As I mention in my email newsletter (are you signed up?), I’m not one to shy away from a neighbor’s trash. Ain’t no shame in my game, especially when it saves vintage beasts like this from the landfill. I’m feeling the urge for an upcycled filing cabinet makeover that will have you rubber necking when there’s loot at Curb le Chic. {{yeah, baby!}}
To be forthright, I did drive past this several days in a row as it was at a neighbor’s house just down the street. I figured someone would pick it up for scrap metal, but there it sat. So, I also figured that I would have a crack at it and if it didn’t go well I would add it to my scrap metal pile I already had waiting for a local scrapper to pick up in few days. Win-win, right? In addition, I love filing cabinets for different things…like my fabric stash. (see HERE)
If you notice, the drawers are horribly bent up…like someone had a bad day. Know what I mean?
It looks as if the key is lost and entry is forced…just a bit. ahem. This vintage industrial style cabinets are hard to find and offer so much for storage. No need for heading to the trash.
DIY TIME
No worries though! Thankfully, I’m able to open the drawers and get an assessment. At first glance, I find a few treasures that lead me to believe this belongs to a (retired?) music teach of our local high school. Aside from a thousand paper clips, a few notes, and this loot, I also found two brand new neck ties with school logos that I gave to a couple of coaches. They were tickled to have them!
Initially, I thought I could salvage the drawers and add new fronts. Nope, nada. They are tacked on and I didn’t need that kind of fuss. So, first I yank out the drawers, remove the hardware, and salvage what I can. Then, I need to remove the other part of the drawer guide. Since I thought you might want to do this too, I’m outlining how I got them out.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, bend out the tab at the front of the guide.
- Hit or pry the guide up out of the tabs with a hammer
- Pry the guide from the back towards the front with a hammer
- Recycle the pieces for scrap (a must!)
Next, I need to clean up the inside and out using a little sanding to remove rust and wear. There are a few dents here and there, but those don’t bother me.
Of course, I pull out my spray shelter and DIY turn table to make my painting a breeze. You can see it in action in the video below.
NEXT STEPS
Last, it’s time to add the finishing details. I haven’t given away what my end goal is, but now is the time. Folks, I’m all about creating a rolling laundry cart out of this upcycled filing cabinet. woot! In order to do that I add locking casters to the bottom. Who doesn’t love wheels on things, am I right?
Also, as I mention earlier, I salvage the hardware from my upcycle filing cabinet and adding it to my cart. The handles go on top for added function, while the label holders are on the front for “Light” and “Dark” separation.
Last, I add a bit of my favorite things…typography. Using my DIY transfer tutorial I create a graphic and hand-paint it on.
THE REVEAL
Now, let’s take a look at my upcycled filing cabinet turned a DIY portable laundry bin. Whatcha think?
So much for headed to the trash, right? yeeehaaawww!! In addition, I was even able to find these two collapsible embroidered bins at my local Home Hardware that fit perfectly. I love when things work out like that, don’t you?
Likewise, I’m equally stoked that I was able to not only pull off the original drawer labels and handles, but that they also went on the new and improved upcycled filing cabinet. {{happy dance}}
Finally, I’m eager to offer this in my online store. As much as I’d love to keep it, my one-butt laundry room does not afford me such luxuries. sigh…
In order to inspire others to look past the damaged and see the potential, do pin and share.
Up next, this sweet little find will get some much-needed love. Take a peek at it now OVER HERE!
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, check out these other industrial makeovers like this upcycled filing cabinet:
Wow , this is so amazing. I would never had thought to do this to an old filing cabinet. I wish my brain worked like yours. Great job!
Thank you, Karen. I just couldn’t resist. 😉
Gobsmacked!!!!! I have a new favorite!!!!! Now if I only had the laundry room….. What a great way to remind us to be creative problem solvers. This piece won’t last long in your shop!!! ???
Doin’ a happy dance! I’m so tickled with it, Rebecca. Thanks!
I love your imagination. I would have never thought of it in a million years.
Debra! I’ve missed you. Thank you for stopping by and the sweet words.
Well I am impressed. Great job and now a very useful item…Glad you did not pass this one by…
Thanks! It’s fun to upcycle these.
I love it. I took a 3 drawer filing cabinet and took out the best drawers and the hardware and laid it on its back. I put it in my building and put my shorter pieces of lumber in it. Now I can see what I have and not have to Tumble through a pile
of wood to see what I have. A 2drawer filing cabinet has very short pieces in the drawers.
Sweet! I just love these industrial size ones for that. So many uses!
Absolutely brilliant repurpose Larissa!!
Mary! So good to hear from you. Thanks!
What a clever girl you are!! Such a great idea. It’s a keeper, Larissa. THANKS!!
You’re so fun, Caye. Thank you! It was too good a project piece to pass up.
You are amazing
You’re very sweet to say so, Cheryl. Thank you for the love. 😀
What a great idea! Love this!
Once I had the idea, I couldn’t wait to work on it. Thanks, Lorene!
Get out of town!!!!
You continue to top yourself!!!!
You are so good at looking from every side!
We should all treat people like that. ?
You are a teacher…?
You just made my whole week…tee hee! I so needed a hug and a smile. Thank you!
You are so creative!!
Thanks! Or a complete nut…haha! 😀
I Never cease to be amazed at your foresight! A winner for sure!
That sure makes me feel good, Susan. Thank you so much!
I was telling a friend about your creativity last week… She’ll be seeing this it’s phenomenal!!!
I’ve been hoping all is well. Yay! Thank you for the smiles, Bryan.
What a brilliant trash to treasure upcycle, Larissa! Wow, if only that retired school teacher could see his beat up file cabinet now.
I’ve been debating on showing him. Just so fun for me…thanks!
That is a fantastic upcycle Larissa!!
Hey Kim! 😀 Thank you for the love. It was too much of a temptation to pass up. haha.
Wow, oh Wow!! Unbelievable transformation Larissa! I just love this! I’m sitting here shaking my head, cause I absolutely could Not Imagine doing a thing with that file cabinet but recycle it. (this project really should win some sort of contest for creative repurposing!) And don’t ya just love when those pieces show up that fit the final purpose of the creation? (like the baskets from your home hardware!) Gives me chill bumps! There is a whole lot of the creative process we can’t “see”, but have to experience and it shows up regularly when we are creating. Thank you again for inspiring us soooo well!
Mary, you so got what it means to me to be able to not only see my vision come to life, but to share it with you. Yes, those bins fitting were a God-wink because I was preparing to make them at home myself. I’m so thankful for our local retailers! Thank you for the smile. 😀
You are so creative, Larissa! I never in a million years would have come up with a way to upcycle an old filing cabinet.
Thank you bunches, Paula! You should have seen me trying to jack that thing up into my truck by myself. haha! I was determined! 😀