These easy File Cabinet Makeovers will transform a boring metal file cabinet into a statement piece in your home office. 33 file cabinet makeover ideas that are easy diy projects.
File Cabinet Makeovers
With a few simple supplies, anyone can transform their plain file cabinet into a masterpiece. It won’t be an eyesore anymore with these gorgeous ideas anyone can do. Learn how to makeover a file cabinet.
Everyone will love these file cabinet makeovers. You might also want to try some of these DIY Wood Pallet Ideas.
1. Farmhouse File Cabinet
With a simple coat of paint, the entire filing cabinet transforms into a farmhouse inspired cabinet.
Farmhouse File Cabinet
This farmhouse makeover will make the modern office look of file cabinets go away. The trick is to sand it and use chalkboard paint to remove the glossy look. You can even make personalized labels for each drawer to suit the farmhouse design.
Farmhouse File Cabinet
2. DIY Fluted File Cabinet
Learn how to achieve a fluted look for the perfect vintage look. This diy home project is the perfect metal file cabinet makeover.
DIY Fluted File Cabinet
Is your file cabinet’s office style sticking out in your home office? Try this fluted file cabinet makeover to give it a stylish and vintage look. Half round wood trims were attached to the cabinet drawers to achieve the fluted design.
DIY Fluted File Cabinet
3. Frame File Cabinet
Attach frames to your basic file cabinet along with new drawer pulls to transform the look of your office furniture.
Frame File Cabinet
Add a rustic look to your file cabinets with this easy makeover idea using frames. Remove the frame’s glass and boards but keep the trim since you’ll be using it. You can even make the cabinets a desk by attaching a wooden surface on top.
Frame File Cabinet
4. Industrial File Cabinet
If you love the industrial look, this easy filing cabinet project is the one to try. The stencil adds the perfect touch.
Industrial File Cabinet
We love how industrial themed decorations look, and this file cabinet is not an exception. The stenciled numbers make the cabinets look like they’re not used for the office! Make sure to sand it before painting so that the paint will stick better.
Industrial File Cabinet
5. Shapes on File Cabinets
Painters tape is an easy way to transform a wood file cabinet or a metal file cabinet. Any novice can easily complete this diy file cabinet makeover.
Shapes on File Cabinets
This file cabinet makeover project used painter’s tape to create a perfect diamond design. You can follow the same process if you want a shape design on your cabinet. Make it a multipurpose desk by attaching a wooden board on top of the cabinet.
Shapes on File Cabinets
6. Pottery Barn File Cabinet
With a light coat of wood stain, this file cabinet has an earthy vibe and looks stunning.
Pottery Barn File Cabinet
If you like the vibe of earthy themes, try this DIY file cabinet makeover. This makeover used Balsa wood and wood stains to make it look darker. Make sure to use a paste adhesive to help the wood stick on the drawers
Pottery Barn File Cabinet
7. Campaign Dresser File Cabinet
Chalk paint is easy to use and you can add vibrant colors to any file cabinet. The gold hardware accents it perfectly.
Campaign Dresser File Cabinet
Campaign designs are perfect for your space if you like simple and chic looks. This campaign dresser file cabinet was painted to deep teal using chalk paint. Gold hardware was attached to design the cabinet and make the deep teal color pop.
Campaign Dresser File Cabinet
8. Burnt Orange File Cabinet
This spray painted file cabinet adds a vibrant burst of color to your craft room or office space.
Burnt Orange File Cabinet
Modern designs like this burnt orange file cabinet makeover are easy and cheap to DIY. The wooden furniture legs made the whole design of the cabinet look modern. Make sure to have leg plates because wood glue won’t be enough for the job.
Burnt Orange File Cabinet
9. DIY File Cabinet Desk
Combine file cabinets with pine plywood to make a desk with everything you need to stay organized.
DIY File Cabinet Desk
This file cabinet desk used two cabinets, pine plywood, and balusters for the legs. Decide on a color scheme before working on the wood to make the process faster. Use chalk paint if you no longer want to add a primer before painting
DIY File Cabinet Desk
10. Simple White Paint on File Cabinet
Turn an old wooden file cabinet into a bright and cheerful look with paint.
Simple White Paint on File Cabinet
If you have wooden file cabinets, they only need white paint to look new! You can also remove the handles and replace them with black ones to add design. Research what white paint shade you want to achieve your desired look
Simple White Paint on File Cabinet
11. Vintage File Cabinet
Update a vintage file cabinet with the perfect amount of paint and color. It is very simple to do but leaves a big impact.
