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Keeping files and stationery neat in the office can be difficult. This is where filing cabinets help. They allow you to tidy up your workstation. Having a clutter-free workspace not only ensures your office essentials are easily reachable but also helps to create a more productive mindset.
How We Compared Filing Cabinets
To find the right filing cabinets, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Type
- Material
- Wheels
- Security
- Design
- Weight Capacity
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Filing Cabinet Reviews
VASAGLE Industrial Style File Cabinet (Editor’s Choice)
This file cabinet has a durable steel frame that supports up to 50kg. It also includes premium particleboard and four 360-degree swivel castors to quickly move it to different rooms. Best of all, the front two castors come with brakes to lock it in place safely.
The VASAGLE Industrial Style File Cabinet includes multiple storage options. These consist of a top surface for presenting office stationeries, an upper drawer for accessories and a bottom drawer for files. All sections accommodate A4 documents.
This model features a practical drawer with hanging rails on the bottom component for storing files in an organised manner. This is easily adjustable to suit a variety of document sizes and shapes and has a 32-cm depth.
Pros:
- Three storage options
- Hanging rails
- Lockable castors
- Steel frame
- Suitable for A4 files
Cons:
- The drawers might not open smoothly and could stick
- The instructions might be difficult to follow
Pierre Henry Filing Cabinet (Luxury Choice)
With this option, you’ll receive four drawers that can store up to 30 A4 files per section. Meanwhile, the strong steel finish has a hardwearing gloss finish for a long-lasting, luxury choice that will suit any office decor.
The Pierre Henry Filing Cabinet includes keys supplied with each lock, enabling you to store private information inside. Its large but narrow design is ideal for small office spaces and companies with many files.
Additionally, each drawer features handles for a comfortable feel against your hand. Plus, this filing cabinet includes smooth action drawer runners that won’t damage the frame or get stuck mid-use.
Pros:
- Four drawers
- Durable steel construction
- Roll-bearing runners
- Locks included
- Great for narrow spaces
Cons:
- It might not have a maximum weight capacity as heavy as other filing cabinets
- This model may not include wheels
JJS 3 Drawer Rolling Wood File Cabinet (Best Value)
This office furniture includes three drawers with a bottom one that provides enough room for letter-size files. It is designed using high-quality MDF boards that provide excellent durability for a professional finish in all office spaces.
You can store the JJS 3 Drawer Rolling Wood File Cabinet in small work environments thanks to its low format that allows you to squeeze it under most desks. Each drawer is equipped with a lock for peace of mind when holding personal documents. You can even use one key to lock all three drawers.
The unit is made of melamine for protection against everyday use. Additionally, it has lockable wheels to conveniently move it around the office or to different rooms.
Pros:
- Durable, wooden MDF boards
- Includes keys
- Three drawers
- Lockable wheels
- Guide rail
Cons:
- It might not include as many drawers as other filing cabinets
- Each drawer might not be as deep as others
Vinsetto Fully Assembled (Best Compact)
This option features two top drawers and a large bottom drawer for plenty of room to store documents, office supplies and other accessories. With a 50-kg maximum weight capacity, it can hold plenty of items.
The Vinsetto Fully Assembled boasts a steel body for a durable exterior for everyday use. It’s also equipped with four omnidirectional wheels for convenient movement.
This storage cabinet has lockable doors to keep your contents safe when you’re not supervising them. Moreover, it measures just 59cm tall and easily fits under desks.
Pros:
- Large bottom drawer
- Steel construction
- Four wheels
- It easily fits under desks
- Lockable doors
Cons:
- This model might not be suitable for those who want deeper drawers
- It may not include hanging rails for holding documents
Bisley Desktop Cabinet (Best for Sturdiness)
This piece of furniture includes ten removable drawers. In fact, you can eliminate each one, and the insert housing enables you to organise every section with a labelling system.
The Bisley Desktop Cabinet has a powder-coated paint finish with non-locking drawers. Each one measures 47mm tall for a cohesive organisation system that allows you to store A4 files flat.
Furthermore, this cabinet arrives pre-made, so you don’t need to assemble it yourself. It has a robust design that can withstand a lot of weight in each section. Plus, its tall yet thin form makes it perfect for smaller workspaces.
Pros:
- Ten removable drawers
- Insert housing for labelling
- Suitable for A4 flat filing
- Arrives ready to use
- Robust and sturdy
Cons:
- It might be too tall for some spaces
- The drawers may not be deep enough
YOLEO 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet (Best for Easy Assembly)
This piece of furniture only requires a few assembly steps, making it suitable for everyone to build. It’s also equipped with five 360-degree swivel wheels that are lockable. The additional wheel is anti-tipping for plenty of security and peace of mind at the office.
The YOLEO 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet features one lock with two keys to keep your documents safe and private. Best of all, it includes a removable tray you can add to the first or second drawer. This tray has grids, allowing you to neatly place small office items inside.
