creative diy ideas for bringing new life to file cabinets
If you thought filing cabinets were just for offices, you would be very mistaken… and little did we know how popular they are outside of the usual offices you would see them in! What are we learning? Those file cabinets are certainly not just for offices and commercial spaces!
Filing cabinets are versatile storage solutions with endless possibilities – for commercial spaces and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re looking to organize a workspace, create unique furniture, or craft a one-of-a-kind feature, filing cabinets can be the perfect foundation.
Did we mention the variety of materials that file cabinets come in?! Some can be wood, most are metal, and some you’ll find are built or combined with other materials such as melamine and/or plastic laminate.
Love Creative DIY - Repurposing Ideas?
Explore a few creative ways to repurpose and reinvent file cabinets below.
Discover how the variety of options can spark your imagination and bring used (or new!) file cabinet ideas to life.
1. Garden Planters 🌱
Transform filing cabinets into vertical planters for your garden. Remove the drawers, position the cabinet on its back, and line the insides with landscaping fabric or wood panels. Paint them for added flair and fill with soil for flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
2. Outdoor Storage 🔨
Need a weatherproof storage solution? A metal filing cabinet can be repurposed into a lockable outdoor cabinet for garden tools, hoses, or patio accessories. Add a coat of rust-resistant paint to protect it from the elements.
3. Kitchen Island 🍴
Create a functional and unique kitchen island by topping a filing cabinet with a butcher block or countertop slab. Add wheels for mobility, and you’ll have extra storage and prep space.
4. Garage Tool Organizer 🔧
File cabinets can be easily converted into garage tool storage. Use the drawers to separate tools by type, or remove the drawers and add hooks for hanging larger items like garden rakes and shovels.
5. Pet Feeding Station 🐾
Transform a filing cabinet drawer into a pull-out pet feeding station. The bottom drawer can house bowls for food and water, while the upper drawers store pet supplies like leashes, toys, and treats.
6. Kids’ Art Station 🎨
Give kids a space to store their craft supplies and create! Filing cabinets can be painted in bright colours and labelled for easy access to markers, paper, and paints.
7. Home Bar or Coffee Station ☕
Use a filing cabinet as the base for a trendy home bar or coffee station. Add a countertop, a hutch or stack-on, wine racks, or even a mini fridge in the bottom compartment for a custom beverage setup.
8. Bench Seating 🪑
Lay a filing cabinet on its side and add a cushioned top to create a stylish bench with built-in storage. This works great in entryways or mudrooms.
9. Craft Supply Storage 🧵
Crafters will love the versatility of filing cabinets for organizing fabrics, scrapbook paper, or sewing tools. Label the drawers for easy access to your creative tools.
10. Planter Stand 🪴
Instead of using a filing cabinet as the planter itself, turn it into a stand for heavy potted plants. Paint it a complementary colour and enjoy the elevated, modern look.
11. Mobile Workstation 💻
Add wheels and a custom top to convert a filing cabinet into a mobile workstation. Perfect for small spaces or shared home offices.
12. File Cabinet Smoker 🔥
Turn a metal filing cabinet into a backyard smoker for delicious homemade barbecue. Remove the drawers, add grates for racks, and install vents for airflow control. Use heat-resistant paint and a firebox at the bottom to complete your DIY smoker.
So, What Now?
First, know that the above guide of ideas certainly isn’t an exhaustive list – and there are many more ideas just waiting to be discovered for re-using, repurposing, and upcycling file cabinets.
Be sure to check out Pinterest which is a design haven of creativity, and lots of boards HERE, HERE, HERE, AND HERE aimed at file cabinet repurposing!
If you’re crafty and a DIY-er, you know you’re looking right now for deals on file cabinets, or thinking about what file cabinet transformations you can do with the inventory you already have! How very exciting!!
Where to Find Deals on File Cabinets?
At CSS Office Solutions, we have a diverse inventory of used filing cabinets that are ideal for any of these creative projects! And a selection of new filing cabinets if that aligns better with your needs!
Whether you’re looking for standard metal file cabinets to upcycle or a cabinet with unique finishes to inspire your next DIY project, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to explore our inventory and find the perfect file cabinet to bring your DIY vision to life! Then, don’t forget to tag CSS in your social postings showcasing your project once complete!
Want to check out our inventory? Call or email our office to share your needs with our staff and let’s get your file cabinet project underway!
