Metal cabinets are a staple in many homes and offices, providing durable and functional storage solutions. However, plain metal cabinets can also look boring and institutional. Dressing up a metal cabinet is an easy and affordable way to add personality and visual interest to your space. With a little bit of creativity, you can transform a drab metal cabinet into a stylish focal point.

Clean and Prepare the Metal Cabinet

Before decorating, make sure to thoroughly clean the cabinet inside and out. Remove all contents and wipe down all surfaces with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse and dry completely. Use a degreaser to remove any oil or grimy build up.

Once clean, lightly sand any areas with chipped or worn paint. Apply a primer to the sanded spots and let dry completely. This will help the new paint adhere properly.

Choose a Color Scheme

Selecting a color scheme is the first big design decision when dressing up a metal cabinet. Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to change the whole look of a cabinet with just a couple coats. Think about the existing decor of the room when choosing a color.

Some popular options include:

• Neutrals: Shades of white, gray and tan work as a blank canvas and allow you to easily change up accessories down the road. Soft grays and greiges are sophisticated neutrals.
• Bold Hues: Paint the cabinet a bright, saturated color like red, blue, green or yellow for an eye-catching accent. Primary colors make the biggest impact.
• Pastels: Light pink, mint, sky blue and pale yellow have a soft, romantic vibe perfect for feminine spaces. Pastels work well in vintage styled rooms.
• Metallic Finishes: Choose a rich metallic like bronze, copper or champagne for an elegant, glamorous statement. Metallic spray paints make application easy.
• Black: For modern and edgy, an inky black cabinet will create serious drama. The deep tone highlights any decor placed on top.

Once you’ve selected the color, use a high-quality enamel spray paint formulated for metal. Lightly sand and clean the cabinet again before applying a primer coat per the paint instructions. Apply two to three thin, even spray paint coats, allowing each coat to fully dry in between. The cabinet can be lightly used after 24 hours and fully cured in three days.

Upgrade the Hardware

Replacing basic hardware with decorative cabinet knobs and pulls easily elevates the whole look of a metal cabinet. Swapping out plain metal handles for unique hardware adds an extra dose of personality.

When selecting new knobs and pulls, make sure they have the proper screw placement for your existing cabinet hardware holes. Measure to find the correct sizing as well. Popular options include:

• Crystal, glass or ceramic knobs
• Vintage-style porcelain knobs
• Ornate metal pulls
• Wooden knobs
• funky shapes like stars or moons
• leaning toward a specific decorative style like farmhouse or art deco? Look for hardware that fits the aesthetic.

Make sure the scale of the hardware works with the size of your cabinet as well. Oversized hardware on a small cabinet can look cartoonish. Likewise, petite knobs may get overwhelmed on a larger cabinet.

Changing just the knobs is often adequate for a subtle update. However, replacing all pulls provides the biggest visual impact. Use the same finish and style throughout for a cohesive look.

Installation is easy with a basic screwdriver. Simply unscrew the old hardware and replace with the new, screwing the new pulls into the pre-existing screw holes.

Add Molding or Trim

Molding and trim serves both form and function when decorating a metal cabinet. Applied strips of wood can hide awkward gaps, seams and edges while also adding texture and dimension. Options like:

• Quarter round or door stop molding around the cabinet edges
• Vertical strips flanking cabinet corners and sides
• Two-piece molding framing the cabinet front
• Wide trim framing the entire perimeter

Use decorative molding and trim pieces with profiles that coordinate with the room’s style. Paint or stain the trim to match or contrast the cabinet color.

Use a high quality construction adhesive to affix trim pieces securely to the cabinet. Nail or screw through the trim from the inside of the cabinet for extra strength, if possible. Carefully pre-drill holes in hardwood trim to avoid splitting. Fill holes and touch up with matching paint.

Display Pretty Wallpaper Inside

Wallpapering the interior back panel is a simple way to add eye-catching style. Choose a favorite wallpaper pattern and apply it using wallpaper paste. Trim neatly around corners and edges for a professional look.

