Large companies are always changing their furniture and you can often get their old stuff for a bargain. The only problem is it usually looks like old office furniture with no character. Case in point, the hubby got a boring little set of drawers for free when the bank that he works for decided to re-decorate their offices. And it was just blegh. So with the help of a few license plates, we revamped that office storage and turned it into this beauty.

This is what she looked like before her makeover.

Not pretty but very functional and perfect for storing things in his man cave. I could probably just have painted it, but it would still scream “boring office storage” with those handles. I knew I could go one step further with this makeover.
But I’m getting ahead of myself ;-) Before I share how to revamp office storage, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
How to give office storage a unique makeover
Now I don’t know if you remember all those license plates I bought at the China Mall? Yup, we’ve already used some to make a light for Calin’s bedroom, but I have lots more. Some of the number plates have this gorgeous rusty look that I wanted to try to reproduce using some leftover paint we have lying around. Plus the license plates would be perfect to hide those handles.

Don’t they just scream, I belong in an office?

To create a rusty look I started off by painting the drawers and the storage unit a grey graphite color.

Once the paint dries apply random streaks of Metallic paint all over.

Then dry brush on a coat of white following the grain of the “wood”. Well, it’s not really wood, it’s that mock stuff (I think it’s called Formica) that they put on chipboard to make it look like wood.

Wait for the paint to dry and then sand.

In some places I sanded all the way down to the original mock wood stuff and in others I just gave it a light sand.

Play around until you’re happy with the look.

Apply three coats of clear wax to seal and protect the paint.

Screw the license plates onto the drawers and add new drawer pulls that match the revamped office storage look.

Boring begone!!!! Here’s a look at the before again.

And here’s the all-new, revamped office storage after an hour’s worth of work.

Totally worth it in my humble opinion.

What do you think?

When it comes to furniture makeovers this is one of my favs. Our epic stack of suitcases still wins still takes first place but that one took a little longer.

And if you having some boring office furniture that you want to revamp, then why not pin the idea so you can comeback to it later.

BTW, If you don’t want to go to all that trouble and find some of the materials we used, we’ve got you covered.
Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us create more unique crafts and DIY tutorials for you ;-)
And as always wishing you a very happy, craft-filled week.
19 comments
Wow, what a transformation; you really took these storage drawers to the next level! Love the license plates – especially the beetle one which always holds a special place in my heart – lol!
:D The beetle one is my favorite too. They’re such iconic cars
These draws are really fabulous. The number plates are really cool and the painting technique you used looks awesome. I can see this in my house if you feel the need to send me a gift. ;)
Thank you, Anita. I was super glad when I found those number plates and playing around with different paint colors to get a rusty, flaky effect was fun too.
Wow, call me impressed. Laura
Thanks so much, Laura
You’re art is amazing and you have unbelievable furniture makeover ideas. Some of these things have been partially floating in my head forever but i could never see then thru because i overthink everything and that gives me limits. You have certainly inspired me to jump right in cause the water’s fine lol.
What a beautiful thing to say Jeannie. Thank you so very much. I’ll tell you a little secret, I used to overthink everything too and became so disheartened with myself. My Mom told me to just do it, anything, without trying to make it perfect or think of every possible thing that can go wrong. And slowly that’s what stuck. I promise the water is warm and you’ll have so much fun. And once you start the ideas won’t stop either
This is such a great revamp! It’s hard to believe it came from one of those boring old office cabinets. Your post was featured on the Bygone Vintage Linkup Party this week : https://bygonevintage.com/vintage-wednesday-linkup-party-12/
Oh wow Bridget. Thank you so much!!
Greetings from Texas,
I just wanted to compliment you on your box. :)
Your toolbox looks Nothing like before.
I love the fact that all it required was craft paint, license plates and imagination. :)
If the bank is giving away more (1980’s) furniture you should take it!!!!!!!
This look would be great on larger pieces too, like a horizontal (landscape) filling cabinet, then it could be used as a dresser or use it as a tv stand. Ready storage for bluerays, dvd’s, psp & xbox games, remotes, batteries, throw pillows, whatever…
You don’t even need the license plates, if you don’t want to use up your collection. Just paint and distress it.
If you look at websites like Hobby Lobby, Pottery Barn, etc ( sorry I don’t know any store names where you are) you’ll see similar versions to yours, and look at their prices. You could sooo easily sell yours around that price range!!!
I’m suggesting this to you, because the box looks great and I’m sure plenty of people would love a homemade piece, versus something boring from a big box store!!!
May God continue to bless you, with health, inspiration, and supplies to create wonderful things. :) :) :)
Rena :)
Psalm 64:10
Oh Rena, thank you so much for your lovely comments and blessings :-) Sending you much love from sunny South Africa
It turned out just fabulous! I love it!
Your furry babies are too cute!
Thank you :-) and I’ll tell the furry babies too.
Awesome :) :)
8-)
LOOOVE it!!