How to Disguise a Metal Filing Cabinet

Introduction

A metal filing cabinet can be an eyesore in many homes and offices. The large, blocky structure with utilitarian handles and drawer pulls stands out against more decorative furnishings. While filing cabinets serve an important organizational function, their industrial aesthetic may clash with your preferred decor. Fortunately, with a little creativity, you can disguise a metal filing cabinet to help it blend in or even become a focal point.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore numerous methods to alter the appearance of a standard vertical filing cabinet. Whether you want to hide it altogether, camouflage it, give it a quick makeover, or completely transform it, we will cover effective solutions. With simple paint, creative wraps and contact paper, strategic placement, and some beginner DIY skills, you can disguise a metal filing cabinet to suit your style and space.

Supplies Needed to Disguise a Metal Filing Cabinet

Before going over specific disguising techniques, let’s review the key supplies you may need:

• Paint – Acrylic latex paint in your color(s) of choice works best. Look for interior paint with a satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheen. Flat paint may show scuffs over time.
• Primer – For the best paint adhesion and coverage, use primer designed for metal. An oil-based primer provides extra durability.
• Paint supplies – Brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, tarps/drop cloths, paint tray, rags, etc.
• Sandpaper – Lightly sand glossy finishes before priming and painting.
• Contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper – These adhesive-backed coverings come in many colors, patterns, and even faux finishes like woodgrain.
• Removable wallpaper – These modern options mimic permanent wallpaper but peel off easily.
• Fabric – For a fabric skirt or wrap, use cotton, canvas, upholstery fabric, etc.
• Hardware – Knobs, pulls, hinges, trim, etc. to swap out or add on.
• Fasteners – Adhesives, nails, screws, brackets, hooks, magnets, velcro, etc.

Gather supplies suited to your specific cabinet disguising project before getting started.

Disguise a Metal File Cabinet by Painting It

One of the easiest ways to alter the look of a filing cabinet is to paint it. With the right prep work and paint supplies, you can change the color entirely or just freshen things up with your existing hue. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Clean the Cabinet

Give the metal cabinet a thorough cleaning inside and out with soap and water. This removes any dirt, dust, grease or grime that could interfere with proper paint adhesion.

2. Lightly Sand Glossy Finishes

If your filing cabinet has a slick, glossy finish, scuff sand it lightly to rough up the surface. This helps the primer and paint bond better.

3. Apply Primer

Use a quality metal primer to coat the filing cabinet. Be sure to reach the interior of drawers and other nooks. Allow the primer to fully dry per the manufacturer’s instructions before painting.

4. Paint the Cabinet

Apply at least two coats of acrylic latex paint for ample coverage. Use angled trim brushes for tight spaces and edges. Rollers work well on broad surfaces. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before adding another.

5. Finish with a Protective Top Coat

For added durability and stain resistance, apply one or two coats of a clear acrylic top coat in a matching sheen. Polyurethane is another option for a protective finish.

With good prep work and patience during the painting process, you can give a metal filing cabinet a colorful makeover. Paint allows you to match the cabinet to your wall color, coordinate with other furniture finishes, or make it a bold accent piece.

Use Contact Paper or Wallpaper to Change the Look

Another decorative option is to cover a metal filing cabinet with contact paper, removable wallpaper, or adhesive wallpaper. These papers provide an easy upgrade, camouflaging the industrial cabinet with your choice of patterns, textures, and colors.

Select Paper Type

Contact paper comes in many options – solids, patterns, textures, faux finishes, and even chalkboard or dry erase materials. Removable wallpapers offer elaborate prints and textures while still peeling off easily without damaging surfaces. Adhesive wallpaper provides a more permanent solution. Choose paper suited to your plans.

Thoroughly Clean the Cabinet

Remove all dirt, grease, and debris so the paper adheres properly. Clean inside drawers too.

Measure and Cut Paper

Measure each cabinet face surface. Cut contact paper or wallpaper to size, allowing several extra inches around the perimeter. Cut pieces for the cabinet top, sides, drawer fronts, doors, and interior drawer surfaces.

Apply the Paper

Peel off backing and carefully apply the paper, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. Use an adhesive wallpaper smoother to help. Wrap edges and continue until the cabinet is covered.

Trim Excess Paper

Use a sharp utility knife to trim excess paper at corners, edges, seams, and hardware cut-outs.

