Erin Spain

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Library Card Catalog Makeover

August 12, 2012 By Erin Spain 109 Comments

My library card catalog cabinet is finally finished, and let me tell you, it was a beast of a project. But well worth it as far as I’m concerned, because this is a classic piece of furniture with a story behind it, and I was happy to hopefully do it justice by restoring it.

For those of you who missed the original post, here’s a quick recap for you: My grandparents rescued this card catalog from a vacant school building owned by a family friend. It had been sitting there for years, and would have probably ended up in the dumpster (I know, how awful!).

The owner of the school building let them have it for free, so they took it home in pieces and little by little with the help of some family members, we schlepped it home to Atlanta from their house in Indiana.

The orange-y stain was faded and the varnish had bubbled and peeled in some spots, and it desperately needed to be refinished. It was missing one drawer, and a few other drawers got broken, but I’ll show you my solution for that (ultimately, I’d love to replace the missing drawer and repair the others).

It’s currently located in our living room (aka my “mom cave”).

Check out the story behind this library card catalog! You have to see the before and after.

I opted not to paint it after going back and forth about it in my head. I really just wanted to stain it and keep it classic. This is a piece I plan on keeping forever and I don’t want to do anything “trendy” to it, plus I love the look of the wood.

I feel like although it has been restored, it still has a vintage feel, complete with imperfections and patina on the hardware, etc. Painting it would have been pretty too, it just wasn’t the look I was going for this time. (Here are tutorials for how I stripped it and stained it.)

I opted to fill the bottom row with jars since I am missing a drawer and two are broken. The drawers are perfect for storing my craft supplies.

Check out this library card catalog transformation!

Check out this library card catalog transformation!

Here are the supplies I used for this project:

Disclosure: Affiliate links included. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Murphy’s Oil Soap
  • CitriStrip
  • Putty Knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Minwax Pre-Stain Conditioner
  • Minwax Dark Walnut Stain
  • Minwax Satin Wipe-On Poly
  • White Cloths
  • Rubber Gloves

Now let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at some “Before” and “during the process” pics.

I had never seen it all put together until after it was refinished. It arrived at our home in pieces, and since it was so heavy I opted to refinish it before putting it together. It’s hard to tell in photos how yucky the finish was.

It looked very “veneered” and was bubbly in some spots, and had a bit of an orange tint to it.

Check out this library card catalog transformation!
Check out this library card catalog transformation!
Check out this library card catalog transformation!
Check out this library card catalog transformation!

First I stripped the entire thing  – and yes, this was a super tedious process considering all of the little drawers involved.

Next, I rubbed it down with mineral oil to remove the residue. Then I sanded it, pre-conditioned it, stained it with Minwax Dark Walnut and coated it twice with polyurethane.

The whole thing took me several weeks because I did it little by little, but the majority of the work took place over the past couple of weeks.

I am beyond happy to be finished with it, and I can’t wait to store all of my craft and office supplies in it. It really is a beautiful piece of furniture, and I am still pinching myself at the thought of it being totally free. Thanks (times a million) to my wonderful grandparents for snatching it up for me! It will always be a very special piece.

This was a labor of love, but I’m so glad it’s finished! Have you refinished any furniture that you just couldn’t bring yourself to cover up with paint? Do you have any pieces that have sentimental value to you, or a cool story behind it? I’d love to hear about it!

You might also like these posts:

  • Antique Pedestal Table Makeover
  • How to Paint Furniture: A Beginner’s Guide
  • IKEA TARVA Hack Tutorial
  • Side Table Makeover with Milk Paint
 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: DIY, Furniture, Furniture Makeovers, Home & DIY Blog

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Comments

  1. Stephanie Cooper says

    August 12, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    Erin.. i love it! i have always wanted a catalog cabinet.. i just love going to the library and smelling the old books and opeing the catalog drawers and being hit with that unforgettable scent. it reminds me of my childhood and that is why i love it so much. Great job as always and i’m so glad that you kept it in it’s original, vintage state.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 12, 2012 at 11:49 pm

      Thank you, Stephanie! I appreciate that. I feel the same way, this cabinet reminds me so much of elementary school. Lots of great memories!

