Cut Out + Keep

Super Simple File Cabinet Upcycle

a super simple and free upcycle for a boring file cabinet

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/super-simple-file-cabinet-upcycle • Posted by Mike

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

You will need

Project Budget
Free

Time

1 h 00

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium filecabinet1

Description

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

Instructions

  1. Small filecabinetbefore

    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. Small wallpaper

    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. Small filecabinetbefore2

    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. Small filecabinetbefore3

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

  5. Small filecabinetbefore4

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

  6. Small filecabinet4 edited 1

    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.