What to Do with an Old Metal Filing Cabinet

Old metal filing cabinets are incredibly common in homes and offices. As technology advances and paper records become digitized, these once essential pieces of office furniture can start to feel outdated and obsolete. However, there are many great ways to repurpose and reuse an old metal filing cabinet, whether for storage, furniture, or even art! With a little creativity, that old dusty cabinet in the basement can become both useful and beautiful again.

Assessing the Filing Cabinet’s Condition

Before deciding how to reuse your old metal filing cabinet, examine its current condition. This will help determine what options are viable and what repairs may be needed first.

Consider the following:

• Structural integrity – Are the drawers still on their tracks and sliding smoothly? Is the cabinet frame sturdy or wobbly? Look for major dents, rust spots, or other damage.
• Drawer alignment – Do the drawers still align properly when closed? If not, the cabinet frame may be warped.
• Paint/finish – Is the original paint or laminate finish in good shape? Peeling or worn finishes will need refreshed for certain reuse projects.
• Locks – Do the original locks still work properly? Can all the drawers/doors be secured? Non-working locks will need replaced or removed altogether.
• Labels/stickers – Are there old labels or stickers that should be removed before giving the cabinet a makeover? Use a heat gun or paint thinner to safely remove.

Once you’ve assessed the overall condition, you can determine what steps need addressed before putting that old filing cabinet to use in a new way. With some minor repairs, even rough shape cabinets can be revitalized.

Cleaning and Removing Old Contents

Before repurposing your old metal filing cabinet, everything needs removed from inside and the entire thing cleaned thoroughly. Here are some tips for cleaning out a used filing cabinet:

• Remove all files, folders, papers, and any existing contents or office supplies. Recycle/organize as needed.
• Vacuum out any dirt, dust, or debris inside the drawers and cabinet body. This is especially important if stored in a basement, garage or attic.
• Use all-purpose cleaner and rags to wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces, shelves, drawer fronts, etc.
• Scrub off any old sticky labels or residue with a mild degreaser and non-abrasive scouring pad.
• Clean all drawer tracks and lubricate with a dry Teflon spray to help slides operate smoothly.
• Air out the cabinet to eliminate any musty smells, either outside or using baking soda for 24-48 hours inside.
• For stubborn odors, place dishes of white vinegar inside and close up for several days to fully absorb odors.

Proper cleaning provides a blank slate for your filing cabinet reuse projects. For a truly like-new appearance, consider repainting or refinishing the outside.

Refinishing the Exterior

Old laminate or worn paint detracts from a filing cabinet’s appearance. Luckily, metal cabinets are great candidates for refinishing. Follow these steps for the best results:

Painting Metal Filing Cabinets

Supplies Needed:

• Paint stripper or sander to remove existing paint
• Tack cloth for removing dust between steps
• Metal or wood primer
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Exterior grade metal paint in desired color

Steps

1. Remove hardware like handles/locks. Fill any holes/cracks with wood filler.
2. Use paint stripper or sandpaper to remove existing paint down to bare metal.
3. Wipe with tack cloth, then apply 1-2 coats primer, sanding lightly between coats.
4. Final wipe down with tack cloth before applying 2-3 thin coats of metal paint, allowing drying time between coats.
5. Replace hardware once fully cured, typically 24-48 hours.

Refinishing Laminate Cabinets

Supplies:

• Paint stripper or sander
• Tack cloth
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Chalk paint for laminate finish

Steps:

1. Remove hardware, fill holes/cracks if needed.
2. Use stripper or sander to remove laminate finish, exposing bare wood below.
3. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth, apply primer to bare wood.
4. Paint on two coats chalk paint using brush, roller, or paint sprayer. Let dry fully between coats.
5. Lightly sand then apply polyurethane for a protective top coat.
6. Replace hardware once cured, typically 24-48 hours.

A fresh coat of paint or stain completely transforms the look of a tired old filing cabinet. Have fun and get creative with different colors and finishes!

Repurposing Filing Cabinets for Home Storage

Old metal filing cabinets are ideal for myriad storage needs around the home. Built solidly, they are perfect for organizing almost anything. Here are some great ideas:

Office Storage

For a home office or work area, a filing cabinet still provides excellent paper and document storage. Remove unneeded hanging file frames to create open shelving. Use sturdy archive boxes or binders inside the drawers to neatly organize paperwork, files, kids artwork and more. Top with baskets for pens/office supplies.

Craft Storage

A filing cabinet is ideal for corralling messy craft supplies and hobbies. Use drawers for organizing fabric, yarn, beads, scissors, glues and other small crafting essentials. Add style with knob replacement or paint job.

