As I mention in my email newsletter (are you signed up?), I'm not one to shy away from a neighbor's trash. Ain't no shame in my game, especially when it saves vintage beasts like this from the landfill. I'm feeling the urge for an upcycled filing cabinet makeover that will have you rubber necking when there's loot at Curb le Chic. {{yeah, baby!}} Vintage Industrial Filing Cabinet Before Upcycle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com To be forthright, I did drive past this several days in a row as it was at a neighbor's house just down the street. I figured someone would pick it up for scrap metal, but there it sat. So, I also figured that I would have a crack at it and if it didn't go well I would add it to my scrap metal pile I already had waiting for a local scrapper to pick up in few days. Win-win, right? In addition, I love filing cabinets for different things...like my fabric stash. (see HERE) If you notice, the drawers are horribly bent up...like someone had a bad day. Know what I mean? Damaged File Drawers on Upcycled Filing Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com It looks as if the key is lost and entry is forced...just a bit. ahem. This vintage industrial style cabinets are hard to find and offer so much for storage. No need for heading to the trash.

DIY TIME

No worries though! Thankfully, I'm able to open the drawers and get an assessment. At first glance, I find a few treasures that lead me to believe this belongs to a (retired?) music teach of our local high school. Aside from a thousand paper clips, a few notes, and this loot, I also found two brand new neck ties with school logos that I gave to a couple of coaches. They were tickled to have them! Found Music Teacher Supplies Inside Filing Cabinets | prodigalpieces.com Initially, I thought I could salvage the drawers and add new fronts. Nope, nada.  They are tacked on and I didn't need that kind of fuss. So, first I yank out the drawers, remove the hardware, and salvage what I can. Then, I need to remove the other part of the drawer guide. Since I thought you might want to do this too, I'm outlining how I got them out. Removing Upcycled Filing Cabinet Hardware by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com
  1. Using a flat-head screwdriver, bend out the tab at the front of the guide.
  2. Hit or pry the guide up out of the tabs with a hammer
  3. Pry the guide from the back towards the front with a hammer
  4. Recycle the pieces for scrap (a must!)
Next, I need to clean up the inside and out using a little sanding to remove rust and wear. There are a few dents here and there, but those don't bother me. Sanding Upcycled Filing Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com Of course, I pull out my spray shelter and DIY turn table to make my painting a breeze. You can see it in action in the video below. Video Tutorial Upcycled Map Chest by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Spray Painting Filing Cabinet in Spray Shelter | prodigalpieces.com Spray Painting Black on Upcycled Filing Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

Last, it's time to add the finishing details. I haven't given away what my end goal is, but now is the time. Folks, I'm all about creating a rolling laundry cart out of this upcycled filing cabinet. woot! In order to do that I add locking casters to the bottom. Who doesn't love wheels on things, am I right? Adding Casters to an Upcycled Filing Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com Also, as I mention earlier, I salvage the hardware from my upcycle filing cabinet and adding it to my cart. The handles go on top for added function, while the label holders are on the front for "Light" and "Dark" separation. Last, I add a bit of my favorite things...typography. Using my DIY transfer tutorial I create a graphic and hand-paint it on. DIY Typography Transfer for Upcycled Filing Cabinet | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Now, let's take a look at my upcycled filing cabinet turned a DIY portable laundry bin. Whatcha think? Industrial Style Laundry Bin Made from Upcycled Filing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry industrial diy Side View of Upcycled Filing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces upcycled home diy laundry So much for headed to the trash, right? yeeehaaawww!! In addition, I was even able to find these two collapsible embroidered bins at my local Home Hardware that fit perfectly. I love when things work out like that, don't you? Top View of Upcycled Laundry Bin by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry diy Repurposed Filing Cabinet Turned Rolling Laundry Bin by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry repurposed upcycled Folding Laundry Bin for Upcycled Filing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry industrial home upcycled Likewise, I'm equally stoked that I was able to not only pull off the original drawer labels and handles, but that they also went on the new and improved upcycled filing cabinet. {{happy dance}} Repurposed Filing Cabinet as Laundry Bin by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry home diy upcycled Upcycled Filing Cabinet Drawer Pull on Portable Laundry Bin by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces repurposed laundry diy Finally, I'm eager to offer this in my online store. As much as I'd love to keep it, my one-butt laundry room does not afford me such luxuries. sigh...

