What to Do With a Metal Filing Cabinet

A metal filing cabinet can be a useful storage solution for both home and office. However, with the rise of digital data storage, many people find themselves with an unused metal cabinet taking up space. Instead of relegating it to a basement or garage, there are creative ways to repurpose a metal filing cabinet and give it new life.

Assess the Cabinet’s Condition

Before deciding how to reuse your metal filing cabinet, assess its current condition. Check for any broken or jammed drawers, damaged paint or rust spots, and missing keys or handles. Make any needed repairs so the cabinet functions properly. A fresh coat of paint can also help improve its appearance.

If the filing cabinet is beyond reasonable repair, consider repurposing or recycling its metal parts. The drawer slides, handles, and locks can often be reused in other projects.

Turn it Into a Storage Unit

One of the easiest ways to reuse a metal filing cabinet is to simply use it for general storage. The wide, shallow drawers are perfect for storing arts and craft supplies, hobby materials, toys, linens, or seasonal decor.

To make the contents more visible and accessible, consider removing the top drawer or two. You can then use the open section for taller items like vases, books, or small appliances. Make sure to anchor any top-heavy filing cabinets to the wall for safety.

Create a Bar Cabinet

Convert your old filing cabinet into a fully-stocked bar cart! This is a great option for smaller spaces like apartments, since it takes up minimal floor space.

Start by thoroughly cleaning out the drawers. Use drawer liner or contact paper to cover the insides with an appealing pattern or color. The bottom drawer can store bottles, the middle can hold barware and glassware, while the top can hold mixers, garnishes, and bar tools.

For easy mobility, add wheels, casters, or furniture sliders to the bottom. Complete the look with some decorative handles, hardware, or paint.

Build a Vertical Garden

Metal filing cabinets can easily be transformed into vertical gardening units. This takes advantage of the vertical drawer space to grow plants or herbs indoors.

Line each drawer with a plastic liner or tray to hold soil and plants. Consider adding grow lights above for plants that need more sun. For drainage, simply drill holes in the bottom of each liner.

Stagger the types of plants in each drawer according to their light and water needs. Herbs, succulents, leafy greens, or flowering plants can all thrive in your new upcycled planting station.

Fashion a Bathroom Organizer

In the bathroom, a filing cabinet can provide discreet closed storage for toiletries, medicines, towels, and other essentials. The lockable drawers also keep private items secure.

For a hotel spa-like feel, stock the drawers with rolled washcloths and towels, toiletries, grooming products, candles, and decor. Affix the cabinet to the wall for safety if using near water.

For families, label each drawer to organize essentials by family member. Mount it under a sink for quick access to toiletries. The possibilities are endless!

Create a Mail Organizer

Filing cabinets are obviously ideal for sorting mail and paperwork. Turn one into a dedicated mail station in your home office or entryway.

Use hanging files, folders, dividers, and labels to organize bills, receipts, cards, letters, coupons, and other mail items. Top drawers can hold stamps, envelopes, note cards, pens, tape, scissors, and other supplies.

Having everything neatly filed helps keep your mail from piling up and getting misplaced. Just be sure to lock sensitive documents for security.

Make a Coffee Bar

Coffee bars are very popular home additions, but don’t require a full built-in unit. A metal filing cabinet makes a budget-friendly coffee buffet.

Use the top drawers for coffee bean and grounds storage. Lower drawers can hold mugs, brewing gear like presses or drippers, milk frothers, and other accessories. The counter space above provides an area for the coffee maker and decor.

Add a small shelf or cart top as a working surface. Install glass knobs, handles, or updated hardware for an eye-catching bar style.

Build a Liquor Cabinet

Similar to a bar cart, filing cabinets also make functional liquor cabinets! The lockable drawers keep your spirits securely stored while adding closed storage to your bar area.

Organize your collection drawer by drawer – group spirits by type, like bourbon, scotch, whiskey, vodka, etc. You can also sort by frequently used bottles versus special occasion liquors.

Include glassware, bar tools, bitters, garnishes, and mixers in other drawers. Freshen it up with paint, hardware, or counter lighting above. Add a mirrored back panel for a classy speakeasy vibe.

Create a Pantry

Maximize kitchen storage by dedicating a cabinet solely to food storage. This is excellent for small kitchens lacking pantry space.

Use drawer dividers, caddies, bins and organizational tools to neatly arrange spices, oils, canned goods, snacks, and other food items. Consider designating certain drawers for categories like breakfast items, baking essentials, etc.

For quick access, position it near your prep and cooking work stations. Customize with labels and chalkboard paint to easily identify contents. Keep food fresh by periodically checking expiration dates.

Build a Craft Storage Station

Filing cabinets shine for storing craft supplies. The wide, shallow drawers are perfect for organizing various tools, materials, and embellishments.

Designate certain drawers for paper items, writing instruments, fabric and sewing notions, beading and jewelry supplies, paints, or kids crafts. Label each drawer clearly so items can be easily found and put away.

Add small containers, dividers, trays, and bins to keep everything neatly sorted. Install near your main craft zone for a handy all-in-one craft storage hub!

Create Display Shelving

With some DIY skills, old filing cabinets can be merged into cool open shelving. This involves removing the cabinet sides and filing frames, while leaving the drawers intact.

Clean the drawers thoroughly. Paint or stain them an attractive color. Next, securely mount them vertically onto a wall studs to create modern box shelves. Feel free to stagger them at different heights for visual interest.

Use your new contemporary shelving to display books, plants, collectibles, small sculptures – anything you want! The metal drawers enable industrial chic bookshelves on a budget.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about repurposing metal filing cabinets:

How do I remove the filing frames from a cabinet?

Use a screwdriver to detach the frames from the drawer slides and sides. Unscrew any remaining hardware or fasteners to fully remove the frames.

What’s the best way to clean and prepare a used filing cabinet?

Start by removing any old contents and wiping out drawers. Clean with a degreaser or mild soap and water. Lightly sand any damaged areas and apply a quality primer before painting.

What if my filing cabinet drawers are stuck or damaged?

Try lubricating sticky drawers with wax paper or graphite powder. Replace any broken drawer slides and bent hardware. Dented fronts can often be pounded out – but replace if damage is too severe.

How much weight can a filing cabinet safely hold if used for storage?

Most standard cabinets can handle 30-50 lbs per drawer. Limit weight in any cabinets mounted high on a wall. Evenly distribute weight in each drawer to avoid tipping.

What are some organizational tools that can be used?

Dividers, trays, bins, containers, drawer liner, labels, and hanging files can all help organize contents. Hardware stores have many filing cabinet organizational tools.

Conclusion

With some creativity and DIY skills, an old metal filing cabinet can gain new life through repurposing. Assess the condition, freshen it up with paint or repairs if needed, and give it a purpose that fits your home and lifestyle needs. From a bar cart to vertical garden to craft supply station, the possibilities are nearly endless! With the right organizational tools, it can also simply provide practical closed storage and organization.

Before discarding an unused cabinet, consider the many ways it can provide both form and function. Beyond the examples listed here, customize it to meet your own storage needs and style. With an eco-friendly repurposing approach, even the most mundane of office relics can become a fun and functional addition to your living space.