How to Decorate a Metal Filing Cabinet
A metal filing cabinet is a practical piece of office furniture used to store files, documents, and other paperwork. While filing cabinets tend to have a purely functional purpose, with some creativity, you can transform a boring metal cabinet into an eye-catching decorative piece. Decorating a metal filing cabinet allows you to add personality to an otherwise bland office essential.
With the right decorative accents, you can make your metal filing cabinet blend in seamlessly with the aesthetics of your home or office. The key is to stick to a theme or style that complements your existing decor. For instance, you can give a traditional look with antique-inspired handles or go for an industrial modern vibe with metallic paint.
Follow the tips below to learn various clever and budget-friendly ways to decorate a metal filing cabinet:
Choose a Colorful Paint Finish
One of the easiest ways to decorate a plain metal filing cabinet is by giving it a fresh coat of paint in a fun, vibrant hue. Painting the cabinet transforms it from boring to bold.
Here are some popular paint color options to consider:
Metallic Paint
For a trendy, industrial look, paint the filing cabinet in a metallic finish like copper, rose gold, silver, or gunmetal gray. Metallic paint gives off a glamorous sheen that makes the cabinet a true showpiece. Opt for a water-based acrylic metallic paint for the best shine and coverage.
Bright Solid Colors
Bold primary colors like red, blue, and yellow are great choices for painting a metal filing cabinet. The bright hues make the cabinet pop. For a more mellow vibe, consider pastel shades like mint green, lavender, or light peach.
Patterned Paint Finishes
Take the paint job up a notch by using specialty application tools to create a patterned or textured paint finish on the filing cabinet. Some options include:
- Faux marble: Use marbleizing paint tools to achieve the look of natural stone.
- Distressed: Make new paint look aged with intentional scratches and worn edges.
- Metallic stripes: Use painters tape to create vertical stripes in alternating metallic colors.
- Ombre: Gradually blend two colors together, like navy to sky blue.
No matter what colors you choose, properly prepare the filing cabinet surface before painting by cleaning it, lightly sanding it, and applying primer. Use high-quality cabinet paint for a smooth, durable finish.
Attach Wallpaper or Contact Paper
Another way to transform the look of a metal filing cabinet is to cover it in removable wallpaper or contact paper printed with fun patterns and textures. This allows you to customize the filing cabinet to match any design aesthetic.
Some wallpaper options to consider:
- Florals, tropical prints, geometrics for a playful look
- Faux wood grain for rustic or farmhouse style
- Marble, stone, or concrete patterns for modern luxe
- Distressed or vintage inspired prints for shabby chic flair
Measure the surfaces of the filing cabinet and cut the wallpaper to size before attaching. Use a plastic smoother to adhere the paper neatly to the cabinet. Finish by trimming the edges with an art knife.
Contact paper offers a similar look but tends to have more pattern and color options compared to wallpaper. The adhesive also tends to be lighter. Just clean the surfaces thoroughly before applying the contact paper.
Install New Hardware
Swapping out the standard metal handles or knobs on a filing cabinet for decorative updated hardware is an easy upgrade. Unique new handles are an inexpensive way to completely change the look.
Some handle and knob options to consider:
- Vintage glass, crystal, or ceramic knobs for a retro vibe
- Ornate antique brass handles for traditional elegance
- Sleek brushed nickel bar pulls for contemporary style
- Hammered metal handles for industrial edge
- Whimsical ceramic knobs shaped like flowers, animals, fruit etc. for a playful accent
Make sure the hardware fits the cabinet drilling correctly before installing. A simple screwdriver is all you need to swap out filing cabinet handles.
Attach Molding or Trim
For more visual interest, consider attaching decorative trim pieces to your filing cabinet. Options include:
Crown Molding
Installing crown molding along the top edges of the cabinet adds style and dimension. Primed polyurethane crown molding is flexible and easy to install using construction adhesive. For a built-in look, use extenders to stretch the molding wider than the cabinet.
