• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The DIY Mommy
  • Home Decor
  • DIY Crafts
  • Organize
  • Printables
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Shop My Home
  • Lake House
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Decor
  • DIY Crafts
  • Clean & Organize
  • Recipes
  • Free Printables
  • Life
  • Our Little Lake House
  • Shop Our Home
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Home Decor

    A Campaign Dresser Inspired Filing Cabinet Makeover

    Published: Feb 22, 2016 · Modified: Dec 26, 2022 by Christina Dennis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 80 Comments

    Have you ever thought up a DIY project in your head and then after you completed it it turned out just as good if not better than your imagination?! This is how I feel about this campaign dresser inspired makeover I just completed on our icky old filing cabinet. With the help of The FAT Paint Company, I was able to give a piece I was THISCLOSE to throwing out a gorgeous new life. Let me show you how I did it, and make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see a video tutorial and to enter to win the new Amanda Forrest FAT Paint collection for your very own PLUS a room makeover from Amanda herself!

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)  How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    One day when I was shopping with my friends at the mall, I came across this stunning campaign dresser in Anthropologie. I was struck by how gorgeous the gold hardware looked against the deep teal of the dresser:

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    However, at $1200 this piece was out of my price range. I filed away this combo in my brain for a potential DIY project.

    When The FAT Paint Company sent me some samples of their newest collection - The Amanda Forrest Collection - and I saw the gorgeous "Navy State of Mind" colour, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

    I wanted to transform this ugly old filing cabinet...

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    ... into a beautiful statement piece for my craft room office. I knew that painting it in Navy State of Mind and giving it some pops of brass through inexpensive hardware would give it just the lift it needed.

    It looked pretty in my head, but I wasn't sure how I'd like it in real life.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    When I finished it up, I WAS THRILLED. Now I have the most gorgeous looking, most expensive looking piece of statement furniture in my office that's also very functional.

    FAT Paint is a chalk style paint that's a dream to work with. I didn't even have to sand this laminated MDF piece of furniture or prep it in any way other than clean it for the paint to adhere. I used a natural bristled paint brush to apply the paint, and the finish is suprisingly smooth! I'm really impressed. I finished this project within a day - even with 2 little ones running around and "helping" me.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    I love all of the colours in the Amanda Forrest FAT Paint collection. They're all really on trend and so vivid. I'm not usually a navy-lover, but after painting with Navy State of Mind, I'm hooked! It's such a gorgeous and unexpected neutral that looks great with all of my light & bright colours in my office.

    Amanda Forrest Collection Fat Paint

    Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton

    Fat Paint chalk style paint

    I also really liked "Greysful" and "Blushing Bombshell" from the collection. You'll see little pops of those colours in my final office craft room makeover too.

    Here's how I gave our old filing cabinet a campaign dresser inspired makeover. (Don't forget to scroll to the end to see a video tutorial and win some Amanda Forrest FAT Paint!)

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    First, I cleaned all of the grease and debris off the filing cabinet with Windex.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    Next, I grabbed my can of FAT Paint in Navy State of Mind and started brushing it on the filing cabinet in long, even strokes.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    I painted the sides and top first, and then I painted the drawer fronts. I find the key is to keep all of the strokes going in one direction and don't paint the same spot over too much to avoid streaks and brush marks.

    Here's how the cabinet looked after one coat of FAT Paint:

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    I only had to let the paint dry for about an hour before I was ready to paint the next coat.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    After two coats of paint, I felt the dresser had enough coverage and it looked great! Another wonderful thing about this paint is that it hardly smells at all which is FAB for painting indoors!

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    Once the paint was completely dry, I brushed on some FAT Wax Beeswax Polish. This stuff is SO cool and definitely one of the best finishing products I've tried for painted pieces.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    It provides a nice satin finish and it's really easy to brush on.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    After brushing the wax all over the cabinet with a small brush I had on hand, I buffed it with a dry cloth. I swirled the cloth around the surface of the piece until the finish looked nice and even.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    Once the wax was dry, I was ready to add the hardware! I found these brass corner braces and chest handles at my local hardware store in the utility hardware section. They were less than $4 for each package, and I loved how chunky and industrial they looked.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    I marked where I wanted the corner braces and handles to go on the drawer fronts of my filing cabinet, and then I made little pilot holes with a drill that were a bit smaller than the screws that came with the hardware.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    Then, I placed the braces and handles on the drawer fronts, lined them up with the pilot holes, and screwed them in place with a drill.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    Don't they look chunky and lovely? The brass against the navy is what makes me swoon!

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    I also love how something as small as these little corner braces adds so much style to what was a very boring piece of furniture.

