How to Update a Small Metal Filing Cabinet

Updating a small metal filing cabinet can help modernize your office storage and organization. With some simple upgrades, you can improve the appearance, functionality, and efficiency of an old filing cabinet. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to update a small metal filing cabinet.

Clean and Organize the Inside of the Filing Cabinet

The first step is to thoroughly clean out and organize the interior of the filing cabinet.

• Remove all files and folders and sort them into ‘keep’ and ‘discard’ piles. Properly dispose of any documents you no longer need.
• Use file folders, colored tabs, and labels to categorize and identify files for easy access. Organize files alphabetically or chronologically.
• Clean inside surfaces with a multi-surface cleaner and lint-free cloth. Vacuum out any dust or debris.
• Lubricate sliding mechanisms with a silicone-based lubricant to improve glide motion.
• Adjust any broken or loose hardware. Tighten loose screws and reattach any detached drawer glides.

Proper cleaning and organization will help optimize the storage capacity of your filing cabinet.

Sand and Paint the Exterior

Giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint is an easy DIY upgrade that can give an old filing cabinet a brand new look.

• Lightly sand cabinet surfaces to rough up the finish. Wipe away any residue with a tack cloth.
• Apply 2-3 thin coats of spray paint in your color of choice. Allow proper dry time between coats. Consider a painted accent color on the drawer fronts.
• Optionally apply new decorative hardware like handles, knobs or pulls. This offers an easy way to modernize the style.
• Add self-adhesive vinyl lettering to label and identify each drawer.

Painting with colors like white, black, gray or muted tones can give your filing cabinet a crisp, updated look.

Add Functional Interior Upgrades

There are several upgrades you can add to the interior of a filing cabinet for better functionality:

• Install hanging file folders to keep documents neat and organize by category.
• Add reinforced file pockets inside drawers to store miscellaneous items.
• Attach a document sorter on top to hold papers and folders for active projects.
• Install drawer dividers to separate different types of files and add compartments.
• Add caster wheels for easy mobility around the office.

These smart additions can help maximize your filing and sorting capacity.

Consider a DIY Drawer Cabinet Insert

For major remodeling, you can replace the entire interior drawer system with a DIY cabinet insert.

• Measure the inner dimensions of your filing cabinet.
• Purchase pre-cut plywood pieces to create drawer boxes and face frames.
• Assemble with wood glue and brad nails. Sand edges smooth.
• Stain or paint the DIY insert your desired color. Add slide glides.

-Install the custom insert into the original outer shell for an entirely new interior.

This is a more advanced upgrade but allows full customization of the drawer layout. Get creative with compartments and organization.

Improve Dividers for Better Organization

One quick upgrade is swapping out old divider systems for improved filing organization:

• Replace plain manila file folders with tabbed, colored categories.
• Install sturdy wall dividers with adjustable metal tabs.
• Use expanding file dividers to hold more files neatly in place.
• Insert plastic or wooden letter/legal size dividers for general files.

Proper dividers will keep papers neatly organized and make finding files faster.

Add Interior Lighting

Interior lighting makes the contents of your cabinet visible without opening drawers.

• Battery powered LED strip lights can adhere inside the top or sides.
• Install low-voltage puck lights on the upper interior walls.
• Use a touch-activated drawer light for easy visibility.

Proper interior lighting can improve the functionality of your filing cabinet.

Questions and Answers

What are some quick DIY updates for an old filing cabinet?

Some quick DIY updates include paint or new hardware on the exterior, installing new interior dividers, adding a document sorter on top, attaching caster wheels for mobility, replacing plain folders with tabbed organizing folders, and installing battery-powered interior LED lights. These are fast upgrades to improve appearance and function.

What color should I paint my metal filing cabinet?

Popular options are white, black, gray, navy and muted neutral tones for a modernized look. Bold or pastel colors can also make the cabinet pop. Consider matching the color to your office decor. Paint just the drawer fronts as an accent wall effect.

What is the best way to organize the interior of a filing cabinet?

Invest in quality file folders, alphabetize folders, use colored tabs and labels to categorize contents, install wall or expanding file dividers, compartmentalize with dividers or trays, and add hanging folders for important documents. Keeping the interior neatly organized will optimize filing.

How do I remove rust from an old metal filing cabinet?

Lightly scrub with steel wool or sandpaper to remove loose rust flakes. Wipe clean. Apply a rust converter primer like Rust-Oleum to chemically convert rust into an inert layer. Top coat with high quality spray paint to inhibit further rusting.

What are some functional upgrades to make a filing cabinet more useful?

Functional upgrades include adding reinforced document pockets, installing drawer dividers and compartments, attaching a document sorter for active files, adding interior LED lighting, installing casters for easy mobility, replacing interiors with custom DIY inserts, and upgrading divider systems for optimal organization.

Conclusion

Updating a tired filing cabinet is an affordable way to improve home or office organization and storage. With some basic cleaning, paint, and a few organizational upgrades, you can give new life to an old metal cabinet. The right updates can make the cabinet more attractive, functional, and optimized for your filing needs.