Furthermore, you can easily store files in the bottom drawer. This section accommodates legal, letters, and A4-size documents. Plus, the sliding rails are smooth and extend all the way out to prevent the drawer from getting trapped.
Pros:
- Five wheels
- Lockable drawers
- Removable tray
- Bottom drawer for letters
- Stable and durable
Cons:
- It might not hold weights as heavy as other filing cabinets
- The top drawer might be slightly stiff to open
Requena 3 Drawers Mobile File Cabinet (Best for Manoeuvrability)
Durable and lockable, this piece of furniture has a durable steel metal frame with an anti-rust and corrosion-resistant finish. Available in black or white, you can choose a shade that suits your work environment.
The Requena 3 Drawers Mobile File Cabinet comes to lock all three drawers and one lock with two keys. It features two top drawers for holding small items and a large bottom one for hanging large files.
Additionally, it has a top section where you can display a decoration or convert it into another compartment for office essentials. Overall, it has a short height, which is great for storing it under desks.
Pros:
- Five wheels
- Three drawers
- Sturdy steel frame
- Two colours
- Large bottom drawer
Cons:
- It might be fairly difficult to assemble
- This model may not be tall enough for larger items
How to Choose a Filing Cabinet
A range of filing cabinets is available on the market, which can make buying the right one a complicated process. Below are some important factors to keep in mind to select the best one for your needs.
Type
Lateral
This filing cabinet style has drawers that extend wide without as much depth as other types. This format is ideal for larger, wider spaces and allows you to look through files inside without standing up.
Vertical
A vertical filing cabinet features many drawers with a shallow depth and a tall format. This design provides more storage space and is suitable for office layouts with higher ceilings. Plus, a higher number of drawers works best if you have a lot of office accessories.
Flat File
These types of cabinets feature short, spacious drawers to lie documents flat without damaging important files.
Mobile Cabinet
Consider a mobile cabinet if you need to transfer documents from one space to another. These include casters that let you easily move the unit across surfaces, such as carpets and hard floors. You can also store these mobile cabinets under your desk and roll them out when you need to retrieve a file.
Material
Steel
Steel is one of the most durable materials and can endure wear and tear, warping and sagging. It is also scratch-resistant, making it ideal for a demanding work environment.
Furthermore, steel is available in various colours and finishes, and it generally includes lock systems for peace of mind when storing essential documents. However, one flaw of steel filing cabinets is that they don’t typically appear as stylish as other materials if you’re looking to break up the tedium of a work environment.
Aluminium
Lightweight and durable, aluminium tends to be more accessible than other materials. It can also withstand plenty of impacts and isn’t prone to warping.
Wood
Wood filing cabinets have an attractive appearance with lots of character. They create a warm, cosy setting and are available in a selection of finishes and colours to suit your space.
Plastic
This is the best option, but it isn’t usually as durable and long-lasting. Remember that plastic filing cabinets also don’t offer the same security that other materials can.
Wheels
If you’d like to move your filing cabinet from one room to another, look for one with built-in, lockable wheels. You should also research compatible flooring to ensure it’s suitable for your workspace. Opt for at least three wheels for extra security when it’s stationary.
Security
If you plan on keeping confidential material in your filing cabinet, consider one with locks. Having a key gives you peace of mind in a room with a lot of traffic, so you can leave private documents unattended. Bear in mind that some cabinets only have one drawer with a lock, so don’t assume each drawer is lockable.
Design
Furniture can be both practical and a work of art in a room. Therefore, you’ll want to choose a colour and aesthetic that matches your workspace. Take into account the cabinet’s size, too, as you want to allow plenty of room for other furniture in the room.
Weight Capacity
Before researching filing cabinets, plan what items you’ll store inside and, if applicable, on top of them. This will help you to know what maximum weight capacity to look for.
The unit should be able to hold the weight of your office essentials without toppling over. This aspect is essential to have in an environment with animals and children.
Summary
The VASAGLE Industrial Style File Cabinet is our most recommended office furniture, as it has many benefits. In particular, it features three separate storage sections: a top, upper, and deep bottom. These allow you to organise a variety of office equipment.
Meanwhile, the file drawer is practical and easily adjusts to suit A4 or letter-size files, keeping them within reach and in good condition. Furthermore, it boasts a solid steel frame and can support up to 50kg. It is also finished with four 360-degree swivel castors to move it into different rooms.
Amy is a U.K.-based writer and editor with a penchant for helping consumers find the best home products for their needs, as well as providing easily digestible guides for living better at home. Her dedication to her work means she can usually be found elbow-deep in research or hunting down samples of the latest and greatest on behalf of her readers.
An avid DIYer herself, Amy’s passion lies in teaching others how they too can achieve their dream homes by tackling some of those pesky projects themselves! Whether it’s building furniture from scratch or turning an old dresser into a coffee table, Amy is always happy to share what she knows about making your house feel like home without spending a fortune.