Garage/Shop Storage

In a garage, workshop, laundry room, or shed, metal cabinets keep tools, hardware, automotive supplies, cleaners, and household items organized yet easily accessible. Label drawers for quick identification. For large or heavy items, remove inner drawer slides to create open cubby shelving.

Photo/Media Storage

Media like photos, CDs, DVDs, and albums can be filed neatly in a repurposed cabinet. Without humidity and sunlight, the drawers help preserve these sentimental items. Add album pages, dividers, boxes or other organizing accessories for optimal storage.

Kitchen Pantry

An old four-drawer filing cabinet is ideal for converting to a kitchen pantry for food storage. Remove hanging file frames to make open compartments for bulk goods or small appliances. Add hooks inside the doors for utensils and foil/wrap rolls.

Repurposed correctly, a sturdy old metal filing cabinet can become the perfect organizational powerhouse for nearly any room. Get creative with paint and labels to make it blend seamlessly into your new chosen space.

Upcycling Filing Cabinets into Furniture

With their boxy shapes and ample storage space, filing cabinets can be adapted into all sorts of furniture perfect for any room in your home. With a little skill and DIY spirit, that old office relic can become a new statement piece.

Filing Cabinet Desk

A flat desktop surface can easily be crafted onto a short filing cabinet to create a handy desk space. Simply cut a solid plywood board or reclaimed wood to size and attach securely to the top and sides. Stain or paint to match your decor. Add drawer pulls that double as legs.

Filing Cabinet Dresser

To make a dresser for clothing storage, lay the cabinet horizontally and attach a finished plywood top. Sand, stain, or paint the whole piece and upgrade the hardware. Add beadboard backing for a furniture-like look. The wide drawers are perfect for folded garments.

Filing Cabinet Sofa Table

With doors instead of drawers, lateral filing cabinets become beautiful sofa tables behind a couch. Give it a stain or bright coat of paint to tie into your decor. Remove the backs of the doors for open shelving or retaining as closed storage.

Filing Cabinet Buffet

Repurposed as a sideboard buffet, a metal filing cabinet makes excellent dining room or kitchen storage. Remove the top drawer and create a counter surface above the remaining drawers, using brackets for support. Perfect for serving ware or extra dish storage.

Filing Cabinet Bar Cart

Cocktail lovers rejoice! With a few modifications, a classic two-drawer file cabinet transforms into a functional rolling bar cart. Flip it horizontally, attach casters or wheels, then use the drawers to store bar tools, glassware and spirits in organization style.

filing cabinet furniture

Old filing cabinets are perfect for DIY furniture projects. Let your needs and space dictate the design, then personalize with paint colors, finishes, and hardware. Add storage baskets, organizers, or trays inside the drawers to outfit your new custom furniture piece.

Upcycling Filing Cabinets into Home Decor

For the creatively inclined, an old filing cabinet can transform into awesome one-of-a-kind decor for the home. Think outside the box and utilize these ideas to give new purpose to office remnants with flair and personality.

Filing Cabinet Bookshelf

Filing cabinets work great as mini bookshelves, keeping books orderly and upright. Remove the inner drawer slides and line the compartments with wallpaper or scrapbooking paper for a whimsical touch. Add artistic knobs, legs, or feet.

Filing Cabinet Display Case

To showcase your favorite collections or treasures, convert a filing cabinet into a wall-mounted display case. Cut the top, back, and one side off and mount the rest on the wall like open shelving. Add LED strip lights inside.

Filing Cabinet Curiosity Cabinet

With all but the frame removed, an old filing cabinet transforms into a quirky wall-mounted curiosity cabinet. Attach unusual objects, antiques, or artwork inside each individual cubby for an eclectic decor accent.

Filing Cabinet Hutch

Cut down to size, the frame and drawers of a filing cabinet become a rustic kitchen hutch. Remove the cabinet backs, attach trim, and mount on the wall above counters. Store cookware in the drawers and decor on the shelves.

Filing Cabinet Storage Bench

On its side, a four-drawer cabinet makes a handy entryway bench with contained storage. Remove the cabinet top and hangers. Pad the top, add cushion, then stash shoes, gloves, umbrellas inside. Paint or finish the wood to suit your style.

filing cabinet decor

For the DIYer who likes repurposing, a discarded file cabinet can become almost any type of unique, artistic furnishings for the home. Make it functional or purely decorative!