      Reply
  2. Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says

    August 13, 2012 at 12:29 am

    It looks great! You did an amazing job! I remember card catalogs in school, too – that brings back such great memories. Way to go!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you, Karen!

      Reply
  3. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    August 13, 2012 at 12:38 am

    Oh my gosh this is stunning! Well done. Thanks for visiting me. I’ve followed you back. Your blog is darling. :o)

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks so much Ann!

      Reply
  4. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

    August 13, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    What a beautiful piece! You did a great job refinishing it. I like your jar solution … it looks great.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:57 pm

      Thank you Randi!

      Reply
  5. Pamela Stephens says

    August 13, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    OMG I’m so jealous! I’ve ALWAYS wanted one of these library catalogs but NEVER have found one less than like $400 even in terrible condition.
    It’s BEAUTIFUL! Well done!

    Pamela

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:57 pm

      Thank you Pamela! It was a lucky find.

      Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    August 13, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Erin, this is gorgeous! You did such a great job on it! I know it was labor intensive, but it sure paid off! You go girl! 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you Angie! I appreciate that.

      Reply
  7. Chelsea @ two twenty one says

    August 13, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Wonderful job! It’s beautiful! And I love how that it was free! I scored a card catalog much like yours (30 drawers) off Craigslist a couple weeks ago. I need to get my butt in gear and start working on it.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks Chelsea! Can’t wait to see yours! That’s awesome that you found one too.

      Reply
  8. Sarah Ugly Duckling House says

    August 13, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Pretty, pretty, pretty please let me know if you ever find another one of these. It’s been on my lust list for ages as one of my must-have home items (someday). This looks so great!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks Sarah, I’ll definitely let you know! This same family friend actually owns several old school buildings so if there are any left, my grandparents will let me know. Turns out he actually had already thrown one away! Can you believe that? It was like a punch in the gut when I heard that.

      Reply
  9. Kelly says

    August 13, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    Love it. So curious as to what you keep in it????

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 13, 2012 at 6:51 pm

      Thanks Kelly! I’m storing my craft/office supplies in it for now. I am still doing lots of organizing so most drawers are still empty, but I’m getting there!

      Reply
  10. kelly says

    August 13, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    Love it! The color is amazing…what a great piece…thanks for the step by step too.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 14, 2012 at 11:19 pm

      Thank you Kelly!

      Reply
  11. Teresa Tullio says

    August 13, 2012 at 11:48 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful! We were just telling the grandkids about library doors. They wanted to know why we would use cards when you can just look books up on the intrnet? Oh well glad you decided not to paint because the color is stunning. Now I need to locate one of those! Great Job

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 14, 2012 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks, Teresa! The internet may be a more efficient way of looking up books, but it’s certainly not as pretty! 🙂 Lots of great memories of these cabinets in the school library when I was a child.

      Reply
  12. Angie Granata says

    August 14, 2012 at 2:35 am

    Holy s…. do I love this. I want it. I am starting to look for one right now.
    Need it right now. Gorgeous. Simply gorg.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 14, 2012 at 11:21 pm

      LOL! Thanks so much Angie.

      Reply
  13. [email protected] says

    August 17, 2012 at 3:28 am

    This turned out beautiful! I bought an old library cabinet a year ago that is STILL waiting for me to tackle it. Like you, I don’t want to paint it, just re-stain it darker. You have given me hope that my vision will (someday) come to life!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 18, 2012 at 12:50 am

      Thanks Korrie! I’d love to see yours when it’s finished too!

      Reply
  14. lauren @ West Furniture Revival says

    August 17, 2012 at 4:16 am

    THE CATALOG TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL! love that you just stained it.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 18, 2012 at 12:51 am

      Thanks so much, Lauren!

      Reply
  15. Cynthia says

    August 17, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Good decision on staining it! I would totally love to find one , too, someday!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 18, 2012 at 12:51 am

      Thank you Cynthia!

      Reply
  16. Between Blue and Yellow says

    August 17, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    That looks like some project! But way to go for taking the time to do it. I’m sure it was well worth the effort. It looks gorgeous. I have always wanted one of these, I live right outside ATL, where are you?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 18, 2012 at 12:55 am

      Thank you! Just emailed you.

