There’s always been a market for filing cabinets as people seek to organize their offices and homes, keeping valuable documents safe. The demand for unique filing cabinets has skyrocketed over the past two years as the home office became a mainstay in the modern workplace. No longer are filing cabinets purely functional, but a creative example of personal style in the home.
Old, rusty filing cabinets are a dime a dozen since the structures are built to endure, often far outlasting their function. Upcycling old filing cabinets continues to emerge as a trend in the DIY market, and crafty creators have expanded their repurposing hobbies into thriving small businesses.
As consumers seek functional storage solutions that enhance their home decor, upcycle filing cabinet options remain a popular choice in the market. Transforming filing cabinets goes beyond simply giving them a fresh look; these versatile structures can be reimagined for a wide range of functions and designs.
What Can You Do with an Old Filing Cabinet?
Are you ready to start a small business selling upcycled file cabinets? You can find a vintage filing cabinet for practically no investment at flea markets and garage sales, or you can buy new filing cabinets for little expense at many major retailers that sell office storage furniture.
Once you’ve gotten craft materials such as paint and glue, you can start repurposing and upcycling your filing cabinet inventory. You then can sell your completed projects at local craft malls and online marketplaces once you’ve learned how to start a small business on Etsy and how to sell on Amazon Handmade.
Are you seeking inspiration for your upcycle filing cabinet projects? You can breathe new life into an old metal filing cabinet by creating a unique design, or you can repurpose old office furniture into new items such as tables, desks, and alternative storage solutions that are ideal for any office environment.
Upcycled Metal Filing Cabinet Ideas
Ready to sell repurposed office furniture? Used metal filing cabinets are durable and plentiful, and they can be converted into a host of creative projects. The following upcycled metal filing cabinet ideas can get you started:
Upcycle Filing Cabinet to End Table with Storage
An old metal cabinet can do a lot more than hold and organize papers. In this example, House Beautiful demonstrates how to transform a metal filing cabinet into a stylish end table with storage. Upcycling projects such as this one are simple for even amateur craftspeople to complete, and repurposed office furniture can be sold for a healthy profit, especially if you know where to sell handmade items locally.
Repurpose an Old File Cabinet as a Coffee Table
Old metal filing cabinets can be repurposed in a variety of ways simply by flipping the structure onto its side. In the above example from Oh Louise Designs, a metal filing cabinet was transformed into a coffee table with little effort. If the old metal cabinet needs a makeover to prepare it for its new life as furniture, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.
Repurpose Filing Cabinets to Kids’ Playhouse
Want to create a fun space for kids to play while Mom or Dad works from their home office? With a couple of metal filing cabinets and a curtain, parents can create a safe yet unique playhouse for the kids. The structure also doubles as functional storage space for the playroom. A simple coat of paint will make the repurposed filing cabinets match any decorative scheme.
Repurpose a Filing Cabinet as a Laundry Bin
Old metal filing cabinets can be repurposed to serve a variety of alternative functions by removing their drawers. In this example from Prodigal Pieces, the drawers of a metal filing cabinet were replaced with laundry baskets, and an attractive design was stenciled and painted on the side. The end result is a unique bathroom storage container that makes a perfect housewarming gift.
Upcycle a Metal Filing Cabinet with a New Paint Job
Upcycling a metal filing cabinet doesn’t necessarily mean altering its function. There is a strong market for classic filing cabinets that are enhanced to complement home and office decor. You can revitalize an old metal filing cabinet by applying a fresh coat of paint and then offering your stylish filing cabinet makeover to customers looking for distinctive office storage solutions.
Repurpose a Metal Filing Cabinet for Kitchen Storage
You might be surprised what can be crafted from disassembled filing cabinets. In the above example from A Few Pennies, the artist uses parts of a metal filing cabinet to create designer kitchen storage. The small kitchen pantry was stenciled and painted to coordinate with any sort of kitchen style.
Repurpose a File Cabinet as Stylish Bar Storage
Filing cabinets can hold so much more than paperwork. For a creative twist on a repurposed metal filing cabinet, try converting the structure to store other household items. In the above example, Home Talk describes how to transform a metal file cabinet into convenient and stylish bar storage.
