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How To Build A Wood File Storage Stand

What’s one thing that every office needs? Bingo – a lava lamp.

Ok, I kid, I kid. What I meant to say was “file storage.” And ours is no exception. We made a nice leap forward on the storage front with our hacked Ikea bookcase, but the desk I built was seriously lacking any place to stash papers and such. So after failing to find a perfectly sized file cabinet at our local thrift stores, we spotted a pair of simple embossed gray file boxes at Target (for just $14.99 a pop) that had our names written all over them.

Here they are sitting on the floor of our very much a work-in-progress office a few days ago.

File Desk Before File

I’ll give you a close-up of ’em later in the post, but basically they were just about the perfect amount of hanging file storage for us (you know, the kind of boxes that have those rails that hold folders that you can use to label and categorize your papers?). Plus, with two of them side by side they were the beginnings of a perfect spot to stack the white Ikea storage boxes from Sherry’s old office that contain our receipts and our modem (we paid Comcast $28 to move our modem into the office so we’d have the strongest wireless signal in there).

But… it wasn’t the prettiest setup. And having to lift the white storage boxes every time we wanted to access the file boxes was a quick way to ensure that we’d never actually use said file boxes. So with my carpentry mojo still in full force, I decided to tackle another building project. And this time I wanted to create something to optimize our storage and file box sitch.

File Materials In Garage

Once again I opted to rely on the Kreg Jig (can you tell I’m addicted?) to connect all the pieces. The pieces in this case being two $10 pine boards intended to be stairs (I bought them because I liked the finished-looking rounded edge). I’ll spare you all of the construction details this time around (just trust me that it was actually quite similar to my desk and shelf building projects). About three hours later, I had this little guy:

File Unfinished Outside

He was perfectly sized to fit the two file boxes snugly in the bottom opening while the two stacked Ikea storage boxes could be slipped in and out of the cubby above them (with plenty of room for the modem cords in one of those white Ikea storage boxes to feed out the back). We even left some room on top for a few miscellaneous items like our external hard drive and the radio that we like to listen to from time to time.

File Unfinished In Room

We brought it in unfinished because (1) I wanted to make sure I had measured everything correctly and (2) we weren’t quite sure whether we wanted to paint it white to match the desk or stain it dark to match the chairs (which are free leftovers from our existing dining set, since we substituted two of them for a bench a while back).

And once we had it in place… well, we actually decided to toss out both of those ideas. Instead, we opted to paint it the same soft aqua that we used on the back of the bookcase (Mythic’s Adanna Aire). Just for fun.

File Finished Close At Angl

You’re probably noticing something else in that pic, sitting on the desk itself. It’s another little file system that we also picked up at Target. It’s actually intended to be used as storage for scrapbooking, but we liked that its shelves were a great size for our notebooks, bills to pay, and even the books that we’re currently reading. Plus, because it’s deep enough to store those big scrapbook sheets it creates a nice wide surface on top for us to place other items that we like to have on hand. Stay tuned for those accessorizing details in the coming weeks (for now we’re tackling the big things like larger storage, toy corralling, art, etc).

File Target Thing Close Up

But back to the action under the desk. I promised close-ups of the file storage boxes so here’s a pic illustrating that we achieved our goal of making it easy to slide the boxes out and actually access our files. Then we can either pop open the top compartment which will be good for storing cables, cords, scissors, stamps and more (it stays closed thanks to a magnetic strip)…

File Thing Top Opened

…or flip the whole thing open to access our hanging files like insurance info and hospital bills (sigh).

File Thing Files Opened

And the subtle overlapping circles detail on the outside (and bolder version inside) is a nice touch – especially for the $14.99 price tag.

File Thing Close Up

In general it’s a pretty simple update, but it’s already making a huge functional difference for us (since we’re using this office on a daily basis even while it’s a work-in-progress). Now we’ve got a place to stash paper and better manage the clutter on the desk. And we like that it’s helping to turn the long two-person desk into two distinct workspaces for me and Sherry.

File Finished Close Up

But the room is by no means finished. In addition to simple things like wrangling our wires and cords, figuring out where to put our printer (and if we’re even keeping our current one), we’ve still got to decide on what the heck we’re gonna put on that big blank wall that we get to stare at all day long. Well, when we’re not staring at Clara.

File Finished Room Angle

Oh and in case you’d like to see the new setup in action, here’s how we get things done around here lately:

File How Things Get Done

And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So that’s the scoop on our end. How about you guys? Have you spotted or created any simple file storage systems lately? Or any other clever, sneaky, or beautiful ways to wrangle all of those papers, bills, mail, etc that tends to pile up? Please do share, because even if we can’t use ’em in this room, we may just file the ideas away for a rainy day. Pun intended.