      Reply
  17. michele says

    August 17, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    i want it!!!! put my name on it if ever you decide to part ways!

    found you via MMS’s party where i’m partying too. would love to have you as a follower.

    smiles and happy weekend.

    michele

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 18, 2012 at 12:56 am

      Thanks Michele!

      Reply
  18. May says

    August 18, 2012 at 3:06 am

    So glad you didn’t paint it! It looks great.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:12 am

      Thanks May!

      Reply
  19. Johnnie says

    August 19, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Aack! I love it. It looks amazing, Erin. Fantastic call on staining it. xoxo

    Reply
  20. Jenn "Rook No. 17" says

    August 19, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Absolutely lovely! A little jealous tho — I want one!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:12 am

      Thanks Jenn!

      Reply
  21. Debbie @ Fine Point Creations says

    August 20, 2012 at 12:35 am

    You did an amazing job! Enjoy it for many years to come. If your grandparents ever find another one let me know 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:12 am

      Thanks, Debbie! I’ll definitely keep you in the loop. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Laura @ House Of Joyful Noise says

    August 21, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    Erin! How lucky are YOU?!! I was just telling my friend the other day, how much I would love to have one of these old library catalog cabinets!
    BEAUTIFUL renovation, and what a smart decision, to keep it classic.
    LOVE!!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:13 am

      Thank you, Laura!

      Reply
  23. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    August 21, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Completely gorgeous… and beautifully restored. What a treasure Erin!! Your photos are lovely too 😉

    Reply
  24. Amy Marshall says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:12 am

    Oh my goodness, it’s beautiful! I have one also rescued from a school but the thought of all that work has me paralyzed with fear. I think re-staining it like you did was just perfect, paint wouldn’t have done it justice. Great job!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:14 am

      Thank you Amy! Good luck with refinishing yours also. I’d love to see pics when you’re finished!

      Reply
  25. Liz Marie says

    August 24, 2012 at 2:20 am

    Such a beautiful cabinet!!! I would love for you to link it up at the linky party on my blog; http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2012/08/link-up-with-me-liz-marie-15/ I know my readers would love to see this amazing piece!!

    xx Liz Marie

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:15 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  26. Marty Walden says

    August 24, 2012 at 4:06 am

    I have been coveting one of these card catalogs for years now, to no avail. I keep hoping I will stumble into one because they bring up such great childhood memories for me. Fabulous job!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:15 am

      Thank you, Marty! Hope you find one soon.

      Reply
  27. Honey at 2805 says

    August 24, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Erin, this is a fabulous piece! I have been looking for one forever! I would be delighted for you to share this at Potpourri Friday, in progress!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:14 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  28. Old Crow says

    August 25, 2012 at 12:10 am

    Absolutely beautiful. You truly have the gift of seeing the finished product. That doesn’t come easy as I believe it’s a gift and all who follow these sites truly have. Keep up the good work – all of you. Wish I knew how to start a blog as I have created many (I think) beautiful pieces and I love what I do.

    Carolyn

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 25, 2012 at 1:15 am

      Thanks so much, Carolyn. I appreciate that! You could always set up a free blogger account at blogspot.com to start out with. Good luck and please stay in touch! I’d love to see some of your projects.

      Reply
  29. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    August 25, 2012 at 3:04 am

    That is totally cool and very much deserved the feature on MMS!!! congrats on that and on getting your cabinet finished. It is beautiful and I would proudly display it if it were mine! Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 10, 2012 at 9:03 pm

      Thanks so much Jill!

      Reply
  30. Miss Charming says

    September 6, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    You did such a great job refinishing it, Erin! It looks beautiful!. So lucky your grandparents knew what a treasure it was and rescued it for you. (Card catalogs are so difficult to find now and quite pricey, too!)

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 10, 2012 at 9:04 pm

      Thank you! I appreciate that.