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

Industrial Style Laundry Bin from Upcycled Filing Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces laundry upcycled In order to inspire others to look past the damaged and see the potential, do pin and share. Upcycled Filing Cabinet is Transformed into a Portable Laundry Bin by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse industrial laundry upcycled Up next, this sweet little find will get some much-needed love. Take a peek at it now OVER HERE! Vintage Table Before | prodigalpieces.com Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time! blog signature

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Also, check out these other industrial makeovers like this upcycled filing cabinet:

Outdated Vintage Dresser Gets Industrial Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comA Cedar Chest Found in the Trash Becomes Industrial Style Decor in this Farmhouse Bedroom by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com



Karen

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 06:28:33

Wow , this is so amazing. I would never had thought to do this to an old filing cabinet. I wish my brain worked like yours. Great job!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 06:38:04

Thank you, Karen. I just couldn't resist. ;)

Rebecca - NC

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 07:14:29

Gobsmacked!!!!! I have a new favorite!!!!! Now if I only had the laundry room….. What a great way to remind us to be creative problem solvers. This piece won’t last long in your shop!!! ???

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 07:20:07

Doin' a happy dance! I'm so tickled with it, Rebecca. Thanks!

Debra Pashkowsky

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 07:40:05

I love your imagination. I would have never thought of it in a million years.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 07:47:00

Debra! I've missed you. Thank you for stopping by and the sweet words.

Cathy

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 08:23:54

Well I am impressed. Great job and now a very useful item...Glad you did not pass this one by...

Frances Batson

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 08:26:45

I love it. I took a 3 drawer filing cabinet and took out the best drawers and the hardware and laid it on its back. I put it in my building and put my shorter pieces of lumber in it. Now I can see what I have and not have to Tumble through a pile of wood to see what I have. A 2drawer filing cabinet has very short pieces in the drawers.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 08:37:40

Thanks! It's fun to upcycle these.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 08:38:07

Sweet! I just love these industrial size ones for that. So many uses!

Mary

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 09:19:35

Absolutely brilliant repurpose Larissa!!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 09:33:06

Mary! So good to hear from you. Thanks!

Caye Cooper

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 11:05:39

What a clever girl you are!! Such a great idea. It's a keeper, Larissa. THANKS!!

Cheryl Atkinson

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 11:20:07

You are amazing

Lorene

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 12:28:25

What a great idea! Love this!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 13:09:50

You're so fun, Caye. Thank you! It was too good a project piece to pass up.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 13:10:15

You're very sweet to say so, Cheryl. Thank you for the love. :D

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 13:10:39

Once I had the idea, I couldn't wait to work on it. Thanks, Lorene!

Little Debbie

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 14:36:04

Get out of town!!!! You continue to top yourself!!!! You are so good at looking from every side! We should all treat people like that. ? You are a teacher…?

Sue

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 16:29:24

You are so creative!!

susan

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 16:31:27

I Never cease to be amazed at your foresight! A winner for sure!

Bryan Patterson

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 16:45:58

I was telling a friend about your creativity last week... She'll be seeing this it's phenomenal!!!

Marie - Interior Frugalista

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 17:47:58

What a brilliant trash to treasure upcycle, Larissa! Wow, if only that retired school teacher could see his beat up file cabinet now.

Kim Banko

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 19:14:00

That is a fantastic upcycle Larissa!!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:08:50

You just made my whole week...tee hee! I so needed a hug and a smile. Thank you!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:09:07

Thanks! Or a complete nut...haha! :D

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:09:22

That sure makes me feel good, Susan. Thank you so much!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:09:44

I've been hoping all is well. Yay! Thank you for the smiles, Bryan.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:10:04

I've been debating on showing him. Just so fun for me...thanks!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-21 21:10:28

Hey Kim! :D Thank you for the love. It was too much of a temptation to pass up. haha.

Mary

Shared publicly - 2021-09-22 13:12:56

Wow, oh Wow!! Unbelievable transformation Larissa! I just love this! I'm sitting here shaking my head, cause I absolutely could Not Imagine doing a thing with that file cabinet but recycle it. (this project really should win some sort of contest for creative repurposing!) And don't ya just love when those pieces show up that fit the final purpose of the creation? (like the baskets from your home hardware!) Gives me chill bumps! There is a whole lot of the creative process we can't "see", but have to experience and it shows up regularly when we are creating. Thank you again for inspiring us soooo well!

Paula@SweetPea

Shared publicly - 2021-09-22 15:14:49

You are so creative, Larissa! I never in a million years would have come up with a way to upcycle an old filing cabinet.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-23 05:11:09

Mary, you so got what it means to me to be able to not only see my vision come to life, but to share it with you. Yes, those bins fitting were a God-wink because I was preparing to make them at home myself. I'm so thankful for our local retailers! Thank you for the smile. :D

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2021-09-23 05:11:45

Thank you bunches, Paula! You should have seen me trying to jack that thing up into my truck by myself. haha! I was determined! :D

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