A New Life for an Old Filing Cabinet

$50
1 Day
Easy
I was almost ready to throw this outdated old filing cabinet out when I had an idea. I remembered an expensive campaign dresser I had seen in an expensive home decor store, and thought I could give my filing cabinet a glamourous makeover!
With some paint and new hardware, this icky old filing cabinet looks like a whole new piece of furniture. I adore it now!
Here's what it looked like before - it's laminated MDF in an outdated honey oak finish.
I cleaned it, painted it with a chalk style paint...
... and then installed some inexpensive, chunky brass hardware.
Doesn't it look so much better?!
For more photos, material sources and a video tutorial of this project, please visit my blog post.
Christina Dennis
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Toni Lee Toni Lee on Mar 28, 2016
    Hi there. I see your paint is from Canada. Do you know a comparable type in the US? I love this - color and all and would love to make one soon! Thanks!
  • Sherri Sherri on Mar 28, 2016
    I love the drawer pulls. Where did you buy them?
  • Claudine Dionne Claudine Dionne on Mar 31, 2017
    I absolutely love the makeover! Did you seal the piece, or just leave the chalk paint?
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 67 comments
  • Geezer Wench Geezer Wench on Dec 14, 2017

    Wow. This filing cabinet looks great. I have a couple of similar lateral file cabinets, and after being moved a few times, having a water pipe burst above them (luckily they didn't get too wet), and moved again, they are really beat and kind of nasty looking. You've done a great job and have inspired me. We just can't afford to replace them, even with brand new (crappy) laminated MDF!

  • MsPhit MsPhit on Mar 13, 2020

    Thanks! Beautiful idea. I’m going to try this

Next