      Reply
  31. KLH Designs says

    September 10, 2012 at 2:16 am

    Your cabinet looks absolutely fantastic! I wish I had one. BTW, there is someone one Ebay selling the drawers without the cabinet, if you’re interested in purchasing drawers for the bottom row. Here’s a link in case you’re interested… http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Library-CARD-catalog-FILE-Drawer-Brass-Pull-dovetail-joints-Cabinet-Draw?item=160879479346&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D1936296809854440458#ht_500wt_1414

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 10, 2012 at 9:04 pm

      Thank you! And thanks so much for the info!

      Reply
  32. [email protected] says

    February 24, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Your card catalog is gorgeous. I also have one that I refinished darker, rather than cover up with paint, but I think yours is prettier!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 21, 2013 at 3:55 pm

      Aww thanks Korrie! I’m sure yours is beautiful! You can’t beat an old wooden card catalog. 🙂

      Reply
  33. Cynthia LeJeune says

    July 20, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    I am looking for the rods for a card catalog. Interested in selling the extra ones.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 21, 2013 at 3:55 pm

      Oh I’m sorry Cynthia, but I really want to hold on to mine! If I change my mind, I’ll definitely let you know! 🙂

      Reply
  34. jen says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful! Great job!

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      October 30, 2013 at 6:58 pm

      Thank you Jen!

      Reply
  35. John says

    December 15, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Nice job! I especially like the color stain you chose (dark walnut)–it really brought out the grain nicely. I have a question for you, since I have a set of drawers as well: what have you done to repurpose it for storing items? The drawers I have are partially open at the bottom (I am thinking of cutting pieces of masonite to fit within) and the rods that held the cards sometimes seem to be an obstacle within the drawer (though I wouldn’t ever remove them, since they are part of the hardware). Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      December 15, 2013 at 9:50 pm

      Thanks, John! I actually left the drawers “as is.” So far, it hasn’t been an issue. The drawers are partially open on this one too, but it holds my craft supplies nicely. I definitely didn’t want to remove the rods either, so I just work around those. The masonite would work well or small pieces of thin plywood (like the thickness of a drawer-bottom, for example) along the edges. Please let me know what you end up doing!

      Reply
  36. Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says

    July 7, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    I love your card catalog! It came out beautifully! I wish I could find a card catalog for my home … I just love card catalogs! Visiting from Haven Mavens. Hope to meet you in Atlanta!

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      July 8, 2014 at 8:43 pm

      Thank you Lauren! It was a lucky find that my grandparents scored for me!

      Reply
  37. Jane Stewart says

    July 11, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    This is just beautiful! I appreciate all the pictures and detailed instructions.

    Could you measure the label holder pulls and tell me the dimensions? I don’t know that I can find a cabinet, so I may resort to building myself one. The hardware I’ve found online varies greatly in dimensions. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  38. Karen says

    October 19, 2014 at 1:44 am

    I bought a much larger, solid maple, 72 drawer card catalog off Craigslist for only $300. (Most lesser pieces sell $1,000) No hardware missing or any damage. My biggest concern is the seemingly rock hard finish. It has an opague beige finish and I want to get it down to the bare maple and then try and match it to other mid century pieces I have in my sewing room. What stripper did you use? I don’t know what type to buy!!

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      October 19, 2014 at 2:58 pm

      Wow, Karen! That sounds like an amazing find. I used CitriStrip — you may find this tutorial helpful: . I would love to see before and after pics!

      Reply
  39. Janna says

    October 20, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    I just got one of these, and I cannot figure out how to get the rods out to remove the cards. Any advice? Gorgeous work, by the way.

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      October 20, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      If I remember correctly, I think mine just unscrewed. If it’s really old, they may just be stubborn so you could try using a wrench, just be careful not to scratch them. Maybe wrap a cloth around it and then twist with a wrench? Good luck!

      Reply
  40. Tana says

    October 22, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    I just purchased a 16 drawer card catalog, it is light maple wood. I want to stain it darker. How did you remove the hardware on the front of the drawer? Yours is beautiful. Tana

    Reply
    • Tana says

      October 22, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      I should of read the other posts. Yes I’m one of those people! But for the life of me I can’t figure out how to remove the rods, It just turns. any help would be appreciated…

      Reply
      • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

        October 22, 2014 at 8:49 pm

        Hi Tana! Hmm.. is there a nut or something on the inside of the drawer that the rod is attached to? You may have to hold that part still with a wrench while you twist the front part of the rod to loosen it. Otherwise the whole thing may just keep turning and turning. I think with mine, there is a little piece around the base of the knob part of the rod that I had to untwist and then the rod would slide out of the drawer. Some of them are tricky though since they are all pretty old. If worse comes to worse and you just can’t get it out, I would just cover the rods in painter’s tape while you refinish it. Good luck!

