What to Do With Old Metal Filing Cabinets
Old metal filing cabinets are extremely common in both homes and offices. As technology advances and paper records get digitized, many people are left wondering what they can do with these once-essential pieces of furniture beyond just throwing them out. Thankfully, there are a number of creative ways to repurpose metal filing cabinets and give them new life.
Reasons to Repurpose Instead of Discard Metal Filing Cabinets
Before jumping into specific repurposing ideas, it’s worth considering why you may want to repurpose your old metal filing cabinets rather than just getting rid of them. Here are some top reasons why repurposing can be a great choice:
- Save money: Buying new furniture and storage can get expensive. Repurposing utilizes what you already have.
- Reduce waste: Throwing out your old filing cabinets just adds to landfill waste. Repurposing reduces unnecessary waste.
- Sentimental value: If your filing cabinets have been with you for years, they may have nostalgic or sentimental value worth preserving.
- High-quality materials: Old metal filing cabinets tend to be built with sturdy steel or durable wood. These high-quality materials make repurposing ideal.
- Unique retro charm: Vintage or mid-century modern filing cabinets can add a cool retro flair when repurposed for other uses.
Clever Ways to Repurpose Old Metal Filing Cabinets
From furniture to storage and beyond, there are many creative ways to transform old metal filing cabinets into something new. Here are some of the best ideas to consider:
1. Office Storage and Organization
For home offices or craft rooms, repurposed filing cabinets are great for organizing:
- Files, papers, documents
- Office supplies like pens, paperclips, staplers, etc.
- Craft supplies like fabric, yarn, beads, glue, scissors, etc.
Add drawer liner or shelf liner to customize the drawers for specific storage needs. Labels or chalkboard paint make identifying contents easy.
2. Kitchen Pantry Storage
In the kitchen, filing cabinets are ideal for storing:
- Dry goods like rice, pasta, beans, etc.
- Spices, teas, coffee
- Baking supplies like flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.
- Snacks like granola bars, nuts, crackers
Using drawer liner or shelf liner again helps customize drawers. Shallow drawers are great for utensils too.
3. Bathroom Storage and Organization
In bathrooms, repurposed filing cabinets are useful for storing:
- Towels, washcloths
- Toilet paper, tissues
- Hair/skin products, makeup
- First aid supplies, medicine
- Cleaning supplies
It’s easy to organize a cabinet drawer for each family member’s items. Add drawer liner for a perfect customized fit.
4. Mudroom or Entryway Storage
Near entrance ways, filing cabinets provide storage for items like:
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- Dog leashes and collars
- Umbrellas
- Mail, bills, documents
- Keys on hooks
This keeps essentials organized and out of sight.
5. Bedroom Closet Storage
For clothes and bedroom storage, filing cabinets work great for:
- Folded clothes like t-shirts, sweaters, jeans
- Undergarments, socks, pajamas
- Shoes – use wider drawers
- Accessories like belts, ties, scarves
- Keeping paperwork organized
Customize each drawer with liner and labels for easy access.
6. Garage and Workshop Storage
In garages, repurposed filing cabinets are wonderful for storing:
- Tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers
- Hardware like nails, screws, bolts
- Auto supplies like oil, wiper fluid, cloths
- Paint supplies
- Sporting goods like balls, gloves, helmets
The steel construction makes filing cabinets ideal for garages and workshops.
7. Entertainment Center Storage
For media storage, filing cabinets work great for organizing:
- DVDs, Blu-ray discs, video games
- CDs, records, cassettes
- Books, magazines, comics
- Chargers, batteries, accessories
- Remotes, controllers
- Photos, photo albums
This keeps your media collection tidy and easy to access.
8. Bar Cabinet
For a fun repurposing project, turn a filing cabinet into a customized bar by storing:
- Wine, beer, liquor bottles
- Glasses like wine glasses, shot glasses, tumblers
- Bar tools like bottle openers, shakers, stir sticks
- Cocktail mixes like grenadine, bitters, vermouth
Add interior lighting and this makes an awesome bar conversation piece.