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    It's so satisfying to turn what could have been junk into something so pretty... I can't stop staring at my old-new filing cabinet!

    How to turn an old filing cabinet or an old dresser into a gorgeous campaign dresser inspired piece with Fat Paint chalk style paint (Amanda Forrest Collection Navy State of Mind)

    This technique using FAT Paint and utility hardware could turn any simple piece of furniture into a campaign dresser style piece. Give it a try!

    Here's a video tutorial for this technique:

    Now it's time to enter to win your very own Amanda Forrest FAT Paint Collection! One winner will receive the entire Amanda Forrest Collection line of paint in pints and a 200g jar of Natural FAT Wax PLUS a virtual room makeover from Amanda Forrest herself! With simple photos, some basic measurements and a budget parameter provided by you she'll design a room concept that you will lover. With an easy to follow designer plan in hand you can move forward confidently and implement the design yourself.

    Amanda Forrest will also be presenting at the Calgary Home + Garden Show this weekend, so if you live nearby you'll want to check that out!

    Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win. Good luck! (Contest is open to USA and Canadian residents only and ends on March 7, 2016 at 11:59 PM.)

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    More Inspiration

    • Introducing my NEW Canva Mood Board Templates & Mini Course!
    • We built a small bathroom wet room from scratch!
    • DIY Dollar Tree Heart Shaped Wreath
    • 10 Best IKEA Organization Products under $20

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Roxanne

      February 22, 2016 at 7:59 am

      Amazing transformation! I was just thinking that I need a piece of furniture that can double as a filing cabinet, thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        April 26, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        Do you think this would work on a metal file cabinet?

        Reply
    2. Meg @ Green With Decor

      February 22, 2016 at 8:03 am

      What a great makeover!! I love it!

      Reply
    3. Meredith @ Coral + Mint

      February 22, 2016 at 8:14 am

      That looks amazing! I am in love with Navy lately so I'm loving that paint! I may need to pick some up for projects for my nautical decor.

      Reply
    4. Brenda Penton

      February 22, 2016 at 8:38 am

      My favourite colour is the Blushing Bombshell

      Reply
    5. Emily, Our house now a home

      February 22, 2016 at 8:39 am

      This is stunning! What you did with that piece is amazing! I have a similar filing cabinet that I was thinking about getting rid of. Not anymore! Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    6. Caroline

      February 22, 2016 at 10:56 am

      This really did turn out great!! I can't wait to share this.

      Reply
    7. Pat B

      February 22, 2016 at 10:57 am

      Navy State of Mind is my fave.

      Reply
    8. Brooke

      February 22, 2016 at 11:31 am

      I love most of the colors, but I am on a hunt for the perfect navy paint right now, so I would have to say I am eager to try the Navy State Of Mind!

      Reply
    9. Crystal

      February 22, 2016 at 11:38 am

      I love the gorgeous coral color!

      Reply
    10. Lana Hood

      February 22, 2016 at 11:56 am

      I really like the Blushing Bombshell.

      Reply
    11. Mary H

      February 22, 2016 at 12:07 pm

      What an amazing transformation! I would have to go with the Navy or Greysful.

      Reply
    12. Sylvia Goodyear

      February 22, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      Love the navy. Beautiful transformation.

      Reply
    13. Julia at Home on 129 Acres

      February 22, 2016 at 12:16 pm

      This looks amazing! I have an old metal behemoth filing cabinet, and I'm always looking for inspiration to make it look better. I love the pulls you chose. Very well done.

      Reply
    14. Sarah

      February 22, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      Love those colours - so awesome!! Great job on the makeover too!

      Reply
    15. Lindi

      February 22, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      LOVE!!! Love your colours, and your brass hardware. It's perfect! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂

      Reply
    16. Jenn

      February 22, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      It looks fantastic and the simple prep is such a bonus! My favourite colour is Can't See Me Camo!

      Reply
    17. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.

      February 22, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      That looks phenomenal, I love how it turned out! What an excellent makeover! So hard to pick just one colour, but I think couture Linen would have to the winner!

      Reply
    18. Melissa Morris

      February 22, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Absolutely love this!!!! Navy State of Mind is next on my list for sure!!! 🙂

      Reply
    19. Sunshine H

      February 22, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      I really like the Blushing Bombshell

      Reply
    20. April R - Uncookie Cutter

      February 23, 2016 at 5:26 am

      What cool paint! I love them all, but the gray and pink...together!

      Reply
    21. Dannyelle @ www.lifeisaparty.ca

      February 23, 2016 at 5:35 am

      What a great makeover! These look great.

      Reply
    22. heather meads

      February 23, 2016 at 5:44 am

      Woah, that turned out GORGEOUS!! What a great job you've done - the colour, the hardware and the styling is beautiful!! Pinned, of course.