Flat Trim Molding
Iron-on veneer edging in materials like wood, marble, or leather adhere easily to edges and surfaces of the filing cabinet for an upgraded built-in look. Use trim molding at the base or corners of the cabinet.
Beadboard
For cottage-inspired style, cover the filing cabinet exterior in easy to install beadboard paneling. Cut panels to size and attach using strong adhesive. Add beadboard inside open cabinet shelving for extra detail.
Attach Decorative Metal Sheets
For industrial flair, embellish a metal filing cabinet by attaching decorative metal sheets like tin ceiling tiles, nickel gap, or perforated metal mesh. Cut the sheets to size before adhering them to the cabinet surface with liquid nails adhesive.
Hammered tin tiles or diamond plate sheets add eye-catching texture. Modern metal mesh creates visual depth and dimension. Use metallic spray paint to unify the look.
Add Door Handles or Knobs
If your metal filing cabinet has doors rather than drawers, adding unique door hardware is an impactful decorative upgrade. Some examples:
- Vintage crystal or porcelain knobs
- Ornate bronze door handles
- Novelty or theme shaped pulls
- Rustic wood door handles
- Sleek modern bar handles
Look for interior door hardware that is easy to install. Make sure the backing plates fit the size of the cabinet doors.
Display Artwork, Signage, or Monograms
Another way to decorate the exterior of a metal filing cabinet is by displaying art, text, or designs directly on the surface. Options include:
- Framed artwork, prints, or photos
- Vinyl wall quotes, monograms, or inspirational words
- Chalkboard contact paper for a fun erasable surface
- Dry erase sheets to scribble notes or to-do lists
- Wall decals like floral designs, geometric patterns, or nature scenes
When choosing art or text to display, pick pieces that align with the style of your office or home decor. Make sure any adhesive decor can easily be removed or altered later on.
Add Greenery
Bring life to sterile metal cabinetry by incorporating organic greenery and plants. Options include:
Potted Plants
Place medium or small potted plants like succulents or air plants on top of the filing cabinet. Opt for low maintenance plants. Add riser platforms under the pots so they are secure and will not scratch the cabinet surface.
Mounted Planters
Attach mounted planters filled with trailing vines or ferns to the sides or top edges of the cabinetry using industrial strength adhesive hooks. Self-watering wall planters help reduce maintenance.
Floral Arrangements
Keep the top of the filing cabinet looking fresh by displaying floral bouquets, bundles of dried plants, or wreaths inside decorative vases or containers.
Plants help soften hard office spaces and add refreshing pops of natural color. Just avoid excessive moisture that could damage cabinet contents.
Add Baskets for Concealed Storage
Incorporate decorative storage into your filing cabinet design by placing baskets on top of the cabinet. Some basket ideas include:
- Woven baskets to hold office supplies like pens and notepads
- Pretty fabric covered boxes to conceal cables, cords, and connectors
- Vintage crates or metal tins to organize small desk items
- Macrame plant hangers mounted on the sides to hold trailing greenery
Choose storage baskets with colors and textures that coordinate with your office decor. Label baskets so you can easily organize contents.
Use Removable Contact Paper
An easy no-commitment way to decorate a metal filing cabinet is with temporary removable contact paper. Peel-and-stick contact paper allows you to transform the look in minutes.
Some contact paper ideas include:
- Faux marble, wood grain, or geometric patterns for an elevated look
- Blackboard, chalkboard, or dry erase surfaces to write on
- Fun prints like florals, nature designs, or textured patterns to match your style
- Vinyl films with inspirational quotes or meaningful words
Contact paper offers endless quick and affordable ways to revamp plain filing cabinets. It can easily be swapped out whenever you want a new look.
Incorporate Lighting
Strategically placed lighting adds style and visibility to filing cabinet storage. Consider these lighting ideas:
Cabinet Underbody Lighting
Install LED strip lighting underneath glass cabinets to illuminate the contents. Connect the lights to a remote control switch. Cool white lighting shows true colors.
Interior Cabinet Lighting
Battery powered puck lights, motion sensor lights, or door tap lights added inside the cabinet cast helpful illumination when retrieving files.