Some fun wallpaper ideas include:

• A colorful pattern as the backdrop for open shelve displays
• Metallic foil paper for a glam interior
• Retro inspired floral or graphic prints
• Removable wallpaper allows you easily change up the look

Measure carefully before purchasing to ensure you get enough wallpaper to cover the full interior back panel, with extra to account for pattern matching and cutting errors.

Add Lighting

The right lighting inside and outside a cabinet can create ambiance and illuminate contents.

Exterior Under Cabinet Lights: LED strip lighting comes in pre-cut lengths to easily adhere under cabinets and shelves. Choose warm white or daylight strips to highlight the wall color. Connect to an outlet and control with a switch for convenience.

Interior Lights: Battery-operated tap lights, puck lights or stick-on LEDs provide accent lighting inside the cabinet. Place them strategically to spotlight items on display. Door-activated lights automatically illuminate when cabinets are opened.

Night Lights: For style and function, add a low-profile plug-in night light to the interior. The soft glow makes contents easy to find in low light yet won’t overpower your sleep space.

Style with Pretty Hardware

Sometimes the simplest finishing touch can make the biggest impact. Here are quick ways to dress up cabinet exteriors using decorative hardware and accessories:

• Affix slim shelves with pretty brackets on the sides or top of the cabinet to display collections and trinkets
• Use cup hooks along the top to hang necklaces and scarves for handy access and decoration
• Adhere a large decorative medallion or plaque at the center top as an eye-catching focal point
• Screw in artistic metal art pieces like circles, tiles or sunbursts to the front for eclectic flair
• Mismatched glass knobs up and down each door add quirky charm
• Line up a row of dainty clothes hooks along the bottom to hang aprons and towels
• Stencil or apply patterned contact paper around the trim for a handcrafted look

Mix and match your favorite ideas to create a one-of-a-kind style that fits your space and personality!

Organize the Interior

An organized interior ensures your dressed up metal cabinet remains functional. Evaluate what you need to store and install organizers designed for your belongings.

General Storage Essentials:

• Adjustable shelves provide optimal use of vertical space
• Drawer dividers separate folded clothes, office supplies, toys and more
• Stackable bins corral small items while keeping them visible
• Mesh pouches hang from interior walls to hold supplies
• Spice racks keep herbs and seasonings tidy

Specialized Organizers:

• Pegged slatwall panels organize garage tools or craft supplies
• Wine bottle racks keep favorite vinos at the ready
• Slotted racks neatly file baking sheets and pans
• Shallow trays with dividers store tiny items like jewelry
• Custom inserts for specialty hobbies like sewing notions

Leave some blank space for frequently accessed items you don’t want buried. Label bins and shelves for quick identification of contents.

Add Stylish Handles and Pulls

For easy access, install new handles and pulls on cabinet doors and drawers. Stylish hardware allows you to efficiently open and close while complementing your design aesthetic.

• Bar pulls span the length of a drawer for a streamlined look. Go modern with angular sculptural styles.
• Dainty crystal knobs bring feminine charm to shabby chic spaces.
• Rustic cabinet hardware looks great on country farmhouse designs. Try hammered iron pulls.
• Nautical rope pulls fit coastal and beach themed decors.
• Sturdy hardware in satin brass, oil rubbed bronze or antiqued nickel conveys sleek sophistication.

Measure existing hardware placement to choose new pulls and knobs in the proper size. Most cabinet hardware includes mounting screws for easy DIY upgrades. Use wood filler to patch old screw holes before installing new hardware.

Add Accessories and Decorative Touches

Fun finishing touches turn a functional storage piece into an interior focal point. Play up your metal cabinet’s new style with coordinating accessories and decor.

• Flank the cabinet with decorative planters or pillars for definition.
• Layer stylish baskets on top for organized display storage.
• Affix wallpaper, tiles or mirrors on the backsplash.
• Lean artwork against the wall behind.
• Create a gallery wall of framed photos on the wall above.
  -Place a stately houseplant like a fiddle leaf fig on one end.
• Top with a unique lamp, vase or sculpture.
• Fill pretty glass bottles with sand and shells for beachy appeal.

The decor options are endless! Feel free to get creative and express your personal flair. Change out the decor seasonally or when you need a refresh.