        Reply
  41. Jane Stewart says

    November 6, 2014 at 11:52 pm

    A re-post as it was unanswered, and I’m still really interested. Haven’t seen one of these “in person” in years:
    This is just beautiful! I appreciate all the pictures and detailed instructions.
    Could you measure the label holder pulls and tell me the dimensions? I don’t know that I can find a cabinet, so I may resort to building myself one. The hardware I’ve found online varies greatly in dimensions. Thanks so much!

    Read more at http://diyonthecheap.com/stick-a-fork-in-it-its-done-library-cabinet-reveal/#BOIZwSJiesWPfi3c.99

    Reply
    • Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

      November 7, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Jane! Sorry that I missed your previous post. The rectangular part of the handles are 1 1/2″ x 2 3/4″.

      Reply
  42. Karen says

    November 14, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    Theres a trick. I found that there was a “button” under the front of the drawer, push that up, and slide the rod out! I’m having my husband cut all the rods off, and then slide the knob back in. Tried it already, and it works
    great. I’m on currently stripping drawer #13, only 59 to go!

    Reply
  43. Amy says

    May 18, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    Hi,

    Love the refinishing job you did on this. I have recently come into possession of a card catalogue (unfortunately from the 70s and not one of the gorgeous old ones, but I am not complaining as I love it). I would like to use it for craft supply storage as well.

    I am just curious how you have organized yours and what kind of craft supplies your organize in it. Would you be willing to share and maybe even share a picture of the insides of the drawers?

    Thanks,
    Amy

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      May 18, 2016 at 9:13 pm

      Hi Amy! Thank you for stopping by. At the moment I have craft supplies taking over every corner of the house, so things aren’t currently as organized as usual! I will try to shoot pics and maybe do a post either on here or on social media, but some of the items I store in here are: craft paints (although now I have an entire dresser in the dining room holding craft paints); ribbon; adhesives like hot glue sticks, regular glue, super glue, etc.; glitter; Mod Podge; Mod Podge Mod Melts and molds; paint brushes; kid craft items like pom poms and googly eyes; scissors; stamps and ink pads; polymer clay and cutters; small stencils; furniture nailheads; and probably more stuff I’m forgetting! I try my best to group things into categories, and you’d be surprised by how much you can actually fit in those little drawers. That’s wonderful that you found one! Hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed this one!

      Reply
  44. heather says

    September 7, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Erin, this is BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks, Heather!

      Reply
  45. Debbie Miller says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    Hi Erin,
    I am currently working on one of these. I have had it for almost 20 years waiting for time to do it justice. I am having a hard time removing the long pins that held the cards in place on the runner inside the drawers. What is the trick to removing them. When I twist they don’t seem to do anything. This may be a “duh” kind of question but I’m new at this. I love what you have done with yours.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      I believe mine twisted out, but I have heard from others that theirs would not come out either. I actually left mine in and just store things around them. I’m not sure if there is a way other than twisting them. Sorry! I would love to see photos of yours though. I am a little bit obsessed with these!

      Reply
      • Debbie Miller says

        September 9, 2016 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks. The four sets I have are in stacking sections and two of the four are in pretty good shape but one of the pin/knob pieces is missing in one of the “good” drawers. I want to complete the two best sections and use them in my sewing room for notions and threads so I wanted to replace the missing pin/rod with one from one of the other sections that is already missing several of them. I finally figured out how to remove them but it turns out the two styles are different enough that the other pins don’t fit in the hole. They look like they would be interchangeable but they are not so I think I’ll need to do a workaround and attach the knob without the pin so it looks the same from the outside. I’m fine with that but it’s a harder repair than I had hoped. I don’t intend to refinish these at this time.
        Your pictures and ideas are getting the wheels turning for me on how to use the other sections with the missing pins down the road a bit. Thanks again. I’ll post a picture but it won’t look as nice as yours. One day I might decide to go to the work of refinishing because I love the darker wood. Mine is the blond color.