      Reply
    23. Cora Lea

      February 23, 2016 at 8:03 am

      Love the Navy State of Mind or Greysful! Nice job!

      Reply
    24. Rachel D.

      February 23, 2016 at 10:09 am

      I really love the color you used! Navy state of mind! I love this project!

      Reply
    25. Sheila Zeller

      February 23, 2016 at 10:25 am

      You've done an incredible job! I love what you did here, and am taking away a dose of inspiration for my own office pieces. My dad made my desk and there have been add-ons over the years... but I'm tired of it in its current state. Your 'before' and 'after' are amazing! Off to pin!!

      Reply
    26. Alicia

      February 23, 2016 at 10:26 am

      WOW! you did it. It looks gorgeous, even better than the Anthropolgie one. Fabulous. Love the navy and gold. love!

      Reply
    27. Maritess S

      February 23, 2016 at 7:54 pm

      I really like the photos in this blog post. It is clear and really shows what FAT paint can do.
      My fave color is Can’t See Me Camo - can bridge the gap between light and dark furniture pieces. I have both pieces in my house.

      Reply
    28. Jenny @ Refresh Living

      February 23, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      This is gorgeous! What a huge difference - I love the color with the gold hardware!

      Reply
    29. Julie bolduc

      February 23, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      I love how it turned out its so beautiful I love the coral colour

      Reply
    30. Angela Mitchell

      February 24, 2016 at 12:07 am

      I love Blushing Bombshell.

      Reply
    31. Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo

      February 24, 2016 at 7:44 am

      What a transformation. Unfortunately, I never would have seen the potential in that ugly brown box. Congrats on your talents.

      Orangeapalooza is "our colour". I can't get enough of it. Thank you so much for hosting.

      Besos, Sarah
      Journeys of The Zoo

      Reply
    32. ginette4

      February 24, 2016 at 7:59 am

      Wow what an amazing transformation! My favourite colour from the line is the Navy State of Mind

      Reply
    33. Lisa

      February 24, 2016 at 9:35 am

      Love this project, can't wait to try this on my filing cabinet!

      Reply
    34. Jenny Major

      February 24, 2016 at 12:31 pm

      i love Blushing Bombshell

      Reply
    35. Amy Heffernan

      February 24, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Coral! 🙂 Great transformation!

      Reply
    36. Bailey Dexter

      February 24, 2016 at 2:21 pm

      Wow, Love the new look! I really like the Blushing Bombshell!

      Reply
    37. leana

      February 24, 2016 at 4:33 pm

      I love navy state of mind

      Reply
    38. Julie Z

      February 24, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      Wow! What an amazing job!! I want to do that because I really need a filing cabinet but they're so ugly usually lol! Thanks for the great post - my fav colour is the blushing bombshell - I love that pop of brightness. I have teals, grays, and blues in my home with a pop of coral in the living room 🙂 I wish there was a coral colour in her paints!

      Reply
    39. andrea amy

      February 24, 2016 at 11:50 pm

      my favourite colour is Blushing Bombshell. I love love love what you did with your make over! The filing cabinet looks a zillion times better!

      Reply
    40. angela m

      February 25, 2016 at 8:14 am

      I love the Couture Linen

      Reply
    41. Ali

      February 25, 2016 at 9:07 am

      All of the colors are great I love the color Peacock.

      Reply
    42. Tracy D

      February 25, 2016 at 9:49 am

      I really like the Skyline color. I have an old dresser, you've inspired me to consider refinishing it! I like the braces idea on the corners, and seems fairly simple.

      Reply
    43. kristen sowko

      February 25, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Great post! Loving the colours 🙂

      Reply
    44. angela september

      February 25, 2016 at 10:55 am

      what a stunning makeover!! such high impact for such a small piece. way to go!!

      Reply
    45. Kim K

      February 25, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      My favourite 2 colours are Blushing Bombshell and Navy State of Mind

      Reply
    46. Jenn Erin

      February 25, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      It's a hard choice but my favourite has to be Greysful.

      Reply
    47. jan

      February 25, 2016 at 8:38 pm

      ohhh, give me some Orangeapalooza please

      Reply
    48. Robyn Bellefleur

      February 25, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      I love the Greysful color.

      Reply
    49. Heather Reed

      February 26, 2016 at 1:48 am

      Love how this turned out!!

      Reply
    50. Florence C

      February 26, 2016 at 7:02 am

      The Blushing Bombshell is my favorite.

      Reply
    51. Jenness M

      February 26, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      Couture Linen is my fave!

