Super Simple File Cabinet Upcycle

a super simple and free upcycle for a boring file cabinet

Posted by Mike

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Here's a super simple way to upcycle a boring metal file cabinet.

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You Will Need (5 things)

  • Exacto Knife
  • free samples Wallpaper
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Sponge

Steps (6 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    During our office remodel, I was watching paint dry - no joke - and looked at our plain white metal file cabinet in the middle of the room and thought, "I can do better than that." So, off I went to my junk collection closet and pulled out some wallpaper samples that I like to collect for when that 'perfect project' inspiration hits.

  2. 2

    I like to take a few wallpaper samples each time I visit my local home builder's store. I've got a nice little collection now. There are multiple papers inside each of those rolls.

  3. 3

    After a quick cleaning of the lower part of the cabinet with a Mr. Clean magic eraser (which of course I have to bring back with me each time I visit the U.S. since we don't have them here in Sweden yet), I cut the wallpaper to the size of the cabinet drawer fronts. Then it was time to arrange the papers by using tape and switching them around until I was happy.

  4. 4

    Next came a kitchen sponge to smear on some good ol' fashioned glue (like Elmer's), straight onto the cabinet.

  5. 5

    Up went the wallpaper piece, and out came an exacto knife to slice off those extra bits hanging over the edges.

  6. 6

    Ta-dah! Here she is - all dressed up and nowhere to go. But she does has a fresh new space to stand in.

    Visit my blog at www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.com to see the office makeover in progress and many more inspiring projects and tutorials.