Exterior Accent Lighting
Use small battery powered lamps, sconces, or picture lights mounted outside the cabinet to highlight decorative details or artwork on the exterior.
Proper lighting transforms any filing cabinet into a functional and eye-catching design feature.
Add Glass Doors
For open shelving filing cabinets, attach glass doors to keep contents tidy and dust-free. This also allows you to creatively decorate the cabinet interior behind glass. Ideas include:
- Line the back walls with decorative paper, marble contact paper, or textured 3D panels
- Use frosted, etched, or colored glass for the doors to filter the contents
- Display books, photos, art, or collections inside the glass cabinet shelving
- Install interior lighting to beautifully illuminate what’s inside
- Attach hooks or hardware inside to hold office tools and accessories
Glass doors add a finished furnished look to metal open cabinets.
Incorporate Mirrors
Mirrors effectively double visual space. Strategically placed mirrors on a filing cabinet create the illusion of more room and light. Mirror application ideas:
Mirrored Cabinet Doors
Acrylic mirrored sheets on cabinet doors conceal contents while reflecting light. Add hinges to connect the mirrored panels.
Mirrored Side Panels
On open shelving cabinets, attach mirrored panels to the side walls. This makes the interior contents sparkle.
Mirrored Cabinet Back
For a small concealed space behind a cabinet, attach a mirrored back panel. The reflection makes the cabinet seem recessed.
Partial Mirror Panels
For just a touch of glamour, use partial mirror panels on certain surfaces like the top or bottom of the cabinet.
Avoid placing mirrors on areas prone to condensation to prevent spotting. Properly seal mirror edges so they are safe and flush.
Add Molding and Decorative Trims
Molding and trim pieces add tasteful architectural detail to boring metal filing cabinets. Decorative trim options include:
- Crown molding along the top edges
- Baseboard trim along bottom edges
- Vertical recessed panels on doors created with molding
- Flat corner trim pieces for a built-in look
- Faux legs attached at the base for ornamental support
Use decorative molding made from polyurethane, polystyrene foam, or resin for easy application. Cut pieces to size and adhere using strong construction adhesive.
Upholster Cabinet Surfaces
For a padded, upholstered effect, apply iron-on fabric veneer to exterior cabinet surfaces. Contact cements permanently bond fabric to the filing cabinet.
Some ideas include:
- Leather or faux leather for an executive look
- Tufted fabric for a button-tufted appearance
- Patterns like houndstooth or herringbone for an upscale effect
- Rich solid colors like emerald green or sapphire blue to match decor
Use polyurethane foam backing behind the fabric for a padded look. Trim excess fabric neatly. Avoid upholstering areas that slide to prevent friction damage.
Stencil Patterns and Designs
Add artistic flair by stenciling patterns, designs, or textures onto a metal filing cabinet. Some stencil ideas include:
- Geometric shapes like chevron, quatrefoil, or diamond
- Whimsical nature motifs like leaves, flowers, trees
- moroccan, arabesque, or other ethnic designs
- Faux wood grain, brick, marble, concrete textures
- Monograms, words, or inspirational quotes
Choose stylish removable stencils so designs can be changed up in the future. Use stencil brushes and acrylic craft paint to apply the patterns. Add an acrylic sealer over the painted design for protection.
Display Collections Behind Glass
Transform open shelving on a filing cabinet into a display case for treasured collections. Attach glass doors to keep items secure and visible.
Some collections you may want to showcase:
- Sentimental photos, postcards or memorabilia
- Miniatures, figurines, or decorative models
- Seashells, pretty rocks, or natural specimens
- Antique trinkets, such as keys, watches, or lockets
- Vintage office tools, such as typewriters or telephones
- Classic books, framed art, or meaningful souvenirs
Properly lighting display cabinets illuminates your cherished collections.
Add Whimsical Decor Items
For a playful accent, decorate the filing cabinet with fun and whimsical decorative items. Ideas include:
- Framed prints or signs with humorous quotes
- Happy imagery like hot air balloons, colored maps, or beach themes
- Whale bookends, animal figurines, or decorative tabletop sculptures
- Inspirational paperweights, motivational desk plaques, or office-themed novelty items
- Tins or containers with fun designs, bright colors, or memorable logos
Whimsy sparks creativity. Just choose decorative items aligned with your office vibe.