Psst- Wanna follow the entire office/guest bedroom/playroom makeover? Click here for the intro post, here to read about the big sleeper sofa hunt, here for the DIY desk play-by-play, here for the homemade light fixture project and right here for our hacked Ikea bookcase.

Comments

  1. emily says

    hi guys!
    great work so far getting the office into shape! i saw you mentioned an external hard drive… i’m sure you guys were as diligent researching this purchase as you are with everything else– what did you pick and how do you like it?
    thanks!

    Reply

  2. Erinn says

    Off topic, but how do you like your ERGO babycarrier? I love mine! So comfortable and my 2 year old can still fit in it (not that he actually will sit still for long though). Love your site too!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Erinn,

      We love it! As you can see we use it all the time (I might even be wearing it to a wedding in a few months) and it’s amazing to hear that two year olds can still fit in them!

      xo,
      s

  3. Kristine says

    Yay for MacBooks!!! I have one exactly like yours, the one on the right (I assume that’s Sherry’s since John is working on the white one in the picture??) I love watching movies on it, and I don’t mind the small screen either b/c the images and resolution are so clear w/the LED backlight, and the clickable trackpad is so cool… sigh… I could go on and on. You guys should make a post about MacBook love and all the programs you use for your site. :D

    Reply

  5. Heather says

    Hi Sherry & John! Just found your site (searching for bamboo shades) and am now hopelessly addicted. Thanks a lot. As if I didn’t blog enough already! : ) I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but as soon as my husband gives me the ok, I’m dying to use your design consulting! I guess not EVERY husband is so keen on all this decorating stuff… although when I mentioned that hanging our curtains higher was a good idea, he said, “Agreed.” That’s a start! Your house is fabulous and congratuations on your new little bean. We almost named our 6-week-old the same name (went with Lilah Claire) and our babe was due on Clara’s birthday (came a week early instead.) Clara’s a cutie pie and I adore those weekly onesie pictures! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your site. : )

    Reply

  7. Ange says

    Your office is so tranquil! Yay-This post and comments answered a couple of questions for me,re: wallflowers & Sherry’s screensaver. Heather, my hubs couldn’t believe my interest in YHL either, until an idea I passed on he too agreed with. You’ll win him over eventually :D And that pic at the end, too cute! I bet Burger wishes he had a ‘doggy bjorn’…

    Reply

  8. Shannon says

    Love the posts about the unfolding office transformation (so inspiring! particularly since I do a lot of work from home with small children around) and love love LOVE the photo of you with Clara in the ergo/infant insert. We heart our ergo so much! We use it ALL the time — seriously. If my 4-year-old could fit her leggy self in it (and she can, barely), she’d be in it too. : ) So cool to see a photo of yours in use, particularly since so many people visit your site!

    Reply

  9. Liz R says

    Hah- I’m another Ergo-geek who got so excited when I saw that pic! Sometimes swaddling my son and putting him in the infant insert was the only way to soothe him. He’s 15 months now, and loves Ergo piggy back rides.

    Anyone whose back hurts from a Baby Bjorn… try the Ergo! It makes a world of difference. And if you’re on the lookout for things green, they also make a version of the Ergo in organic cotton.

    Reply

  11. Andrea H. says

    Your desk and shelves are similar to what my husband made for us. He used a 10 ft kitchen counter top with a splash guard, building a ledge on the back at the level of the splash guard. He put a couple of outlets and grommets (sp?) for our laptops and electric wires, and we love it. The printer and stereo system ended up in a shelf set like you made, except the printer shelf slides out, as it is mounted with metal rails. It didn’t look like you had much room to add another shelf though. Our file cabinet fits at the end. Anyway, it’s at the website below. Enjoy!
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32575748&l=325ed3a342&id=141302354

    Reply

  12. Claire says

    Thanks for the office inspirations! I join the crowd in recommending a wireless printer, better yet one of those all-in-one printer/scanner/copier devices. I have one from HP that also does photo printing directly from the camera’s memory card (i.e. no PC needed) and it’s so handy!

    Reply

  13. Karla Matsuda says

    Loved the new office.
    On the wall near the computer, what are these white roses?
    Always pass by here.
    Bye!!!

    Reply

  14. adhocmom says

    I love those file boxes. I use loads of those for my work too, and I’m honestly sick to death of the ones from Ikea that you have to put together yourself!

    Reply

  15. Antonia says

    Perfect! I’m currently wondering what to do with my mess of an office/laundry room and now I’m definitely going to check out Target for those file boxes! Thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work!

    Reply

  16. danielle says

    Yay for the Ergo! I’m sitting in an airport reading some blogs and watching the world cup with a sleeping baby in the Ergo. My files are Ina cardboard banker box in the closet. Yours is so much more beautiful. =)

    Reply

  18. JessieBelle says

    Question on the new filing cabinets from Tar-ja.