Upcycle Metal File Cabinet as a Storage Bench
How can you maximize storage in repurposed file cabinets? One effective method is to connect several metal filing cabinets to form a useful storage bench suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Confluence Architecture successfully transformed rusty old filing cabinets by removing the drawers and placing a single lid on top, creating a piece that is sure to attract buyers on Etsy or at local craft markets.
Repurpose a Filing Cabinet to a Planter
Practically any container can be repurposed as a planter, including an old filing cabinet. By removing the drawers and filling the cabinet with dirt, a file cabinet can be the perfect home for garden plants and flowers. Give the filing cabinet a makeover with a fresh coat of paint, and the repurposed planter can match any sort of indoor or outdoor decor.
Makeover a Filing Cabinet with Wrapping Paper
You can upcycle a filing cabinet with more than a fresh coat of paint. Add beautiful designs to an old file cabinet makeover by covering the drawers with colorful wrapping paper. With the proper craft supplies, the paper will transform the look of the filing cabinet, making a unique design that is sure to be a top seller.
Upcycle Filing Cabinet Products Made of Wood
One of the most popular methods for giving a filing cabinet a makeover involves incorporating wooden components and accents to refresh its appearance or provide it with a completely new function. You can transform a metal utility cabinet into stylish wooden furniture using boards and frames, or place a wooden plank across several filing cabinets to create a unique table. Repurposed furniture remains a significant trend in the furniture market, increasing your chances of selling your designs in local shops or online marketplaces.
Upcycle Metal File Cabinet as Faux Wood Storage
By attaching wooden picture frames to the front of metal file cabinet doors, you can not only makeover the filing cabinet but also transform it into stylish wooden furniture with built-in storage. Nobody will ever guess your beautiful creation started its life as a heap of metal.
Repurpose Filing Cabinets As a Craft Counter
Entire pieces of furniture can be crafted from filing cabinets, as demonstrated in this example from Little Gray Table. Artisans arranged multiple filing cabinets, applied a new coat of paint, and secured a large plank on top, resulting in a functional and visually appealing craft table.
Upcycle Metal Filing Cabinet with Stencils and Wood
A rusty old filing cabinet can live a new life as attractive office furniture by adding some wooden accents and stenciling stylish designs. In the above example from H2O Bungalow, a plain metal file cabinet was given a proper makeover with basic supplies.
Transform a File Cabinet with Wood
Who would have guessed the attractive wooden cabinet in the example above started its life as an old metal filing cabinet? The team at Brepurposed gave the filing cabinet a makeover by covering it with small strips of wood, completely transforming the repurposed creation.
Give a Filing Cabinet an Antique Look
Are you interested in selling repurposed furniture that resembles classic antiques? An old filing cabinet can be transformed into a stunning piece by incorporating the right wooden accents. In the example above from Scavenger Chic, the creator successfully upcycled a vintage filing cabinet into chic furniture that would complement any home.
How to Start a Filing Cabinet Makeover for Profit
Upcycled and repurposed furniture is so popular, it’s no stretch to dream of selling it for profit. Filing cabinet makeover designs are only limited by your imagination, but to get started you need inventory. Start collecting old filing cabinets from local flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales. You’ll also want to invest in supplies like basic tools, craft glue and paints.
When you begin selling filing cabinet makeovers for profit, your initial sales can help sustain your business, allowing you to purchase more inventory with the profits you earn. As you grow your small business, you can increase your inventory and enhance your profits.
Where to Sell Upcycled Filing Cabinets
It’s one thing to makeover filing cabinets and repurpose them into stylish furniture, but that doesn’t get them sold. Where will you sell your upcycled file cabinets? Will you sell them locally, or will you seek buyers online and ship the merchandise? Sure, you could open your own store with a showroom full of upcycled file cabinets, but most people start on a smaller scale, including:
- Online marketplaces like Etsy are popular e-commerce platforms where people buy and sell crafts and handmade items.
- Amazon Handmade, a community within the e-commerce giant’s platform where artists and craftspeople sell their unique and one-of-a-kind creations.
- Locally at flea markets, thrift stores, consignment shops, and during craft fairs and festivals.
- Other online marketplaces include eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Read More: How to Start an Upcycling Business
Image: Depositphotos
