Sometimes it’s the oddest thing that catches my attention. Does that happen to you? I know many of you wouldn’t be drawn to a vintage metal file box, but…there it is. Folks, it’s the second Tuesday of the month, which means it’s Trash to Treasure time. {{happy dance}} Not only will you see my blogger friend’s projects in a bit, but you will also see what becomes of this thrifted find.
So, why would I be drawn to a metal box? Let’s take a closer look…
Straightaway, you can see this is a File-A-Way box, obviously designed for office-type purposes. In this case, however, you can see that a previous owner used it to keep track of their family history. I love it! As well, it even has the original key taped down on the inside, so that’s an added bonus.
MAKEOVER PARTY
As you can imagine, there are many ways I can go with this makeover. In the first place, I could add wood for a rustic vibe adding height even. Secondly, I can paint it black with vintage typography. Or, thirdly, even add whimsy for kids’ or pets’ toys. However, my last project, an antique tile top table, has me in the spring mood for some flowers. First, in order to get started, I want to check my local dollar store for either transfers or decals. Thankfully, I hit the motherload!
Not only are there decals and transfers galore, but also the same faux tin tiles I’ve used HERE and HERE (or see in my video demo below). Although, there’s also wallpaper too.
Anyhow, after I pick out my scheme, I head home to give the box updating first. To start with, I use my pure gold spray paint to dress up the hardware.
Then, once the gold paint cures after two coats, I tape it off the same hardware and spray with this rustic pink I recently used on my thrifted candlestick makeover.
By the same token, this is the softest pink, but also that it is in an ultra matte finish. That fact gives it even more softness to this obvious jaded box.
DECORATE
Next, while I could stop here with only paint, I decide to add those fun decals. Initially, I cut the wallpaper pieces to the width I want, which actually ends up being exactly half. I love when that happens – woot!
Once cut, I wrap the base of the box with the wallpaper. As soon as the paper is on, I use the decals to create layered designs on top of the wallpaper.
Last, but not least, I use these wooden knobs from my console cabinet makeover to use as feet by gluing on with e6000 adhesive. A funny aside: my youngest asks me, “Mama, what if something were downcycled?”
My answer is simply, “I think that is legit trash.” {{giggle}}
STYLISH STORAGE
After my simple steps are complete, I can say I’m smitten. Finally, here my once-family-history vintage metal filing box turned stylish storage for anything your heart desires. ta da!
Buh-bye green, hello blush pink. In fact, there’s even a party on the back – yeah baby! Not only does the color and decals add whimsy, but also makes it set out on a surface with spunk. With that in mind, check out the vintage vibin’ feet too.
By all means, who doesn’t love extra storage? Actually, for me, the decals and wallpaper make it the icing on the pink cake.
ACCENTS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
What is more, I left the green on the inside because it goes with my color scheme perfectly. Additionally, I’m really digging the gold touches to coordinate with the geometric gold paper. While there’s nothing wrong with the original silver, this gold makes me smile.
You can see, I hope, that I had a blast with this because it’s something pretty much anyone can do. Better yet, it’s budget-friendly and makes for fun group creating time with kids or friends.
As always, if you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online store.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
So, tell me…. are you drawn to these vintage boxes too? Or better yet, what would you store in this box? By and large, they have such purpose in many fashions. In addition to leaving some comment love below, I invite you pin and share my vintage metal file box makeover to inspire others to create their own home story.
Likewise, before you go, check out this reclaimed tongue & groove board I’m ready to repurpose. Meanwhile, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter.
At long last, come see what my Trash to Treasure girls have created just for you below.
Also, more fun makeovers like this metal file box upcycled:
I bet you I’ve passed a million of these boxes and not once did I give them a second glance!! Now I will be on the hunt!!! You are so imaginative!!! 👍🏻
Right? haha! I’ve always loved them in their original condition – I think they take me down memory lane as a child growing up in the 70’s. Thanks for the smile, Rebecca! 😀
This is so beautiful! My mom has several of these boxes that always struck me as so ugly utilitarian. Why did I never think of fixing that? Would love to know what Dollar Store you shopped.
You mom sounds like a gal after my own heart. woot! haha! I shopped Dollar Tree. I don’t always directly mention because others have them too and they may not always have the same choices.
I was thrifting on the weekend with my g/friend and we saw a old rusty toolbox. It was cool but they were asking to much money for it. In my eyes I could see a real lovely piece with succulents in it for your garden bench. Yours was so pretty .I like how you put the flower decal over the other decal..
Yes, many overprice these days…it’s crazy. You can take a new one for cheaper and make it look old. 😀 Thanks for the love, Lorri.
How pretty is this box now?? I too am always drawn to the history of a piece. Fantastic upcycle, my friend! XO
Thanks! I typically like them as-is, but this one needed some fun. 😉
cute. What did you use to apply the wallpaper?
Glue? Decoupage?
What is the actual color name of the pink paint? How long did you let it dry?
I need more deets in case I want to try this.
okay… it’s peel-n’-stick wallpaper. The name is actually rustic pink as I mentioned. I let it dry to manufacturer instructions, which varies depending on temperature, humidity, etc. 🙂
Such a cutie now !! I was surprised how you laid out the decals and esp the wallpaper. 🙂
I love it !! The soft pink with the gold hardware are sooo pretty.
I also love vintage boxes, but surely never thought of doing this to a metal file box.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for being so kind. Thanks to the ease of peel-n-stick, this was truly easy. Better yet is that it is all repositionable or removable on a whim. Yay!
This metal file box is adorable Larissa! XOXO
Yay! I sure had fun with that rustic pink. Thanks!
Forgot to add that i LOVE your new haircut!!!!
aww…thank you so much!
Soo cute, Larissa! I have such a difficult time throwing away beautiful greeting cards (and don’t receive many anymore as people are moving away from printed greeting cards I understand), but could definitely see this beautiful box holding little treasures of all sorts. Thank you for thinking “outside the box” (ha!) and inspiring us once again 🥰
Ooh…I’m with you! I also enjoy making cards, so I totally get it. Thanks so much for the love, Mary!
Hi Larissa, I’m so happy to see this, as I have an old gray metal box just like it waiting for some TLC. One question- did you seal it after the decals, wallpaper, and paint? I got some decals too and worry that they’ll peel off later. Thanks so much.
That’s the spirit, Jill! I did not so that it remains repositionable, but you certainly could for longevity.
This is absolutely precious Larissa!! Love it!xo
Pink…it was meant to be. hee hee. Thanks, Nancy!
Hi Larissa!! I am also drawn to metal storage boxes. I have several different sizes and shapes in my pile. I love what you did. Love that pink color and the decals. I’m so excited to go to Dollar tree to see what I. Sn find. I have decopauged a couple and they sold but this is a whole new look. Love it!! Thank you for the inspiration! Pinned.
How fun! Yes, they are so handy and very versatile, as you well know. My pleasure to share! 😀
You do so beautiful things the box that you did was so kind there or little square with alphabet what kind do whit it
Thank you. 🙂