How To Make A Thrift Store Filing Cabinet Look Like A High-End Dresser

Wooden filing cabinets can be found in most thrift stores, no matter where the shop is located. Most people have gone paperless, so there's no need to store stacks of bank statements and even tax records. Of the few papers that can't be digital-only, such as birth and marriage certificates, one folder or drawer is usually enough to keep them safe and accessible. Although more people are ditching their wooden filing cabinets at thrift stores, their trash might just be your treasure.

How exactly? By repurposing thrifted filing cabinets and turning them into chic bedroom dressers or entryway cabinets with some refinishing. To make this work, once you've found a cabinet (make sure it's solid wood by checking with the seller or by trying to lift it), remove the drawers, but leave the slides on. This will make it easier to get the drawers back on when needed. Next, take off the hardware, including what's used to create the filing system in the drawers, which won't be needed again. Now you're ready to strip and sand the finish! Make sure you're wearing a mask and goggles to protect yourself as you scrape or sand off the varnish, if any. This can be a laborious process that will depend on the condition of the cabinet. Once the cabinet is stain-free, it's time to apply your own stain.

As soon as everything dries, you can reassemble the cabinet. Slide the drawers back into place and attach the existing or new (more on that below) hardware. You're done! You should have a solid wood piece that's ready for a new life in your home.

Restaining isn't the only option for these wooden filing cabinets, and it may not be the best option if the piece has veneers, which can be difficult to sand and stain. For some variety, try covering parts of the cabinet in contact paper and painting the rest. Painting is a great way to refurbish wood furniture, and it's a little faster than staining. You can also mix and match. Some thrifters might cover the drawer fronts with contact paper and stain or paint the rest of the wood. Either way, the result is a fully unique piece that matches your space perfectly.

Your cabinet can also get a personalized touch through its hardware. Many vintage stores have trays filled with old-fashioned handles and knobs in great condition that can work with your cabinets. For hardware that's pretty but a little dirty, try boiling them for five minutes and then scrubbing them with a good cleaner. That should take care of the grime and dirt. If you're not using the existing holes for the handles, you can fill them in with wood filler and then drill in new ones. Be sure to measure your new handles carefully so they fit the holes. For those who prefer knobs, don't limit yourself to one per drawer. You can use two or more and arrange them in shapes on the drawers to add detail to your cabinet. There are also interesting thrifted materials that can turn into unique cabinet hardware if you're up to the challenge.