Sometimes it's the oddest thing that catches my attention. Does that happen to you? I know many of you wouldn't be drawn to a vintage metal file box, but...there it is. Folks, it's the second Tuesday of the month, which means it's
Trash to Treasure time. {{happy dance}} Not only will you see my blogger friend's projects in a bit, but you will also see what becomes of this thrifted find.
So, why would I be drawn to a metal box? Let's take a closer look...
Straightaway, you can see this is a File-A-Way box, obviously designed for office-type purposes. In this case, however, you can see that a previous owner used it to keep track of their family history. I love it! As well, it even has the original key taped down on the inside, so that's an added bonus.
MAKEOVER PARTY
As you can imagine, there are many ways I can go with this makeover. In the first place, I could add wood for a rustic vibe adding height even. Secondly, I can paint it black with vintage typography. Or, thirdly, even add whimsy for kids' or pets' toys. However, my last project, an
antique tile top table, has me in the spring mood for some flowers. First, in order to get started, I want to check my local dollar store for either transfers or decals. Thankfully, I hit the motherload!
Not only are there decals and transfers galore, but also the same faux tin tiles I've used
HERE and
HERE (or see in my video demo below). Although, there's also wallpaper too.
Anyhow, after I pick out my scheme, I head home to give the box updating first. To start with, I use my pure gold spray paint to dress up the hardware.
Then, once the gold paint cures after two coats, I tape it off the same hardware and spray with this rustic pink I recently used on
my thrifted candlestick makeover.
By the same token, this is the softest pink, but also that it is in an ultra matte finish. That fact gives it even more softness to this obvious jaded box.
DECORATE
Next, while I could stop here with only paint, I decide to add those fun decals. Initially, I cut the wallpaper pieces to the width I want, which actually ends up being exactly half. I love when that happens - woot!
Once cut, I wrap the base of the box with the wallpaper. As soon as the paper is on, I use the decals to create layered designs on top of the wallpaper.
Last, but not least, I use these wooden knobs from
my console cabinet makeover to use as feet by gluing on with e6000 adhesive. A funny aside: my youngest asks me, "Mama, what if something were downcycled?"
My answer is simply, "I think that is legit trash." {{giggle}}
STYLISH STORAGE
After my simple steps are complete, I can say I'm smitten. Finally, here my once-family-history vintage metal filing box turned stylish storage for anything your heart desires. ta da!
Buh-bye green, hello blush pink. In fact, there's even a party on the back - yeah baby! Not only does the color and decals add whimsy, but also makes it set out on a surface with spunk. With that in mind, check out the vintage vibin' feet too.
By all means, who doesn't love extra storage? Actually, for me, the decals and wallpaper make it the icing on the pink cake.
ACCENTS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
What is more, I left the green on the inside because it goes with my color scheme perfectly. Additionally, I'm really digging the gold touches to coordinate with the geometric gold paper. While there's nothing wrong with the original silver, this gold makes me smile.
You can see, I hope, that I had a blast with this because it's something pretty much anyone can do. Better yet, it's budget-friendly and makes for fun group creating time with kids or friends.
As always, if you'd like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more available in
my online store.
SHARE
So, tell me.... are you drawn to these vintage boxes too? Or better yet, what would you store in this box? By and large, they have such purpose in many fashions. In addition to leaving some comment love below, I invite you pin and share my vintage metal file box makeover to inspire others to create their own home story.
Likewise, before you go, check out this reclaimed tongue & groove board I'm ready to repurpose. Meanwhile, be sure to
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At long last, come see what my Trash to Treasure girls have created just for you below.
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Also, more fun makeovers like this metal file box upcycled:
