I originally looked at metal filing cabinets at Office Depot--and they were asking $60 for cabinets that were so badly made that the floor models were falling apart! Then I found this "wood look" one, which is more like a substantial piece of furniture (it looks like a dresser) and thought I could paint it to match the unfinished pine furniture I'm painting for my home office. I got a big discount by buying the slightly chipped floor model and thought "why not?"
Looks like I got more than I bargained for... But I'll give your suggestions a try! I have a feeling this piece can actually look good once it's painted.