Turning a Filing Cabinet into Art

Truly think outside the box by turning your old filing cabinet into a beautiful art piece. With some strategic cutting and creative use of color, individual drawer compartments transform into fun wall art and sculptural designs perfect for modern homes.

Geometric Filing Cabinet Wall Art

Keep just the outer structural frame of the filing cabinet and remove the inner drawers and backing. Spray paint the exterior a bold color like black, white, silver or bright yellow. Mount directly on the wall in entryways or above beds as geometric wall art.

Filing Cabinet Honeycomb Shelves

For honeycomb shelving, remove cabinet backs and alter the drawer height by cutting horizontally across the middle. Spray paint the frame and drawers contrasting colors in a geometric pattern. Mount on the wall for artful open storage.

Standing Filing Cabinet Sculpture

Create a modern metal sculpture by removing cabinet backs and doors. Cut part of the frame away asymmetrically. Tip the cabinet onto its side. Use colorful spray paints to transform the exterior into a work of wall art.

Filing Cabinet Chest of Drawers

Preserve just the drawer fronts for an artsy wall display. Remove the structural frame and cut the drawer fronts free. Stagger and arrange them on the wall creatively like a row of differently sized boxes. Paint or stencil patterns on each.

Hidden Compartment Filing Cabinet

For hidden storage, cut drawer fronts into squares then mount discreetly on walls or furniture. Attach magnets and hinges to open, revealing useful stash spots for keys, cash, or valuables around the home. Get creative with patterns and finishes.

Don’t let an old filing cabinet get tossed into a dump when it could become your next furniture masterpiece or artistic wonder. With a little creativity and effort, that discarded office relic can gain new life in any room.

Selling or Donating Unused Filing Cabinets

If your old metal filing cabinets are still in decent shape, consider selling or donating them to earn extra cash or help others in need. Here are some options to explore before discarding unused cabinets:

Selling Online

Sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay allow you to sell locally online to potential buyers in your area. Pricing will depend on size, condition, and features, but expect $25 to $150 for a good used filing cabinet.

Post clear photos and list details/dimensions. Mention any imperfections upfront. Arrange pickup or delivery for large items.

Selling to Used Office Furniture Store

Secondhand and vintage office furniture stores may purchase old filing cabinets, especially sturdier metal ones, for resale in their retail shops. They can pick up directly and provide cash payment. Prices will vary based on size, style and current trends.

Donating to Non-Profit Organizations

Check with local nonprofits like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity if they accept donated filing cabinets in good working order. Some may arrange free pickup for large furniture donations.

Donating Locally

Smaller charities, churches, food banks, schools, or community centers may need donated furniture and office supplies. Reach out with cabinet details to see if a local group near you has need. Arrange delivery or pickup for donations.

Scrapping Metal Components

If beyond repair, old file cabinets can be dismantled and scrapped for their metal content. Steel, iron and aluminum all have scrap value at recycling centers. Remove any non-metal components first.

Breathing new life into old furniture is always preferred over waste and disposal when possible. Shop around to see if your now unneeded filing cabinet could still be of use, or find value, for someone else out there.

Before You Toss – Final Filing Cabinet Uses

If all else fails before relegating that old metal filing cabinet to the dump, explore some final handy uses to avoid waste and landfill contributions:

• Outdoor Storage – In a garage, shed, or covered patio, a dented cabinet with intact locks works for weather resistant storage.
• Toolbox – Remove the hanging folders and place the entire cabinet on its side. It becomes one giant tool drawer for the workshop or garage.
• Protective Enclosure – Lay it on its back and remove one side to create an open-top protective box for engines, tools, or garden supplies.
• Mail Sorter – In home entryways, stand it upright and add sorted mail slots to corral household mail and paperwork.
• Pet Crate – Remove inner sliding drawers. Add a door and bed to create an enclosed pet crate with lockable security.
• Locking Liquor Cabinet – Perfect for keeping spirits and glassware secure. Install sliding locks to keep little hands out.
• Trash Can Concealer – Place yard refuse cans inside, keeping smells contained and hidden from sight behind closed doors.

Before discarding, always consider how even damaged filing cabinets might still serve a purpose and save the waste of scrapping. With creativity and an open mind, the possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

From a functional storage solution to a handcrafted art piece, the options are limitless when giving new life to an old metal filing cabinet. After a thorough cleaning and some DIY creativity, that outdated office relic can be customized into almost any type of organizational or decorative piece. Use it in the home, donate, sell or upcycle it into a true conversation piece! With the right approach and a little vision, you may just look at dingy old filing cabinets in a whole new light from now on.