before
AT reader Heather wrote, "I've been preparing for the Cure for the past 3 months even though I didn't know it. I've been purging, purging, purging and getting rid of things I absolutely hate. One of these things was my file cabinet, which I hate on a basic level..."
"...It holds such negative items like past tax returns, vet bills from my departed Daisy, car repair records, etc, etc. Additionally, it was dented, dusty and ugly. I set about looking for the perfect replacement. My criteria: nice to look at, holds all my files, doesn't look like a filing cabinet, multifunctional and under $200..."
after
"...I finally found (created) what I was looking for! I got the ottoman at Target for $89 (new filing cabinets in the size I needed were $250) and added a $20 insert from Office depot. Not only do I have more seating area in my office, it looks great and no one knows its filing."
Thanks for sharing, Heather!
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Comments (38)
That is smart! Nice job!
So clever... Now I know what I will be doing on Saturday.
Brilliant!
Love it! Great job!!!
:o)
Mind if I borrow your idea? It's the perfect solution for a small space that needs to accommodate both seating and storage (not to mention a place to put my feet up).
that is such a cool idea
Wow. she should get a prize for that.
LOL
At first I thought, before reading, that she had turned the metal cabinet into a chest. I was thinking, wow...
Really neat idea by the way :-)
Great job. I too will be using this idea in my small space. Thanks!
brilliant.
That is an awesome idea. I wish I'd thought of that before I bought an expensive and time-consuming-to-put-together storage thing 6 months ago!
Oh, the joys of hate on a basic level.
Great job! I have that same ottoman -- mine is much less cleverly used to store blankets on the inside, and massive stacks of library books on top.
Good job! I, too, have a disguised filing cabinet. I use a vintage ocean liner trunk which fits legal size filing folders quite nicely.
Very nice!
My goodness! This was a brilliant idea! What other great ideas do you have up your sleeve/s?
::in the voice from guiness beer commercials:: BRILLIANT!!
Great idea! Bravo!
I did the exact same thing, only with a bigger ottoman that I got from overstock.com. I was able to fit 3 rows of files facing forward. Made me feel sneaky and more organized...
So smart!
I'm bowing and worshiping you right now.
thanks for the idea! this will work perfectly in our "office"!
i actually have the same exact dilemma right now. my filing cabinet is big, ugly, and dented. i'm trying to figure out what to do. this is a great idea! thanks for sharing...
very smart
Well done!
Great job. I'll be following suit :-)
That is a fantastic job. Just cleaning out my garage today and facing the same thing!
~Lorrie @ mydesignsecrets.com.
So brilliant! When you come up with more ideas like that one be sure to put them here. It may actually help me win the battle I wage with my tiny apartment!
"I love it when a plan comes together.." ...you go girl..!
I really really like this! Great job!
The genius of this cannot be overstated.
Can we get a how-to? It looks relatively easy, but it'd be great to have some in-depth instructions!
Andrew D,
It isn't a big thing. You just need a letter size hanging file frame. You can cannibalize a file cabinet or buy one for less than $10. And actually, that is for two, so you can share with a friend.
Then go ottoman shopping. Bring a hanging file folder shipping with you to make sure it will fit comfortably with room to slide up and down. The frames are usually about two feet long, but you should measure yours.
You can use any box that is big enough to hold the hanging file frame. It doesn't even have to be that precise, since the frames are pretty freestanding.
Mind if I steal this idea for a client? It's brilliant!
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the comments. The hanging bits I used can be found here.
Just don't grab the wrong size, like I did. You THINK its an easy project until its 11PM, you've unloaded your files onto the floor, given the old cabinet away (having to move furniture to get it out the door) and only then realize that you've got the wrong size. Oh, and of course the store is closed. :)
Please use the idea - it means less ugly file cabinets!
And if you're in SF and want a hanger for yourself, let me know. It turned out to be a 4 pack!
Thank you so much for the advice! Once I can afford to buy a new ottoman (I just bought a new one unfortunately), I'll definitely do this!
Of course, I follow in the great footsteps of those before me. this will replace my overloaded milk crate that is in the middle of the floor in my small bedroom and driving me crazy.
I was able to get the ottoman on sale for $59. Keep one of those frames for me, Heather! I'll be by in a week or so to pick it up.
And to all of you who told my sister how smart she is, keep up the good work!
You are terrific. I'm putting this project on top of my to-do list for my next house.