A filing cabinet is an essential piece of furniture for any home or office. Even though digital storage is common, you still need drawers to keep your important documents safe and secured.
However, buying a filing cabinet is not a simple task, especially when you have a ton of choices for size and finish. Some people are looking for a filing cabinet that can fit under the desk or blend in well with their home décor.
Aside from its design and size, you also need to consider the product’s construction to ensure that you’re buying a high-quality filing cabinet. You should also look for filing cabinets that are wide enough to fit legal-size documents without folding them and that have ball bearing glides or a glide suspension that will allow you to open and close the drawers smoothly and easily.
To help you in your search, we’ve reviewed the top filing cabinets from a wide range of companies and can confidently say that these are the best filing cabinets available on the market.
The Best Filing Cabinet
Alta Furniture Ameriwood File Cabinet
Alta Furniture is a Dutch company that manufactures various pieces of furniture that are modern, rustic, and nostalgic. Most products from this manufacturer are not only well-designed but durable and high-quality as well.
The Alta Furniture Ameriwood file cabinet has an elegant design, and its cherry and gray finish will blend perfectly in any office or home. Aside from that, this filing cabinet also features two drawers, which is large enough to store your standard or legal-sized documents and large office supplies. Plus, it is sturdy enough to hold large items on top, such as a television or bookshelf speaker system.
For its construction, this filing cabinet is made with MDF and particleboard with a water-resistant PVC surface. It has a dimension of 28.9 inches tall x 29.4 inches width x 19.5 inches deep. You can pull out its drawers smoothly; however, you can only open one drawer at a time, and it won’t fit under most desks and computer tables. Lastly, it will take about an hour to put this cabinet together.
Bush Furniture Cabot File Cabinet
Bush Furniture is one of the top brands of Bush Industries Inc., a US-based company that manufactures ready to assemble (RTA) furniture products. Aside from being stylish, products from Bush Furniture are also made with premium materials.
The Bush Furniture Cabot is one of the bestselling filing cabinets on the market. This is not surprising because this product is highly functional, and it offers a lot of great features.
For one, this filing cabinet has a simple yet elegant design, which will blend well in your home or office. Aside from that, it also has two large drawers with chrome-finished handles, giving it a modern look. Plus, you can open and close the drawers smoothly, thanks to its full-extension ball bearing slides.
For its size, the Bush Furniture Cabot is a bit large – with a dimension of 31.4 inches x 19.7 inches x 30.2 inches. This model is not lightweight, and it’s too tall to fit under a desk, but it is sturdy enough to serve as a TV stand. This filing cabinet can be assembled by two people in less than an hour.
Lorell LLR17427 SOHO File Cabinet
Headquartered in the US, Lorell is one of the well-recognized brands of furniture. This is because products from this company are not only reasonably priced; they also shine with design, innovation, and quality.
The Lorell LLR17427 SOHO will not only keep your documents in place. It can also add some style to your office space. For its features, this filing cabinet offers two large drawers and one accessory drawer. The large drawers are for your large folders, while the accessory drawer is meant for your small office supplies. Plus, the drawers have smooth glide suspension, so they will open and close smoothly.
With a dimension of 18 inches x 14.3 inches x 27 inches, this filing cabinet is a bit large and probably won’t fit under your home office desk, but you can easily move it, thanks to its four casters. Lastly, this product has a steel construction with a baked enamel finish, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
Laura Davidson Furniture Stockpile File Cabinet
Laura Davidson Furniture is a US-based manufacturer of furniture and home decor. Additionally, products from this company are popular and highly rated due to their distinct design, fine-tuned specs, and top-notch quality.
The Laura Davidson Furniture Stockpile is designed to fit under most tables and desks. It has a contemporary look that will blend perfectly in your modern office. Plus, it is made with cold-rolled, powder-coated steel, which is more durable than regular steel.
For storage, it has one large drawer and two small drawers. The large one can store legal-sized documents, while the small drawers are for your small office supplies. The drawers are also equipped with high-quality ball bearing glides, which ensures a lifetime of smooth opening and closing. Plus, the top drawer has a lock for your valuable items or documents. Best of all, this filing cabinet is fully assembled, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
Bush Furniture Key West File Cabinet
Bush Furniture offers stylish, functional, and high-quality products.
The Bush Furniture Key West can fit naturally in a lot of homes, thanks to its simple and casual design. Its two drawers have an X pattern, which enhances its attractiveness. Plus, it is made with wood with a washed gray finish that gives it a vintage look.
