Rethinking the Coffee Table

I'm in the middle of redoing my living room. So I'm thinking of other options for my coffee table or an end table. Other than a big chunk of wood. Pottery Barn has an Expedition Trunk for $1300. I've been looking around at antique shops Craigslist, and even Ebay found many similar trunks for $400 or less. The rustic trunks would look amazing with a custom fit piece of glass placed on top. For one to preserve the trunk it self, but two to make a flat surface.

Pottery Barn Expedition Trunk

1800 English Military Travel Chest found on Craigslist Isn't this piece great! Think of all the stories behind this. Much more than off the rack brand new piece from Pottery Barn. And costing nearly twice as much!