Incorporate Wood Finishes
The clean look of wood instantly warms up cold metal surfaces. Some ways to add wood accents:
Wood Contact Paper
Faux wood contact paper or veneer transforms cabinet surfaces with the look of natural wood grain. Good for plain fronts or sides.
Wood Shelving
Outfit open cabinet interiors with removable wood shelving. Stained shelves coordinate with existing decor.
Wood Door Inserts
Framed wood panels give flat metal cabinet doors natural depth and interest. Attach using adhesive hooks.
Wood Base Molding
Adhere skinny wood trim pieces around the bottom of the cabinet for an elevated built-in look.
Wood Desktop
Custom cut a wood desktop to sit atop the filing cabinet surface for a warm and spacious look.
The richness of wood against crisp metal creates pleasing contrast. Any wood finish should be properly sealed and maintained.
Add Wheels for Movability
Wheels on the base of a filing cabinet allow you to easily reposition it as needed. Locking wheels keep the cabinet securely in place once rolled into position.
Some wheel options:
- Hidden wheels attach underneath to move without noticing
- Industrial casters for hard floor mobility
- Soft rubber wheels that glide across carpeting
- Vintage style wheels with metal spokes or rubber tread
Wheels make cleaning and rearranging surrounding furniture simple. Just avoid uneven flooring that could make a wheeled cabinet unsteady.
Incorporate Charming Office Accessories
Filing cabinets offer the perfect blank canvases for displaying fun and sophisticated office accessories. Ideas include:
Letter Holders
Vintage metal letter trays neatly hold mail, documents, or notes. Look for ones with fun details like initial engravings.
Pen Cups
Stone, glass, ceramic, or metal cups neatly store writing tools atop the cabinet. Opt for ones that match your decor.
Tape Dispensers
Novelty shaped tape dispensers in materials like acrylic, wood, or steel add a touch of whimsy.
Bookends
Decorative bookends hold books upright and add visual appeal. Choose ones that complement your style.
Trays and Bowls
Corral small supplies like paper clips or tacks in decorative trays and catch-all bowls.
Charming desk accessories promote organization and personalized flair. Let your filing cabinet set the stage for displaying office tools you use and appreciate.
Add Customizable Magnetic Surfaces
Create an instant magnetic surface for hanging notes, lists, or photos by covering the filing cabinet with magnetic-receptive paint or contact paper.
Some magnetic surface ideas:
- Chalkboard paint with a built-in magnetic dry erase surface
- Magnetic primer paint topped with a colorful finish coat
- Adhesive magnetic sheets in materials like aluminum or vinyl
- Removable magnetic wallpaper in patterns like faux brick or wood
Customize your magnetic bulletin board with frames, containers, or hooks that attach magnetically. Use high-power rare earth magnets.
Incorporate Meaningful Memorabilia
Filing cabinets located in home offices provide the ideal spot for displaying cherished memorabilia and personal mementos. Ideas include:
- Framed photos of loved ones
- Sentimental souvenirs from trips or places lived
- Collections that hold nostalgic meaning
- Antique family heirlooms or vintage treasures
- Handmade gifts and crafts from kids or other loved ones
- Motivational quotes, poems, or inspirational wall art
The emotional appeal of memorabilia makes the filing cabinet space feel cozy and personalized. Arrange displays neatly so as not to appear cluttered.
Add Customizable Drawer Organizers
Take advantage of vertical filing cabinet drawers by outfitting them with helpful organizational tools. Some ideas:
- Hanging file folders neatly store documents and paperwork
- Custom printed file folder tabs help quickly ID contents
- Drawer dividers separate contents into clear compartments
- Sliding shelves allow stacking papers within drawers
-Small trays or bins corral office supplies
Look for drawer organizers sized specifically for standard filing cabinets. Durable materials with smooth glide action work best.
