There’s just something about a cabinet loaded with drawers!
Maybe it’s the fantasy of getting organized or just curiosity about what’s inside, but whatever the reason, we can’t resist little drawers. And whether it’s country store spool cabinets or library card catalogs, flea markets are packed with drawers galore! And since all those cubbies earn their keep as storage, you don’t have to stop at just one set. After all, the drawer the merrier!
Tip #1: Check for locked drawers.
Unless you’re a locksmith, even a stunning set of drawers is useless if they are all locked. To keep from getting shut out, try opening the drawers first and if any are locked, ask about the key (and try it yourself!). With a set of locked post office boxes, at least you can use the cubbyholes in the back to sort your own mail.
Tip #2: Check for sticking drawers.
A cabinet full of screechy drawers can be worse than having no drawers at all! So open and close every one to make sure they slide smoothly. If one sticks or squeaks, you can rub the edge with a little wax or a bar of soap. But if a jammed drawer just won’t budge, walk on by. Who needs the noise––not to mention the frustration?!
Tip #3: Check the drawer size.
A Chinese apothecary cabinet is an auspicious find, but its tiny drawers limit what you can store inside. Before you haul that treasured chest home, consider its intended use. Think inside the box: pens and scissors for deep, narrow drawers and pushpins and paperclips for itty-bitty square ones. Just use a little common sense—even the loveliest flat file makes a lousy jewelry box.
Fortunate Flaw: Don’t worry if that charming chest is missing a drawer or two—just use that flaw to get a deep discount. You can always use the empty space as a cubby.
Weighty Decision: You may be excited that your find has so many drawers, but beware: all that hardware weighs more than it looks. You may want to skip that eighteen-drawer, oak filing cabinet. Unless, of course, you shop with weightlifters.
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