9. Coffee Station Organizer
Similarly, a filing cabinet easily becomes a coffee station organizer for:
- Coffee beans, grounds
- Coffee mugs
- Creamers, sweeteners
- Coffee makers like kettles, French press
- Coffee accessories like stirrers, frothers
Install near your coffee maker for a perfectly organized brew station.
10. Kids Toy Storage
For children’s rooms, filing cabinets are great for storing:
- Dolls, action figures, stuffed animals
- Toy cars, trucks, trains
- Building toys like LEGO
- Arts and crafts supplies
- Books, puzzles, board games
Fun drawer liner and labels can help make cleaning up fun. Locking cabinets keeps toys secure.
11. Pet Food and Supply Station
Don’t forget man’s best friend! Filing cabinets can store:
- Pet food
- Pet bowls, water bottles
- Collars, leashes, harnesses
- Toys
- Medications, first aid
- Pet cleaning supplies
Keep your pet essentials organized in one place for easy access.
12. Repurposed Furniture and Decor
Beyond storage, metal filing cabinets can become cool repurposed furniture pieces:
- Side table or nightstand – flip cabinet on its side.
- TV stand or media console – upcycle into an entertainment center.
- Kitchen island or butcher block – add a wood top for prep space.
- Sofa table or desktop – affix a wood plank on top.
- Bar cart – add wheels and use for serving.
- Outdoor side table – give vintage metal cabinets new life outside.
With some creativity and DIY skills, the possibilities are endless for giving old filing cabinets new purpose. The key is to think outside the box. Any piece of furniture can potentially be created from the steel base of old filing cabinets.
Tips for Prepping and Repurposing Metal Filing Cabinets
Once you’ve decided on your repurposing project, there are some key steps to take for prep:
- Completely empty the filing cabinet and clean thoroughly.
- Check for any needed repairs – try to fix major dents, rust issues, broken drawers.
- Sand down any rough paint or rust spots.
- Apply new paint if desired – spray paint works well for metal.
- Add drawer liner, contact paper or shelf liner for customization.
- Consider casters for furniture projects to make items moveable.
- Use primer, glue and screws when affixing to wood for furniture projects.
Take time to brainstorm ideas and prep the filing cabinet properly. With some simple tools, supplies, and creativity, you can give new life to old metal filing cabinets rather than tossing them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good drawer liner options for repurposed filing cabinets?
Grippy shelf liners, durable vinyl liners, or soft felt liners are all great options. Choose liners based on your specific storage needs. Adhesive-backed liners allow total customization.
What types of paint work best for refinishing old metal filing cabinets?
High-quality spray paint formulated especially for metal is ideal for refinishing filing cabinets. Rust-preventative paint also helps. Go for oil-based over latex paints.
Can you repurpose built-in cabinetry or permanently installed file cabinets?
Repurposing truly fixed cabinets is more limited. But if they can be safely removed, the same ideas apply. For built-ins, look for creative on-site repurposing ideas tailored to the space.
How can you make your repurposed filing cabinet look more modern or retro?
For a modern look, go for sleek handles, updated drawer pulls, and a fresh coat of gray or white paint. For retro flair, opt for vintage-inspired knobs, bright paint colors, and décor like art, vases or lamps on top.
What are safety tips for repurposing filing cabinets around children?
Look for rubber edges to soften sharp metal corners. Install child locks if needed. Anchor securely to walls for safety. Keep out of reach of young kids if being used for hazardous items like tools or cleaning supplies.
Rather than sending old metal filing cabinets to a landfill, consider the many possibilities for repurposing these high-quality pieces into great storage solutions or even entirely new furniture pieces. With some inspiration and elbow grease, you can organize your home, save money, and reduce waste by giving your old filing cabinets new life. Those with sentimental value especially deserve a DIY makeover. Breathe new purpose into your old filing cabinets and enjoy years more of use from these office workhorses.
