file cabinet makeover

Welcome to week 6 of the Fall 2021 One Room Challenge. Last week, I added a new accessory to Lilly’s cozy boho study – a macramé hanging shelf I made. This week I’m adding an old item to the mix – a salvaged metal file cabinet. But with a little spray paint and some modern furniture legs, this file cabinet makeover adds function as well as flair to this room.

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supplies needed:

• two drawer file cabinet
• tapered wooden furniture legs & leg plates/hardware
• construction glue
• spray paint

I found a used file cabinet for only $15 on Facebook Marketplace. The legs I added were only 3″, but slightly taller ones would work as well.

step 1 – disassemble

First, remove the drawers.

Next, remove the hex head screws from the inside plastic liner in the front of each drawer. Then the handles and label holders can be easily removed.

step 2 – paint

Clean the cabinet and drawers well, and gently sand over any scratches. Now you are ready to paint. Be sure to use a spray paint that adheres to metal. I chose glossy black for the legs and hardware.

For the cabinet and drawers, I chose a burnt orange. Don’t be alarmed if the first coat looks spotty. It will take several light coats for full coverage. Patience, Grasshopper!

The spray paint worked fine for the drawers and the small areas. However, when I began painting the sides and top of the cabinet, I decided rolling on the paint would work better. I had the hardware store match the paint color and bought a small sample can. Worked great and went much faster!

step 3 – attach legs

Flip the cabinet upside down to attach the metal leg plates. Screwing through metal can be tricky, so I took the lazy girl’s route and just adhered the plates with Liquid Nails construction glue. Let dry overnight. When ready, simply screw the legs into the metal plates. And that’s it! Enjoy your new file cabinet!

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Missed my posts from previous weeks? Check them out!

• Week 1 – the power of millennials 
• Week 2 – moody blues
• Week 3 – diy mudcloth curtains
• Week 4 – styling a bookshelf
• Week 5 – macramé hanging shelf

Check out the other guest participants  as well as the featured designers!