Transforming Filing Cabinets into
Chic, Modern Planters

A DIY Success Story

I am so excited to share this simple and inexpensive DIY planter project that will look like a million bucks (okay, maybe more like $500).

I was on the hunt for large, modern black metal planters for our front porch and found a couple of stunning options at West Elm and Wayfair. However, both options were a few hundred dollars each, and I came very close to adding them to my cart and checking out and now I am so glad I didn’t!

A few days later, I stumbled upon a video online where someone had repurposed filing cabinets into planters. Then, as if it were meant to be, I noticed several used filing cabinets for sale at a local auction. I ended up scoring big time by purchasing four filing cabinets for only $5.00 each! I got lucky because the cabinets were in decent condition and were already black. They were perfect for what I had in mind.

Here are the steps I took to transform these office relics into sturdy, modern black planters:

Materials Needed

  • Filing cabinets

  • Garden hose

  • Towel

  • Black paint (optional)

  • Swimming pool noodles

  • Weed block fabric

  • Potting soil

  • Colorful flowers and trailing greenery

  • Furniture sliders

  • Drill (for drainage holes)

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preparing the Cabinets:

    • Remove the Drawers: First, I took out all the drawers from the cabinets.

    • Clean the Cabinets: I used a garden hose to spray down the cabinets and wiped them clean with a towel. This step ensures that any dirt, dust, or rust is removed before painting. It was like spa day for the cabinets.

    • Drill Drainage Holes: This step is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

  2. Painting:

    • Fresh Coat of Paint: Even though the cabinets were already black, I decided to give them a fresh coat of black paint to ensure they looked sleek and uniform. This step is optional if your cabinets are already in good condition and the color you desire.

  3. Filling the Cabinets:

    • Pool Noodles: Instead of filling the entire cabinet with soil, which would be both heavy and expensive, I filled them 2/3 full with swimming pool noodles from Dollar General. This provided a lightweight and cost-effective solution.

    • Weed Block Fabric: I added a layer of weed block fabric over the pool noodles. This helps to keep the soil in place while allowing for proper drainage.

  4. Adding Soil and Plants:

    • Potting Soil: I filled the remaining space with good quality potting soil, ensuring my plants would have the nutrients they needed to thrive.

    • Plants: I planted several colorful flowers and a couple of varieties of trailing greenery. This created a beautiful, full, and lush look.

  5. Final Touches:

    • Furniture Sliders: I added little furniture sliders to the bottom of each cabinet to keep them raised slightly off the concrete porch. This prevents direct contact with the ground and helps with drainage.

The Results

After a few weeks, the plants are thriving, and the planters look so full and beautiful. I am so happy that I went this route instead of paying $$$ for brand new planters. I love having these 2 colorful waterfall-ish gardens of flowers on our porch. So pretty!!

Every time I see the planters, I feel a little burst of joy so I couldn’t help but share the idea with anyone else that might be hunting for that same modern planter that I was looking for!

These planters have also become a fun conversation starter, as most people are surprised to learn that the modern planters on our porch were once storing file folders and office supplies. I highly recommend searching local flea markets, garage sales, and auctions to find gently used filing cabinets of your own.

This project was simple and turned out beautifully. I am already contemplating what to plant in them next year. Who knew old office furniture could become the star of my porch decor?

Happy filing! I mean, planting!

Links From This Project

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