        Reply
        • Erin Spain says

          September 10, 2016 at 8:20 pm

          I’m sure it is a beautiful piece! My grandmother has one of the blond wood ones and I love hers too. They’re all beautiful to me!

          Reply
  46. kristin says

    September 8, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    When I first saw this makeover I’ve been on the hunt for one! So pretty

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks Kristin!

      Reply
  47. Kathleen E. Trahan says

    September 15, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    I love the look of your card catalog. I just got lucky and got one with 43 drawer. There 5 drawer across and 7 down then two roles of 4’s totaling 8 drawers they are bigger. They are different shades and I’m looking to just clean it up and put a little stain on it. right now its on a furniture doillie. I think I got the odor out of it is in my garage on the way into my sewing room for now. I had been looking for one for years seen one over a 1000.00 dollars noway. My sister son-in-law put in a bid for 15 dollars on a city locker a got it. my niece wanted it her HB didn’t want another piece of junk as he call it and she gave it to me. I’m so thrilled for all of you been wanting one keep looking.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 16, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      Wow! $15 is an amazing deal. So glad you scored one of these!

      Reply
  48. Galveston Steve says

    October 12, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    Super job refinishing this card catalog! I had a small section of one years ago that I wish I had not given up in a move. . . need to find one again.

    Reply
  49. Martha Swearingen says

    October 29, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    Where did u buy the pulls?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      The pulls came with it.

      Reply
  50. Angela Wright says

    December 16, 2018 at 5:52 pm

    I love your refinishing job. It looks great. I have a card catalog that I also use for storing crafts right now. Did you remove the rods and move able metal plates inside the drawers? I’ve thought about tackling that particular thing in my card catalog. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 21, 2019 at 9:27 pm

      Thank you! Yes, I did remove the rods and metal when refinishing.

      Reply
  51. Patty says

    March 3, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    I just took 3 of these, with a stand in trade. How did you get metal for paper insert off? I’m so excited to refinish. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 4, 2019 at 6:59 pm

      Oh nice! I left the metal parts in the drawers, except for the rods which I was able to unscrew and slide out.

      Reply
      • Patty Wilson says

        March 8, 2019 at 3:22 pm

        Sorry, I wasn’t clear. It is the metal plate that holds the paper, on the front of the drawer. The rods popped out easy, but I can’t see how the plates are attached. They look just like yours. Your wood is way prettier though..lol

        Reply
      • Patty Wilson says

        March 19, 2019 at 7:27 am

        I’m sorry, I didn’t explain well. I meant the part on the very front of drawer with the slot that holds the paper. I dont see how it is attached. There are no screws on the back. It looks like it was tapped into wood, but I dont want to damage them trying to pry off.

        Reply
        • Erin Spain says

          March 26, 2019 at 10:50 pm

          I didn’t pry them off. Just finished around them.

          Reply
  52. Michael Johnson says

    August 9, 2020 at 11:30 am

    It appears that your card file has the later style drawers with a wood front and a plastic tray. I do have a few extra of this type drawer. If you decide that you’d like to file the bottom row, contact me and we can see if the drawers that I have will work.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 9, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks. The drawer trays are actually metal.

      Reply
  53. Lindsey Laird says

    May 13, 2021 at 11:05 am

    Did you have to replace any of the pull rods? Mine is missing some and I want to restore it and replace the missing ones. If you did, where did you purchase them from? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:18 am

      No, it wasn’t missing any of the pull rods but it had some broken drawers so I replaced the bottom row with jars so it would look more intentional. You might check ebay!

      Reply
  54. Susan M Valentine says

    September 18, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Thank you. I just picked up an old card catalog from a thrift store. It’s missing one drawer and fairly beat up. Were you able to find a table for it to sit in? It looks like a perfect fit!! Yours is beautiful. I’m still trying to find something for mine to sit on.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      October 24, 2021 at 4:46 pm

      Thank you! Mine came with the stand.

      Reply

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