    You said there was extra storage in the lid, but you have to tilt the lids up to access the files underneath, when you do that, won’t everything slide everywhere in the lids?

    Seems like that might bother you two…it would certainly bother me! lol

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey JessieBelle,

      I guess so, but we’ll be sure to put items in there that we don’t mind sliding around (it seems like the perfect spot to stash our camera and iPod wires). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  19. Antonia says

    Hi again,

    I want to get those file boxes (2 or 3), and I’ve been looking for ideas on where to put them. I’d like to build a little shelf, like you guys did, but lack the know-how. Do you recommend anything else? Even something unconventional? Or where I can find something inexpensive?
    Thanks!

    Reply

  20. Ashley Keylor says

    Lookin’ good guys! I love the new storage cabinet you built and the file boxes. It’s really coming together. I also love the picture of John with the babies…so cute. : )

    Reply

  22. Connie says

    LOL! John’s got the baby and the dog all while working. Talk about “multi-tasking”. You guys are hilarious! Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  23. Connie says

    Here’s a blog post suggestion. How do you guys agree on the decor. The minute I put together some suggestions on how to decorate and organize I swear my lovely hubbie comes back with something opposite. And so….the projects are never complete.

    Reply

  24. Mary says

    Well, my method of filing bills and such is to hide them. I set them behind a picture frame on our dining room corner hutch, and they hide back there until I decide there are too many and then I take them upstairs to file them in our cabinet.
    For a printer, I must say I am happy my husband convinced us to buy a wireless printer, so it sits in our spare room and we no longer have to drag our laptops to the printer to connect them with a cord. Best invention ever. Well, almost.

    Reply

  25. shelia says

    Thanks guys. I saw that it was from Target. i went online to find and of course- they are not there. Nearest Target to me is over an hour away so I really have to justify the trip. I think convincing hubbyo that i might actually file something if i had these then maybe just maybe it would work!
    Thanks again.

    Reply

  26. Katherine says

    Sorry, no answer to your question for this post, but I just have to say that I love to see a man wearing a baby … especially an Ergo!!! Aren’t those things just amazing? My son is 16 months old and I still tote him around on my back in it. :o)

    Reply

  28. Kari says

    You’ve just gotta love Target. I bought the accordion file version of the file box and it is perfect for storing things that will later be put into long term storage, or discarded when no longer needed (like receipts, bill stubs etc…) We have a small secretary in our LR that houses our flat screen, two laptops, DVD player, receiver and cable box and the file folder still makes it into the mix! That secretary is invaluable, I tell ya! Also, hurray for the Ergo carrier. My younger daughter spent so much of her time as an infant in there and we still use it for short hikes and she’s 22 months old. You might also want to check out the Moby Wrap… we used them both! Your blog is very inspirational… keep up the good work!

    Reply

  29. Natalia says

    Great pic with the baby in the bjorn while working at your desk! You are so fortunate to be able to spend this time with your daughter!

    Reply

  30. Kara says

    In Love with this post – I am looking at doing the same thing to our guest room/study/gym.

    Although hiding all the cords will be my challenge. :)

    Reply

  31. jja says

    I am amazed with your desk solution!!! Will you use any office chairs later? My back would kill me to use on the den chairs and work

    Reply

  32. Robin says

    Hey guys!! I saw the file boxes at Target today. They are so cute. But I have a question for you, did you buy extra folders for it? And if so, does it matter which brand? I didn’t see any extra folders by the boxes. Thanks. Love your site!
    xo, Robin

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Robin,

      We actually didn’t buy extra folders but hopefully they’re standard sized boxes so any will work (and you can always return them if they don’t). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  33. Hanna says

    Hey there… I was wondering where you got the cool flowers on the wall. We’re thinking about adding them to our nursery.

    The room looks great!

    Thanks!

    Reply

  34. Ali says

    Hi there, I have been looking everywhere for the target file boxes…to no avail. Do you know the manufacturer, and if so, please share so I can see if they are sold elsewhere? or if you happen to know where they are hidden on target online! Many thanks! (And the room looks great!!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Ali,

      We checked them out the last time we were in Target (two days ago, still there in ours) and they actually appear to be manufactured by Target, so we unfortunately don’t think other stores carry them. Bummer! Maybe if you’re traveling anytime soon you can pop into Target wherever you are to see if they have them? We have heard from readers who live in a variety of places who have hunted them down- so we’re crossing our fingers that they’re out there for you to discover as well!

      xo,
      s

  36. Yocheved says

    Hey, thanks for all your inspiration! Random question, how are those file boxes from Target holding up? I just bought one and they don’t seem super sturdy – I only found one on display that wasn’t ripped. Any issues with yours? Thanks!!

    Reply

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