10 Unique Things to Do with File Cabinets

Who says file cabinets have to just be for files? We don’t! Our cabinets have more uses than just storing files. Check out our list of 10 unique things to do with file cabinets. We’re confident you’ll find a project you’ll love!

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

1. Healthy Office Snack Bar

Pack the drawers with granola bars, water, and other healthy snacks. You can even put it on wheels for easy transportation around the office! 


Photo: https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/guest-post-diy-coffee-nook/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

2. Bar Cart

Speaking of bars, you can put more than healthy snacks in your cart! You can even remove the drawers and use it as open shelving to see what’s inside. Fill the drawers with whatever you want for your office happy hour. 

Photo: https://www.hometalk.com/8171115/filing-cabinet-to-bar-chic

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

3. Toy Chest

Paint with chalkboard paint and use it as a toy chest. Your child can draw on the sides with chalk and store all their toys in one convenient location. Replace the drawers with lighter storage bins to make it easier for young kids to use. 

Photo: https://lemonslide.com/diy-toy-box-plans/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

4. Nightstand

Refinish and use as a nightstand. Give the exterior a nicer finish with paint that is compatible with metal, attach a stained block of wood on top, and place next to your bed. Lots of storage on a budget! 

Photo: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/25/3d/f8/253df809cbaa3ecd0922de43b45acd57.jpg

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

5. Holiday Storage

Holiday storage. Ditch ugly plastic bins and opt for something sturdier! You can even paint the outside and have it double as décor! 


Photo: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/f6/9c/f8f69cc5770fa31ef3ac68032da77b0a.jpg

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

6. Desk

Take two or three file cabinets of the same height, paint them however you want, and attach a slab (of wood, metal, or whatever sturdy material you can find) over the top. An easy, budget-friendly desk with plenty of storage! 

Photo: https://farmhouseroom.com/2019/05/14/88-metal-file-cabinet-makeover/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

7. Credenza

Put two or more file cabinet units together, decorate however you want, and place on an empty wall in your living room for extra storage.


Photo: https://sweetparrishplace.com/diy-file-cabinet-makeover-trashtastic-treasures/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

8. Mudroom Storage

Mudroom storage on a budget. Do the kids have a place to store their sports equipment, winter gear, and other items that aren’t used year-round? A few file cabinets can do the trick! Use the side for reminders with a coat of chalkboard paint. 

Photo: https://farmhouseroom.com/2019/05/14/88-metal-file-cabinet-makeover/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

9. Divided Garage Storage

For this project, simply remove the drawers, add a fresh coat of paint, and flip the cabinet on its back. Place in your garage for some easy divided storage! Great for storing rakes, shovels, and more. 

Photo: https://www.efilecabinet.com/3-ways-to-repurpose-your-old-filing-cabinets/

Odoo - Sample 1 for three columns

10. Planters

Need something to do with the drawers you removed with the last project? Give them a fresh coat of paint and use them as planters! It’s an easy, waste-free way to reuse and recycle an old piece! 

Photo: https://www.hometalk.com/9712445/filing-cabinet-to-garden-planter-container-gardening?expand_all_questions=1