This filing cabinet has a dimension of 30 inches tall x 19.9 inches deep x 30 inches wide. It also has two file drawers that can accommodate legal-sized documents. Also, the drawers have full-extension ball bearing slides, so you can open and close them smoothly. Finally, this furniture has met the ANSI/SOHO safety and performance standards, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
The only downside is that it’s too tall to fit under most desks.
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Ameriwood Home Core File Cabinet
Ameriwood Home is a US-based company that aims to improve the lives of their customers by providing them with home furnishings that are not only affordable but highly functional as well.
Built with laminated particleboard with an espresso finish and silver-tone handles, the Ameriwood Home Core will add a homey touch to your modern office. Aside from its simple yet sophisticated look, this filing cabinet also offers two spacious drawers that can support up to 25 pounds of weight. Plus, they can accommodate letter-sized documents.
Aside from those features, this filing cabinet has a dimension of approximately 24.5 inches tall x 15.5 inches wide x 14.75 inches deep, which is the perfect size for most offices and can even fit under most desks or computer tables. However, you need to assemble it, which will take an hour or so.
Devaise Metal File Cabinet
Devaise is a furniture manufacturer that is committed to providing their customers with high-quality products and the best customer service.
The Devaise metal filing cabinet has an all-metal construction, making it an extremely durable filing cabinet. Plus, it has a height of 24.4 inches, so you can place it under your desk. For its features, this filing cabinet has two stationery drawers that provide immediate access to your small office supplies and tools. These two drawers also feature different compartments for organized storage. It also has a large drawer, which can accommodate legal-sized documents. You can open and close the drawers smoothly, thanks to their full-extension ball bearing slides. Also, it has a lock system that secures the three drawers. Lastly, it has five casters, which allow you to move it with ease.
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Lorell 14341 File Cabinet
If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality filing cabinet, the Lorell 14341 is an excellent choice. This is because this file cabinet is highly functional.
For its features, this filing cabinet has a dimension of 24 inches tall x 14.2 inches wide x 18 inches deep. It also features two drawers that can store all your legal-sized files. Plus, each drawer has a lock to keep your sensitive documents secured. Also, each drawer has a glide suspension that allows you to open and close the drawer smoothly. Additionally, this product has a steel construction, which is sturdy and long-lasting.
Overall, the Lorell 14341 is a highly rated filing cabinet not only due to its affordable price, but for its sturdiness and convenience. You might even be able to slide this one under your desk.
Belham Living Carter File Cabinet
Belham Living is a trademark of Hayneedle Inc., a US-based company that offers home furnishings and décor. Belham Living products are known for their timeless design and top-notch quality.
The Belham Living Carter is a combination of modern and mid-century design, resulting in an elegant-looking file cabinet that will blend into any home or office. Plus, it is made of high-quality MDF, poplar wood, and birch veneer with a warm walnut finish to enchance its beauty.
For its size, this filing cabinet has a dimension of 19.5 inches wide x 15.75 inches deep x 26 inches tall. It features two drawers – one for legal-size documents and the other for your small office supplies. Unfortunately, you need to assemble it, but it will only take an hour to put together this gorgeous file cabinet.
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Safco Products 5380BL Scoot Filing Cabinet
Headquartered in the US, Safco Products Company is a distributor of organization and furniture products for the office. This company aims to bring the comforts of your home to your office. As such, they provide their customers with comfortable, well-designed, and high-quality office furniture.
The Safco Products 5380BL Scoot is not only a filing cabinet but a seat as well. On the top, it features an upholstered cushion, which can provide comfortable seating for your visitors. Under the cushion is a side-access drawer that can hold letter-size hanging files and other office supplies. Plus, the steel drawer has full-extension slides that allow you to open and close the drawer with ease.
This filing cabinet has a height of 20 inches, so you can roll it under your desk. If you have a guest, you can move the filing cabinet out easily, thanks to its four swivel casters.
Alera File Cabinet
Alera is a US-based company that sells office furniture. All products from this brand are made with premium materials and top-notch building techniques. As such you are guaranteed that they are stylish, extremely durable, and of superior quality.
The Alera File Cabinet may look simple and unassuming, but it offers features that will entice you to buy it. For one, it has two spacious drawers that can accommodate your legal-sized hanging files. The drawers also have a ball bearing slide suspension that allows you to close and open the drawers smoothly. However, you can only open one drawer at a time due to its anti-tipping interlock system. It also has a single key core lock system to keep your sensitive documents safe and secured. Lastly, this file cabinet has a dimension of 36 inches wide x 19.25 inches deep x 29 inches high (not meant for under-desk storage).
