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File Your Cabinet Under 'Repurposed'
Give that dinosaur of a filing cabinet a second life as a planter, as storage in an entryway or even as a side table
Looks like many of us are now paperless (well, almost). And as we discussed in previous ideabooks, filing cabinets take up a lot of room in the office, are an eyesore and usually house items that can live virtually. What to do with them? Try the following neat ideas.
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Filing cabinets are often pedestrian and typically come in standard, nondescript colors. I can't remember the last time I saw one offer any pizzazz to a space. Alternatively, I'm kinda loving the idea of turning a humdrum file cabinet into an industrial cube. The person who did this one removed the paint, then sanded and coated with a clear lacquer. I'd place this new version in the kitchen to house large pots and pans, linens or serving ware.
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| At first glance, I could barely believe these were originally four-drawer filing cabinets. They are the perfect shape and size to easily translate to a modern planter. And if you're not of the DIY mindset, you can always pick these up from Minimis. |
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| Continuing on the planter front, how cool are these colorful porch containers? Shots of orange and yellow can be seen from the street, bound to increase curb appeal. This homeowner has many great tips, from where to find an old filing cabinet to how to get away with not having to fill the larger one with tons of dirt. My favorite touch: adding wheels. |
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Looks like this filing cabinet got an overhaul with yellow spray paint. This idea works great for this space, even though the cabinet is not trying to disguise itself as anything.
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How rad is this vintage-looking plate holder? Its original task was holding magazines and files in the office, but now it works great in the kitchen.
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Typically used to store different types of paper and files, this filing cabinet gets cozy in the living room. Softened by a plant, a candle and old age, it can house items from votives to Grandma's silver.
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Need an entryway piece that doubles as storage? Look no farther than a vintage filing cabinet. This nook works overtime using art and lighting to take your eyes away from the filing cabinet. Guests won't even notice you're repurposing an office staple.
Tell us: Are you hanging onto a half-empty filing cabinet that's taking up much-needed space? Do you know any other uses for a filing cabinet besides holding paperwork?
More:
Use Office Furniture Outside the Office
Tell us: Are you hanging onto a half-empty filing cabinet that's taking up much-needed space? Do you know any other uses for a filing cabinet besides holding paperwork?
More:
Use Office Furniture Outside the Office
Comments
The Old Painted Cottage Beth - thank you for including our photo in your ideabook. Although I need to correct you (sorry!) That metal rack actually used to be used for displaying barber shop combs and brushes for sale. Thanks again for including it!
14 months ago · Like
Bneato Professional Organizing Thanks for the correction--I read under the photo that it was originally used for files:) Oh well... still cool, nonetheless:)
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 4, 2012.
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basements · bedrooms · dining rooms · entries · family rooms · garage and sheds · halls · home offices · landscapes · laundry rooms · powder rooms · wine cellars and more.
