A before and after image of a file cabinet: In the before image, the cabinet is light cream and dirty, in the after image it is dark green and has gold handles

File Cabinet Makeover for Craft Room Organization

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by

Sierra
in ,

Moving into a new house is always an adventure, but one of the most exciting parts was finally having enough space for my very own craft room! However, as anyone with a love of crafts knows, storage is key to keeping everything in order—and I was definitely in need of some serious storage solutions. Luckily, I already had two large office file cabinets that were sturdy and spacious enough to hold a range of supplies just waiting for a file cabinet makeover.

I envisioned a functional and beautiful space, and decided on a Victorian naturalist aesthetic—a little touch of vintage charm mixed with natural elements to create a calming, inspiring environment. While practical, the file cabinets didn’t quite fit the aesthetic I wanted for my new space. So, I decided it was time for a file cabinet makeover, transforming these office staples into chic, customized storage pieces that would feel right at home in my Victorian-inspired craft room. With a coat of dark green paint and a touch of gold, they became the perfect blend of utility and elegance!

Craft Room File Cabinet Makeover

Before: Preparing the Cabinets for a New Life

These file cabinets had been tucked away in a basement for literally 20 years, collecting dust and grime. But despite their worn look, I knew they had potential. Here’s how I went from dusty storage to stylish craft room furniture.

large beige office file cabinets sitting in a garage
These big office file cabinets had real potential – but they definitely needed some TLC
large beige office file cabinet sitting in a garage
Nice big drawers, but years of dust and grime

Cleaning It Up

First things first—I had to get these cabinets clean! They were pretty grimy after years of neglect, so I started with a deep cleaning to wipe away dust, dirt, and any stubborn stains. To make sure the paint would adhere well, I gave them a thorough sanding. With a smooth, fresh surface, the cabinets were prepped and ready for their makeover.

Priming the Cabinets

Once they were clean and sanded, I applied a single coat of metal primer. Priming gave me a solid foundation and ensured that the green paint would go on evenly, transforming these plain cabinets into the stylish storage pieces I’d envisioned.

Painting the Cabinets 

With the primer dry, it was time to paint! I chose a dark, rich green for a sophisticated, vintage vibe that perfectly matched my craft room’s Victorian naturalist aesthetic. After taping off any areas I didn’t want painted, I used a roller for a smooth finish, applying three coats to get that deep, even color. With each coat, the cabinets started to look more and more like they belonged in my creative space.

large file cabinet that has been painted a very dark green that looks almost black
After painting!
two large file cabinets that have been painted a very dark green that looks almost black. They sit in a room with wood floors and white walls
After painting, and in place in the craft room. Looking good!

Adding the Handles 

This part was a bit more advanced but made all the difference in pulling the look together. I couldn’t find pre-made handles that completely fit what I was looking for, so I had to get creative.

A brass drawer pull
The brass drawer pulls and backplates completed the look

Here’s what I did:

  • Bought brass drawer pulls that were wide enough to span the existing handles
  • Bought brass sheets (you can find these on Amazon) and cut them down to the size I needed with tin snips
  • Removed the inside panels on the front of the drawers
  • Drilled holes in the front of the drawers to fit the new handles
    • To drill through the metal drawers, I used a cobalt drill bit and went slowly. Since the metal is pretty thin, I didn’t end up needing lubricant.
  • Drilled matching holes in the brass plates
  • Attached the handles, screwing them into place through the brass plates and the drawer fronts
  • Put the back of the drawer on

The handles looks like one solid piece, since the handle and plate blend together perfectly!

After: A Stunning Transformation

Dark green cabinet with gold handles with craft supplies stored on top of it
Dark green cabinet with gold handles with craft supplies stored on top of it
A before and after image of a file cabinet: In the before image, the cabinet is light cream and dirty, in the after image it is dark green and has gold handles

After painting the cabinets and adding the brass handles, the transformation was remarkable! The once drab and dusty file cabinets now exude a fresh, sophisticated vibe that perfectly complements my craft room’s Victorian naturalist aesthetic. The deep green color adds depth and warmth to the space, while the brass accents bring a touch of elegance.

I’m thrilled with how this file cabinet makeover turned out—they not only serve as functional storage but also as beautiful focal points in the room. They’re now filled with all my crafting supplies, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

This furniture makeover not only revitalized my craft room but also provided the perfect solution for craft room organization. With my newly painted file cabinets, I can keep my supplies neatly stored while adding a stylish touch to the space. If you’re considering a file cabinet makeover, I hope this project inspires you to transform your own furniture and enhance your crafting area. Whether you choose to paint, add new hardware, or completely redesign a piece, a little creativity can go a long way in elevating your workspace. Happy crafting!

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