News flash… beautiful filing cabinets do exist!
We are all guilty of buying the 2-drawer, steel filing cabinet from our local office supply store. It’s easy, it’s cheap but let’s face it – so ugly. However the fact remains – every home needs a filing cabinet. (May I take this opportunity to say to those of you who don’t have one and are using folders instead… owning a filing cabinet will change your life!) Now just because it serves a boring purpose, doesn’t mean it has to look boring. There are gorgeous filing cabinets out there, but it does require a bit of searching.
Steel Filing Cabinets
Vintage filing cabinets are hot property at the moment – both steel and wood. The steel cabinets obviously have a very industrial look and are great for modern homes. Most have come out of office buildings and warehouses.
The industrial steel cabinet below from Antique Archaeology is great for storing all those little knick-knacks from around the home like nails, buttons, safety-pins, even hats and shoes.
Wooden Filing Cabinets
The wooden cabinets are more likely pulled out of libraries and train stations and look gorgeous in the more traditional style home.
The different shapes and sizes can be used for a variety of storage purposes too – square drawers like the one above are the most common and are great for filing paperwork. Whereas flat thin drawers like the one below from Antique Archaeology are great for kid’s artworks.
Painted Filing Cabinets
If you don’t want to spend money on a new filing cabinet, consider giving it a paint job like the ones below. Regardless of what filing cabinet you have, remember to make it look its best. Use the top of it as shelving for decorating pieces and try to tie it in with the rest of the furniture in the room.
Where to buy Filing Cabinets
Like with all antiques, if you can find them through a private seller, in second hand stores or on ebay or gumtree, you will save yourself a lot of money. Also, the next time you go on a road-trip, keep an eye out for antique stores and second hand furniture stores outside of the main cities. They are sure to be a lot cheaper.
These Australian stores are a great place to start your hunt:
I hope these beautiful filing cabinets add some joy to your filing!