With the right adhesive paper and careful application, you can give a filing cabinet a whole new look – woodgrain, marble, graphic print, faux brick, etc. Change the paper periodically for an easy update.

Fabric Wraps to Soften a Metal File Cabinet

For a quick DIY makeover, wrap a filing cabinet with fabric. The soft, textured fabric disguise can help a cold metal cabinet blend in. Here’s how:

Choose Fabric Type

Consider sturdy cotton, canvas, upholstery fabric or even rug padding. Make sure the fabric is large enough to cover the cabinet sides. Allow 6-12 inches of excess fabric.

Attach Fabric

Apply spray adhesive or liquid nails to the cabinet surfaces. Carefully lay fabric over the front, sides and top. Smooth out any wrinkles. Wrap edges to the backside.

Trim Fabric

Cut away excess fabric using a utility knife. Tuck edges neatly around corners and hardware. Use additional adhesive to keep edges secured.

Finish Edges

For a tidy look, staple folded fabric edges or apply iron-on hem tape. Small nails can also tack down edges.

With the right fabric and careful wrapping, you can disguise the cold industrial look of a filing cabinet with a warm, inviting texture. Change fabrics occasionally when you want to alter the look.

Strategically Place the File Cabinet Out of Sight

Rather than attempting to alter its appearance, consider placing the filing cabinet strategically to disguise it. Here are some tips:

• Tuck it away in a closet, behind a screen or room divider.
• Hide it behind a large piece of furniture, like a sofa, entertainment center or bookcase.
• Push it into an unused corner of the room or under a desk.
• Cover with a large decorative basket, box or bin.
• Surround it with tall plants, bookshelves, cabinets or other items to camouflage it.
• Place in an out-of-the-way spot like a basement, attic, garage or storage room.

With careful placement, you can discreetly disguise an unappealing filing cabinet away from plain sight in your home or office space. This takes advantage of “hiding in plain sight” rather than attempting to alter its look.

Give the File Cabinet a Furniture Makeover

For the most complete makeover, consider transforming the filing cabinet into a piece of furniture or decorative accent. With some DIY skills, you can disguise it as almost anything.

Make a Kitchen Island

Add a wood countertop, trim and wheels to the bottom of the cabinet. Finish as an island with a second level for extra prep space. Add hooks, towel rods or shelves.

Create a Bar Cabinet

Cut out sections in the top to hold wine glasses. Install wine glass racks inside. Add decor like handles, trim and lighting. Finish it as a custom wet bar.

Build a Bookcase

Lay the cabinet horizontally. Build and attach wood shelving. Finish with trim for a built-in library look. The cabinet adds hidden storage.

Make a Sofa Table

Lay the cabinet horizontally. Build and attach a wood top and trim. Add legs or casters for a wheeled sofa table. Great behind a couch.

Design a Planter

Cut out sections of drawers. Add drainage holes. Line with plastic and fill with soil and plants for a vertical planter garden.

Fashion a Desktop

Remove the legs. Affix the cabinet to a trimmed wood base. Finish with legs as a custom workstation desktop.

With carpentry skills and creativity, you can fully transform the look, purpose and function of a metal filing cabinet. Extensive modifications let you conceal its original use entirely.

Simple Hardware Updates to Alter the Look

For quick changes, replace the original hardware on your filing cabinet. Swapping out knobs, handles, hinges and trim is an easy upgrade.

• For a more refined look, replace visible hardware with brushed nickel, chrome or iron pieces instead of standard metal.
• Paint existing hardware with spray paint to match your new color scheme.
• Add new hinges if altering the cabinet orientation or doors.
• Attach trim pieces like base molding at the bottom or crown molding at the top to disguise shape.
• Affix new legs or casters to give it a different look and function.

With simple hardware changes, you can give a basic filing cabinet a more finished, decorative look. Match any new pieces to other accents in the space.

Clever Ways to Disguise File Cabinet Function

In addition to altering the outside, also consider disguising what’s inside to hide the original filing cabinet purpose.

• Remove hanging file folders and contents. Use for general storage instead.
• Place a false bottom or wood panel to hide contents in the lower half.
• Attach wood 1×4 slats inside to hold wine bottles horizontally.
• Insert open cubbies to convert drawers for display space.
• Add hooks, rods and shelves inside for use as a linen or coat closet.