Maintain the Finish

Proper care keeps your revamped metal cabinet looking like new. Use tack cloths to dust the surfaces. Avoid harsh abrasives or chemicals that could strip the paint. Immediately clean up any spills.

Re-wax painted cabinets once or twice a year using a liquid or paste furniture wax. Apply a thin coat with a soft cloth per label directions. Buff gently with a clean cloth. The wax protects the finish and keeps colors vivid.

Oil rubbed bronze and antique brass finishes also benefit from occasional re-oiling to maintain their patinas. Use a small amount of mineral oil on a soft cloth. Rub gently in the direction of the grain and wipe away excess.

With the right care, your custom-painted and accessorized metal cabinet will stay beautiful for years of stylish storage. Feel inspired to use these tips and tricks to dress up metal cabinets anywhere in your home!

FAQ About Dressing Up Metal Cabinets

Dressing up metal cabinets by painting, adding hardware and styling with accessories is an easy DIY project that allows you to customize boring storage. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What type of paint should I use on metal cabinets?

High quality spray paint formulated specifically for metal works best. Look for oil-based enamel paint for metal and make sure the can states it can be used on metal cabinets, lockers, etc. Apply a primer coat first for proper adhesion.

What’s the best way to apply spray paint evenly?

Use light, even strokes about 8-10 inches from the surface, moving the can back and forth. Overlap strokes about 30%. Apply 2-3 thin coats rather than 1 thick coat for a smooth finish. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

How do I get a smooth spray painted surface?

Proper surface prep and application technique help create a smooth coat. Lightly sand glossy surfaces for texture. Clean with a degreaser and rinse well. Allow primer and paint coats to fully dry between applications. Spray in a sweeping motion at the recommended distance. Finish with a final gloss coat for extra smoothness.

Should I paint the inside of the cabinet too?

For longevity, it’s best to paint the interior as well. Use the same primer and paint for consistency. Spray paint is faster for interiors than brush painting. For a decorative look, consider wallpaper or contact paper instead of paint inside.

What type of hardware should I choose?

The style you choose is a personal preference to match your overall decor. Focus on the common installation size and screws in your existing cabinet so the new hardware fits properly. If changing just knobs, match the holes. Replacing hinges and pulls, make sure the new ones line up with current hardware placement.

How do I evenly space new hardware?

Measure the existing hardware placement on your metal cabinet. Use a ruler to mark where you want the new hardware to be installed. Space new hardware evenly across doors and drawers for a cohesive arranged look. Follow any existing border placement as a guide.

What’s the best way to paint or stain molding/trim?

Carefully remove trim pieces to paint or stain separately for full coverage and neat edges. For stain, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner first for an even appearance. Use a small foam brush for painting trim pieces. Allow to dry completely before re-affixing to the cabinet with adhesive and nails or screws.

What types of accessories work well on metal cabinets?

Baskets, artwork, mirrors, shelves, plaques, dishes, drapery and soft textiles help soften metal edges. Houseplants, lamps and wallpaper add natural color. Collections, books and decorative objects personalize plain cabinets. Have fun and mix different materials and styles!

How can I fix paint chips on a metal cabinet?

Lightly sand any chips to rough up the surface. Clean and apply touch-up paint in the original color using thin coats. Allow to dry fully. On larger chips, apply primer first for best coverage. Match sheen by finishing with a clear coat in gloss, satin or matte.

Conclusion

Revamping tired metal cabinets offers big rewards for little effort. With some simple cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, stylish new hardware and decorative accessories you can completely transform the look of a plain metal cabinet.

The process is budget-friendly using spray paint and affordable trim pieces, knobs and handles. Yet the results feel custom and high-end.

Not only does dressing up metal cabinets boost your storage with more beauty and function, but the project can also express your personal sense of style. The decor options allow you to feature your favorite colors, finishes and accessories.

Approach metal cabinet makeovers with an open mind and willingness to experiment. Don’t be afraid to mix up different paint techniques, hardware styles and accessories until you achieve your ideal finished look.

Follow the steps above to add a stylish focal point to your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or any space needing a cabinet refresh. The improvements will inspire you every time you open your newly dressed up cabinet!