Have an outdated or worn-out file cabinet taking up space? Don’t send it to the landfill! With a little creativity, you can give a retired filing cabinet new life with these clever repurposing ideas.
Custom Cabinet Bar
Convert your old file cabinet into a fully-stocked bar perfect for entertaining!
- Remove inner hardware and sand surfaces
- Stain, paint or decoupage the exterior
- Add shelves, racks and cubbies to hold glasses, spirits and barware
- Attach a fold-down surface for drink mixing
- Optional: add a lock to keep alcohol secure
Keep the drawers to store drink mixes, coasters, and tools. Add lighting, wallpaper and other DIY details to create an artisan look.
Handy Craft Storage
For the crafter in your home, a file cabinet makes perfect bulk storage.
Use drawers for organizing:
- Craft paints, brushes and tools
- Scrapbooking supplies by theme
- Knitting yarn, needles and pattern books
- Sewing notions like thread, buttons, fabric
- Label drawers clearly for quick retrieval
- Store larger items like cutting mats upright in the back
It’s the ultimate craft closet!
Office on Wheels
Turn a small file cabinet into a rolling desk for a compact home office solution.
- Remove inner rails so drawers open fully
- Use drawers for supplies, files and tools
- Top with a hollow-core door or large board for a work surface
- Secure surface and add edges so items don’t slide off
- Paint coordinating colors and add hardware pulls
- Add wheels on bottom for portability
Stash your mobile office away when work is done!
Conclusion
Don’t send old file cabinets to a lifeless fate at the dump. With clever DIY projects like a bar, craft organizer or rolling desk, you can repurpose those drawers into something wonderful. Get creative with paint, inside additions and other personal touches. Upcycle files into functional furniture and give unneeded items new life!
FAQs about Repurpose File Cabinet
10 Unique Things to Do with File Cabinets
Healthy Office Snack Bar. Pack the drawers with granola bars, water, and other healthy snacks.
Bar Cart. Speaking of bars, you can put more than healthy snacks in your cart!
Toy Chest.
Nightstand.
Holiday Storage.
Desk.
Credenza.
Mudroom Storage.
Spruce it up with chalkboard paint.
Cover it with wallpaper.
Brighten it up with contact paper.
Apply stickers.
Slap on duct tape.
Transform it with spray paint.
Stick some magnets on it.
Who knew ceiling tiles could be this cool?
Filing Cabinet Makeover Ideas
Simply repaint the file cabinet using chalk paint, DIY chalk paint or spray paint.
Use contact paper.
Use cheap frames to help build up the structure of your file cabinet.
Use paint and stencils.
Use gel stain to makeover a wooden file cabinet.
An old filing cabinet is perfect for storing garden tools. First, remove the old drawers from the filing cabinet. Then flip it so that the bottom of the cabinet is on the side.