Creative interior changes along with external disguising let you conceal both the look and function of the filing cabinet. Explore ways to adapt the inner storage to suit your needs.

Ideas to Make the File Cabinet a Focal Point

Rather than hiding the cabinet away, consider emphasizing it as a unique focal point with these imaginative ideas:

• Create a bold, bright mural with chalkboard or dry erase paint. Let kids decorate it.
• Attach small shelves to use as display space for collections and decor.
• Cover with pegs, hooks or poles to hang hats, scarves, jewelry and more.
• Use as a vertical garden with attached planters overflowing with plants.
• Arrange decor like baskets, artwork, wreaths and ribbons on and around it.
• Paint or decorate it as wall art, like a faux fireplace, mystical tree, or skyline.

With decor that attracts the eye, you can transform an old filing cabinet into a stunning centerpiece.

Tips for Successfully Disguising a Metal File Cabinet

As you undertake any of these filing cabinet disguising projects, keep these tips in mind:

• Fully prepare the surface as needed – clean, sand, repair, prime, etc. Proper prep work leads to better results.
• Choose high quality paint, finishes, hardware and fabrics designed for durability.
• Read manufacturer’s instructions and allow adequate drying times when painting or applying finishes.
• Measure carefully and cut precisely when applying contact paper or fabric covers. Smooth out air bubbles.
• Secure the cabinet in place so it remains stable if altering the shape or orientation.
• Check drawers and slides periodically to be sure they open smoothly after alterations.
• Maintain your filing cabinet disguise just as you would any furniture – clean, touch up paint, replace fabrics when needed.

With the right materials, preparation and care, your filing cabinet disguising project can yield a customized piece perfect for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disguising File Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about disguising metal filing cabinets:

What type of paint works best on metal filing cabinets?

On metal, interior semi-gloss or high-gloss latex or acrylic paints yield the most durable finish. Be sure to use a primer made for metal first.

Should I remove the hardware before painting a filing cabinet?

Yes, removing knobs, handles and hinges allows for easier painting. Lay hardware pieces on newspaper in order of removal to keep organized.

What are some good fabric options to wrap a filing cabinet?

Look for sturdy mediums like canvas, cotton, linens, microfiber or upholstery fabrics. Avoid delicate, stretchy or loosely woven materials.

How do I get a smooth wallpaper finish around the hardware on my filing cabinet?

Use an adhesive wallpaper smoother to apply paper neatly around handles and hinges. Follow up by carefully trimming with a utility knife.

How can I secure a new top surface on my filing cabinet?

If using as a desktop or tabletop, attach the new wood top with brackets and construction adhesive for a secure hold.

How do I safely move a filing cabinet once I have altered the shape?

Stabilize with additional hardware if needed. Tip on its back vs lifting upright to move, keeping weight distribution low. Use moving straps to avoid marring.

Can I turn a regular filing cabinet into a lateral file?

Yes! The process involves removing legs, laying it horizontally, and attaching a new base. Look up plans for more details on this conversion.

Disguising a metal filing cabinet requires some planning, but offers many possibilities to transform it to suit your space. With creativity and effort, you can make it fit your home or office decor perfectly.

Conclusion

With the techniques, tips and project ideas covered, you have extensive information on how to successfully disguise a metal filing cabinet. Whether you want to paint it, wrap it, conceal it or completely transform it, the solutions provided can help you alter its look to coordinate with your decor.

On your next filing cabinet makeover project, use this guide as an idea reference and process overview. Feel confident disguising the cabinet in any number of ways – paint, contact paper, fabric, placement, full makeover, or hardware updates. Just take care in preparing, measuring, and securing the materials used in the process.

With the right approach and disguising strategy, that plain metal cabinet can become a stylish painted statement piece, blend in seamlessly with woodgrain contact paper, serve a new purpose as a kitchen island, or hide out of sight behind furniture and plants. However you choose to disguise it, follow the steps closely for a professional looking result.

Your disguised filing cabinet is sure to store office supplies in style or provide unexpected extra storage to your home. The ability to alter the look also makes used filing cabinets a great thrift store or garage sale find to pick up on the cheap and turn into something special. With clever disguising tactics, boring cabinets get new life.

So embrace your inner artist, carpenter or organizer. Let this guide spark ideas for your own unique filing cabinet disguising project. With the right vision and skills, you can disguise any metal filing cabinet affordably to fit your home or office needs perfectly.