      Reply
    52. Eva Mitton-Urban

      February 26, 2016 at 11:17 pm

      Partial to earth tones - dark winter colors blues/greens/burgundy & greys. The Wasabi - a personal standout - would opt for this color in our basement recreation room.

      Eva Mitton-Urban

      Reply
    53. Barb W

      February 27, 2016 at 9:07 am

      Love the couture linen shade!

      Reply
    54. Maggie C

      February 28, 2016 at 4:14 am

      So in awe with your blog - I'm a new subscriber now! =)

      My favourite shade from the collection is the couture linen.

      Reply
    55. michelle tremblett

      February 28, 2016 at 6:32 am

      I love the couture linen shade, beautiful 🙂

      Reply
    56. nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham)

      February 29, 2016 at 7:28 am

      I really, really like Blushing Bombshell.

      Reply
    57. KittyPride

      February 29, 2016 at 10:26 am

      I like Couture linen, will fit in nicely in all room decores.

      Reply
    58. Allie f

      February 29, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      I love Greysful! Thanks!

      Reply
    59. gene d

      February 29, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      i think the Navy State of Mind paint you used is beautiful

      Reply
    60. maryd

      February 29, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Orangeapalooza is nice for a dining room, do you not think?

      Reply
    61. Doris H

      February 29, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Blushing Bombshell is really nice.

      Reply
    62. Diana Powell

      March 02, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      I've had a thing for green lately so I would say Can’t See Me Camo is my favourite.

      Reply
    63. SUMMER PLEWES

      March 05, 2016 at 8:07 am

      I think my fave there is the blushing bombshell. It is beautiful!

      Reply
    64. Tammy Dalley

      March 06, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Love the couture linen

      Reply
    65. Chris B

      March 07, 2016 at 8:37 am

      Can't See Me Camo

      Reply
    66. Jonnie

      March 07, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      I love the Greysful shade!

      Reply
    67. Creative By Design Landscaping

      November 23, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Wow, what a difference. That looks great....love it!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        November 24, 2016 at 4:25 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    68. Jessica susan

      October 18, 2017 at 3:57 am

      What an amazing idea!! I would have never thought of this. I love it!

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        October 19, 2017 at 7:44 am

        Thank you, Jessica

        Reply
    69. Tammy

      February 04, 2018 at 6:31 pm

      Would this work with metal?

      Reply
      • Lindsay - The DIY Mommy

        February 05, 2018 at 7:08 am

        Hey Tammy,
        Yes it would work 😀 chalk style paints stick awesome to metal!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. 9 Treats to Make for St. Patrick’s Day + The Creative Corner #86: DIY, Craft & Home Decor Link Party | The DIY Mommy says:
      February 28, 2016 at 7:02 pm

      […] Campaign Dresser Inspired Filing Cabinet from The DIY Mommy. […]

      Reply
    2. The Creative Corner Link Up 86 says:
      February 28, 2016 at 7:03 pm

      […] Campaign Dresser Inspired Filing Cabinet from The DIY Mommy. […]

      Reply
    3. My Colourful Boho Craft Room Office Tour (Video) | The DIY Mommy says:
      March 4, 2016 at 10:20 am

      […] (Find my upcycled, campaign dresser inspired filing cabinet DIY right here.) […]

      Reply
    4. Home Goals 2017 | Home on 129 acres says:
      January 16, 2017 at 4:01 am

      […] Source: DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    5. 12 Fabulous Filing Cabinet Makeovers • The Budget Decorator says:
      January 23, 2018 at 7:13 pm

      […] DIY filing cabinet makeover is from ‘The DIY Mommy‘. Her campaign style filing cabinet project looks classy and chic! And we are loving the navy […]

      Reply
    6. 37 DIY File Cabinet Projects For Office - DIY & Crafts says:
      June 13, 2022 at 1:43 am

      […] thediymommy […]

      Reply
    7. 21 DIY File Cabinet Plans and Ideas - Epic Saw Guy says:
      November 24, 2022 at 11:14 am

      […] Project details: thediymommy.com […]

      Reply

    What do you think? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Christina Dennis, The DIY Mommy

    I'm Christina and I'm sharing budget-friendly DIY & decor ideas to create a cozy home and life you love!

    Read more about me

    Latest Posts

    • Introducing my NEW Canva Mood Board Templates & Mini Course!
    • We built a small bathroom wet room from scratch!
    • Creative And Unique DIY Wall Art Ideas

    What's my home decor style?

    Discover the home decor style that best fits your personality and lifestyle. This two-minute quiz is going to give you the direction you need to start the big, bold room makeovers that you've always wanted to try!

    Find out now!

    Archives

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About The DIY Mommy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Terms of Service

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2009 - 2023 The DIY Mommy. "The DIY Mommy" is a registered trademark.