Vintage File Cabinet
This makeover project transformed and repainted an old wooden cabinet to make it look modern. They painted over the original color with white to make it look like new furniture. You can also use scrapbook paper for labeling each drawer to make it look cozy.
Vintage File Cabinet
12. Old Architectural File Cabinet
This project takes a few supplies, but the results are worth it for this amazing cabinet DIY.
Old Architectural File Cabinet
This old architectural file cabinet used oak wood strips painted with dark walnut. This DIY project completely changed the cabinet’s look so that you won’t remember what it looked like! Use contact cement to make the wood stick instead of water based builders adhesive.
Old Architectural File Cabinet
13. Plastic Light Diffusers on File Cabinet
If you desire an element of texture on your file cabinet, add plastic light diffusers to quickly achieve the job.
Plastic Light Diffusers on File Cabinet
Bring some texture to your file cabinets with this easy and cheap makeover idea. The plastic light diffusers can add a unique textured design to the file cabinet! It’s best to remove the original hardware to design the cabinets how you want them.
Plastic Light Diffusers on File Cabinet
14. Ombre File Cabinet
The ombre look of this cabinet is stunning. Each row is a different shade and comes together perfectly.
Ombre File Cabinet
File cabinets from the library with many little drawers have their charm! This file cabinet makeover made use of chalk paint and made a simple wooden base. They painted each row with a different shade of color to achieve the ombre look.
Ombre File Cabinet
15. Vintage File Cabinet Makeover
Learn how to add legs to a file cabinet and instantly update it.
Vintage File Cabinet Makeover
A trick to make file cabinets have a less office look is to attach legs. This file cabinet makeover made use of metal legs, and it completely changed the look! You can paint the cabinet any color you like to fit your space.
Vintage File Cabinet Makeover
16. Rose Gold File Cabinet Makeover
A fresh coat of paint and beautiful gold accents make this file cabinet stunning.
Rose Gold File Cabinet Makeover
We love subtle accents on furniture because it makes the color pop! This file cabinet makeover repainted the cabinet white and added rose gold accents. The result was a beautiful file cabinet that fits almost anyone’s home office.
Rose Gold File Cabinet Makeover
17. Chalk Painted File Cabinet
Choose any color of chalk paint to give your file cabinet an instant file cabinet makeover without much work.
Chalk Painted File Cabinet
When transforming metal file cabinets like this makeover idea, chalk paints are our best friend. This DIY project used pastel pink, but you can use your preferred color. You can also add legs to make it look more like home furniture!
Chalk Painted File Cabinet
18. Stenciled File Cabinet
The stencil design on this cabinet is gorgeous and you can match any color scheme.
Stenciled File Cabinet
This stenciled file cabinet is perfect if you like cute and chic designs. Pick a nice stencil design and decide on a color scheme before starting. Remember that white is a friendly base color since it can work with anything.
Stenciled File Cabinet
19. Wooden File Cabinet Makeover
With a little paint and embellishments, this wooden file cabinet gets an instant makeover.
Wooden File Cabinet Makeover
This makeover idea offers a cute way to design old file cabinets. If you’ll paint white over a dark color, coat it at least twice for coverage! Ensure you’ve sanded it first so that the paintwork comes out nice.
Wooden File Cabinet Makeover
20. Contact Paper File Cabinet Makeover
Contact paper is an easy solution to makeover an old piece of furniture. The choices are endless for designs and colors.
Contact Paper File Cabinet Makeover
If you don’t want to use paint, you can use contact paper to redesign. This easy file cabinet makeover uses contact paper to add a personalized feel. There are so many designs to choose from marble to geometric shapes!
Contact Paper File Cabinet Makeover
21. File Cabinet Makeover with Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is so much fun to use and you can also write on the cabinet.
File Cabinet Makeover with Chalkboard Paint
Get work done by writing reminders on your file cabinet with this makeover idea. Sand the metallic coat before applying the chalkboard paint for the best quality! You can also paint the handles with a color that matches your home office
File Cabinet Makeover with Chalkboard Paint
22. Brushed Steel Look on File Cabinet
The brushed steel look is so pretty and looks great with a few easy steps.
Brushed Steel Look on File Cabinet
Add some industrial feel to your file cabinets with a brushed steel look. It’s a better design than file cabinets' usual boxy metal design! Make parallel brush strokes to create a brushed look while painting.
