposes, but if you have a staple gun or would like a little extra reinforcement, you can certainly add a couple of staples or even decorative upholstery tacks, just as the original straps were installed.

From start to finish, attaching the ribbon took less than ten minutes. Afterward, I carried the luggage rack back outside and touched up a few small spots of paint that I had missed.

Seeing the soft cream finish paired with the textured ribbon completely transformed the piece; it finally looked right at home in my attic guest bedroom.

Decorating with Folding Luggage Racks

One of my favorite things about folding luggage racks is that they’re just as decorative as they are practical. Whether they’re holding an overnight bag for guests or simply adding a charming finishing touch at the end of a bed, they bring a little vintage character to any bedroom.

For this attic guest bedroom makeover, I wanted mine to blend seamlessly with the antique cast iron beds, cream-colored accents, and collected New England style. The soft chalk paint and textured ribbon completely transformed these once-basic luggage racks into pieces that look as though they’ve always belonged in the room.

Where to Find Folding Luggage Racks

Whether you’re looking for an authentic vintage piece or planning a simple makeover like mine, folding luggage racks are surprisingly easy to find.

You’ll often spot them at:

• Antique stores
• Thrift stores
• Flea markets
• Estate sales
• Yard and garage sales
• Online marketplaces

If you don’t come across a vintage one, don’t overlook a new luggage rack. As this project shows, a little chalk paint and a few yards of decorative ribbon can completely change its look. You can even personalize yours with different paint colors, patterned ribbon, decorative upholstery tacks, or decoupage to match your own decorating style.

Sometimes the smallest projects make the biggest difference. It’s one of those simple updates that makes a guest bedroom feel thoughtful, welcoming, and a little more collected.

Now that these updated luggage racks are sitting at the foot of my antique twin beds, they add exactly the soft, collected touch I had imagined when I first started this bedroom makeover, and I can’t wait to share the finished room once everything comes together.

More Vintage-Style Bedroom Ideas

Looking for more ways to bring vintage character into a bedroom? Browse these decorating ideas filled with antique furniture, collected details, soft color palettes, and simple touches that make a room feel warm, personal, and beautifully lived-in.

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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will earn us commission.