apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I did something similiar with my 2 drawer file cabinet---I "Modge-Podged" wrapping paper on the face of the drawers for a pop of color and fun.

good idea

seems to me that it just draws unwanted attention....oh look! you have a file cabinet in your living room!

maybe if it were in the kitchen it would be better

I agree with sousa609. I think the rehabbed file cabinet is going to get old pretty quick. I've seen old file cabinets sanded, then painted white, then distressed, and they look a lot more mellow than this make-over.

I think this is awesome! Thank you for sharing your creativity! Its very inspiring.

Is there special "metal paint" that's needed? What kind of paint did you use?

I liked it better before

I think it's beautiful afterwards.

So fun! What a fabulous idea!

Plain is good.

Nice touch for a home office.
A living room...not so much.

It's like a plain woman wearing too much makeup to compensate. Sometimes things are better left alone.

I think the negative comments and insults are unnecessary. It seems like Anne was just trying to share an idea with others who have the same problem with unsightly metal file cabinets. I think she did a great job on the project and negative comments only discourage people from sharing their ideas on this forum. Isn't the sharing of ideas on here the whole point?

Anne, it seems the front drawers panels are "sticking out" a bit on the After picture. Did you put the fabric around the existing drawer front panel or did you affix another panel on the front of the drawer? I assume fabric would interfere with the opening and closing of the drawer...

And even though I agree a file cabinet is not the best thing to have in your living room, sometimes you just need the storage, and it does look more sophisticated in the After photo. Plus, when she bought it, it was probably rusty and chapped in the corners.

I think it's a good idea. Does it look as good in reality as it does on the photo? I have an old filing cabinet with scratches and dents, so I am interested to know what type of paint you used.

Thanks for the comments and questions! Yes, I was in desperate need for some storage space, and needed a fun weekend project. The cabinet was pretty beat up, so I primed it first, and then applied several layers of glossy charcoal gray latex paint. The fabric is adhered securely around each drawer, and while the drawers DO close all the way, I liked the added dimension of having them popped out a bit.
I think it looks cute in the space, and I'm happy to have something new and functional in that corner!

Anyone who thinks the "before" cabinet would look better in that space is just wrong. This project might not be right for every space, but in this case its quite successful. I think its a creative option for a filing cabinet that was going to draw attention to itself either way. It might as well draw attention in a positive way!

I think it looks very good. I also think it would be cute to do each drawer in a different print. I wish I could do this to the file cabinets in my office at work...but I think my boss would frown on it!

way to go!

Anne, did you use glue for the fabric?

I used Super 88 over the front to secure everything in place, and then used a stronger glue (not sure what it's called) for the wrap-around to have the extra hold. Seems to hold pretty well so far!

I don't object to refurbishing a rusty cabinet, but I guess I'm just tired of everything (including office furniture and industrial items) being made 'pretty'. Why does everything have to be flowery and colorful?

To be honest, if I never saw the "before" picture...I never would have thought it was a bulky noisy filing cabinet. I love the color of the paint with the fabric. Using things laying around the house is such an inspiring idea. Also eco-friendly to reuse items that may be fabric scraps, or junk. And the deep drawers are perfect for storage. I like how the handles are lowered, it makes it more modern.
Very creative. Makes me wonder what else you have lying around the house? Keep posting!

It's odd that the handles were replaced (not just swapped out, but moved) and that the dimensions of the unit in the before & after photos seem slightly different. Doesn't it appear that the metal frame is larger on the "after" photo (just above the top drawer?)

I think the final product looks a little silly, but if that's the look, that's okay. Maybe okay child's room? It's kind of like red shoe laces in black dress shoes...

I agree, krunkinator. There's something here that doesn't seem to quite add up.

I apologize for the discrepancy in the before picture...I used the photo that was on the craigslist ad I bought it from...the one he sold me was nearly identical, but the handles were lower, and I simply swapped them out with the new ones.

So where's the second picture from ... a magazine?

I think I'll take that as a compliment! :)

Or you could take it as a commentary on the dishonesty of your post.

I prefer the cabinet as it was before

I think it's totally cute. I have an old, friggin ugly burgundy cabinet that I really need to paint and make cute and you gave me some really good ideas. I think people were being stupid and mean with their negative comments, everyone is unique and can do what they want with their stuff! Thanks for sharing and giving me ideas.