Brushed Steel Look on File Cabinet
23. Modern Statement File Cabinet
The triangle design comes together for the perfect design.
Modern Statement File Cabinet
Make a rusty metal cabinet look new with this easy DIY file cabinet makeover idea. Before starting to repaint it, make sure that you’ve cleaned every corner with sandpaper. This used a triangle design, but you can look for something that suits you more.
Modern Statement File Cabinet
24. Marble Paper Filing Cabinet
The marble design is a fun decoupage with an array of colors.
Marble Paper Filing Cabinet
You can cover your file cabinets with marble paper if you want to decorate them. This DIY project is easy and won’t take too much of your time. Pick out a nice marble design and your trusted decoupage for a hassle free experience.
Marble Paper Filing Cabinet
25. Chic Wallpaper File Cabinet Makeover
Choose your favorite wallpaper and use it to decorate your cabinet.
Chic Wallpaper File Cabinet Makeover
This easy file cabinet makeover only uses a peel and stick wallpaper to redesign! Pick up two wallpaper designs to cover the drawers and the cabinet’s body. Make sure to have a color scheme in mind so it comes out neat.
Chic Wallpaper File Cabinet Makeover
26. Chalk Painted Stenciled File Cabinet
The combination of chalk paint and stencil make a gorgeous design in any color you choose.
Chalk Painted Stenciled File Cabinet
Chalk paint and stencils are a handy combo if you’re planning a file cabinet makeover. Chalk paints quickly dry on any surface, and they’re really easy to work with! This project used a foam roller brush, but you can use what you prefer.
Chalk Painted Stenciled File Cabinet
27. Wrapping Paper on File Cabinet
You might be surprised to learn that wrapping paper can transform your filing cabinet in an instant.
Wrapping Paper on File Cabinet
Try using wrapping paper if you plan to design your file cabinet without painting! Use your favorite wrapping paper design that aligns with your taste in decoration. Use mod podge to easily stick the wrapping paper on the cabinet’s surface.
Wrapping Paper on File Cabinet
28. Motivational Phrases on File Cabinets
Get the day started right with words of affirmation where you can see them combined with pretty paint.
Motivational Phrases on File Cabinets
Start your day motivated by painting motivational phrases or inspirational messages on your file cabinet! Paint the cabinet with your desired color and use white vinyl labels for the words. Personalize it by using your favorite phrase or inspirational message.
Motivational Phrases on File Cabinets
29. Sister State Storage Design on File Cabinets
Represent your home state or any state you choose with this fun and frugal flag design.
Sister State Storage Design on File Cabinets
Using road maps as the drawer’s design can add charm to your file cabinets. You can paint the cabinet’s body light blue so it looks coordinated with the map. Use a mod podge so the map sticks to the drawer’s surface well.
Sister State Storage Design on File Cabinets
30. Rustic File Cabinet
The rustic theme is easy to complete with pallets and a little elbow grease.
Rustic File Cabinet
Try this rustic makeover on your file cabinet if you like rustic designs. It’s easy and cheap because they used pallets to revamp their file cabinet. You only need liquid nail adhesive glue to attach the pallets to the cabinet
Rustic File Cabinet
31. Gold Hardware on File Cabinets
Update a cabinet in minutes with new gold hardware for the file cabinet drawers . It is so pretty!
Gold Hardware on File Cabinets
If you don’t want to paint designs on the cabinet, try using gold hardware instead. This file cabinet makeover fixed a worn out cabinet, and the gold completed the look. Try mixing and matching gold with other colors to see what you like best!
Gold Hardware on File Cabinets
32. Floral File Cabinets
Think outside the box and use a file cabinet to store garden tools. the pretty design outside is bright and cheery.
Floral File Cabinets
Who said file cabinets are for documents only? Use them for other storage purposes, too! This makeover project transformed a rusty old cabinet into a garden tool storage. The trick for rusty pieces is to sand and prime them properly before painting.
Floral File Cabinets
33. Painted Two Tone Green and Wood Trims
The two tone paint and wooden accent is stunning and makes this look like a piece of furniture.
Painted Two Tone Green and Wood Trims
Paint your file cabinet with green and wood trims with this easy makeover project. Remove all the hardware and replace it with the ones you prefer. Add a coat of finishing wax when the paint and glue have dried.
Painted Two Tone Green and Wood Trims
