5 Ways to Use Flat Files

click thumbnails for larger pics

In a home, flat files can be the perfect storage piece for certain things: artwork, magazines, accessories, belts, or any small collection that needs to spread out. They're heavy, but they're also durable, and they look great mixed with industrial or vintage pieces. For five ways to put this piece to work in a home, click below...

As a coffee table, flat files work well for storing books, remotes, and other things that collect on a living room surface. In a home office, they can store oversized or irregularly shaped paper files. Flat files in the bedroom are great for socks, accessories, sheets, and clothes. In the kitchen, they can store silverware collections or table linens. If you have the space, they also make good entryway storage pieces. For a few examples, click on the links below:

• 1 Designer Portfolio: Kelly LaPlante on AT:CH
• 2 IKEA Storage Units from Dooce's Office on Unplggd
• 3 Gennine's Art Blog on AT:SF
• 4 Under Bed Storage on AT:NY
• 5 Map Display Cabinet on AT:LA

For flat file sources, see this post.

Comments (14)

Cool ideas even though i think that the most practical use is still at the office...

posted by kimmiller on April 3rd 2009 at 10:34am
view kimmiller's profile

I think I need one for storing the prints I buy and then forget to frame! They always end up rolled up in a corner, or smushed under something.

posted by heather77 on April 3rd 2009 at 10:46am
view heather77's profile

Good grief - I first read the headline and thought I saw "5 wasy to use Flat Tires"

Those chairs are hot

posted by bepsf on April 3rd 2009 at 10:51am
view bepsf's profile

haha, i read it the same way! nice pic from dooce. :)

posted by acsmi24 on April 3rd 2009 at 10:59am
view acsmi24's profile

If you like this look and live in SF check out my craigslist posting for drawers that can be configured in many different ways.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/fuo/1105228968.html

posted by profumodibergamo on April 3rd 2009 at 11:02am
view profumodibergamo's profile

Anyone know where the flat file from thumbnail 3 is from??

posted by JanelleT on April 3rd 2009 at 11:19am
view JanelleT's profile

Haha! Just kidding...I guess I didn't look very carefully at the post!

posted by JanelleT on April 3rd 2009 at 11:20am
view JanelleT's profile

i agree this look is great. but many flat files come at a spendy price. i'm still holding out for one to pop up at my restore

posted by SpanishOlives on April 3rd 2009 at 11:56am
view SpanishOlives's profile

I dream of having a dining room big enough to use them as a sideboard... linens, silverware, trays, etc. would fit right in!

posted by lowem on April 3rd 2009 at 1:35pm
view lowem's profile

Anyone know where the chairs are from? LOVE THEM

posted by jennipenni on April 3rd 2009 at 1:42pm
view jennipenni's profile

those look like vintage DUX chairs....agree, they are lovely.

posted by Grumpy Girl on April 3rd 2009 at 1:55pm
view Grumpy Girl's profile

How about saving them for people like me who actually need them, rather than want to decorate with them! They are already insanely expensive and hard to find, as is...

They do crop up on craigslist, but are terribly heavy and awkward to move, especially if you don't have an automobile.

posted by trygve on April 3rd 2009 at 1:56pm
view trygve's profile

Thanks Grumpy Girl!

posted by jennipenni on April 3rd 2009 at 11:52pm
view jennipenni's profile

"Good grief - I first read the headline and thought I saw "5 wasy to use Flat Tires""

Hahaha! I first read it "Flat Tiles" - and though puzzled (all the tiles are flat), thought maybe they thought some extra smooth ones? Hm, but then why those poster drawers keep appearing in every photo...

posted by mribaro on April 6th 2009 at 7:30am
view mribaro's profile