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Z-Line Designs File Cabinet
Established in 1995 by Jim Sexton, Z-Line Designs is a well-recognized brand in the RTA furniture industry. This is because products from this company are stylish, innovative, and high-quality.
The Z-Line Designs File Cabinet is coated in espresso wood and finished with rich cherry and black accents, making it look stylish and elegant.
For its features, this filing cabinet has two spacious drawers that can store letter and legal-size hanging files. Plus, the drawers have full-extension glides, which allow you to access your documents with ease. It also has a lock to keep your important documents secure. Finally, it has a dimension of 29 inches wide x 16.38 inches deep x 28.25 inches high, which may be a little too tall to fit under a desk.
Sauder Edge Water File Cabinet
Founded by Erie Sauder in 1934, Sauder is one of the leading distributors of RTA furniture in North America. As such, you can expect that products from this company are not only well-designed but of top-notch quality as well.
The Sauder Edge Water has wood construction with an estate black finish that makes it look modish and sophisticated. Aside from that, it also features two roomy drawers that can store legal-size hanging files. Plus, the drawers have full extension slides, so you can open and close the drawers with ease. However, you can only open one drawer at a time due to its interlocking safety mechanism.
This filing cabinet has a dimension of 33.31 inches length x 23.47 inches wide x 29.37 inches in height (not suitable for under-desk storage). Also, you need to assemble this product. Nonetheless, this filing cabinet will certainly fit perfectly in any office or home once fully assembled.
Monarch Specialties File Cabinet
Based in Canada, Monarch Specialties is a manufacturer of furniture and home décor. This company offers innovative products that are fashion-forward and provide excitement to their customers.
The Monarch Specialties File Cabinet has a modern design that will blend well in any home or office. Plus, it has a white exterior with a faux-concrete top and silver-tone handles that enhance its appeal.
For its features, this filing cabinet has two accessory drawers for your pens, stapler, and other office supplies. Aside from that, it also has a spacious drawer for your standard and legal-size documents. Finally, it also features five casters that allow you to move it with ease.
Bush Furniture Refinery File Cabinet
Bush Furniture is back with their third entry on this list, a testament to how well-designed their pieces are.
The Bush Furniture Refinery has a unique and appealing design that will fit well in any office. It has charred wood and rustic gray drawers that create an attractive weathered look. Plus, the drawers can store standard and legal-sized documents. Aside from that, each drawer has full-extension ball bearing slides for easy access to your files. Also, it has a dimension of 31.7 inches x 22.2 inches x 30 inches (too tall for sliding under a desk). Best of all, this product has met all ANSI/Soho standards for durability and safety.
Previous Picks
In today’s digital age, there is still room for a good ‘ole filing cabinet. Important documents such as memos, vouchers, and contracts are stored in filing cabinets. Aside from preserving these critical files, filing cabinets provide easy access to these documents. The best filing cabinets come in different types and sizes, so you can have your choice of which style to buy.
TOPSKY 3 Drawers Wood Mobile File Cabinet
This mobile file cabinet from TOPSKY measures 24.4 inches high, 16 inches wide, and about 20 inches deep. It has three drawers with the bottom drawer providing more storage space and can accommodate letter-sized files. It weighs about 51 pounds.
Made of a combination of melamine and P2 class MDF board, this filing cabinet comes fully assembled except for its casters. Assembly is easy as it can be put together in less than 10 minutes. A wrench is also included in the package for attaching the casters.
The casters allow for ease of use and mobility. Two of the casters are lockable, while the center prevents tipping. The casters are easy to roll around even on carpet. It has a single lock system that secures all drawers. Two keys are included in the package as well.
Hirsh SOHO File Cabinet
This three-drawer cabinet is lightweight and affordable. It also doesn’t take up a lot of space in the office. It has a small drawer where you can place stationery, while the two others are spacious enough for keeping file folders. There is a lock, although it only works for the top two drawers. The drawers also align well.
It measures 18 x 14.2 x 27.3 inches and weighs about 27 pounds. It is relatively lightweight compared to the other filing cabinets on this list. Moving it around should be not much of a problem.
Calico Designs Cabinet (51100)
Made of strong metal and aesthetically pleasing, this file cabinet from Calico Designs is one of the top-rated filing cabinets today. It has three drawers but is small enough to fit under most desks. It is a compact and non-obtrusive solution for your storage requirements.
The cabinet measures 22 inches long, 15.75 inches wide, and 23 inches tall. The top two drawers have inside dimensions of 12.5 inches wide, 17.25 inches deep, and 2.25 inches tall. The bottom drawer has dimensions of 12 inches wide, 15.25 inches deep, and 10 inches tall.
Stylish enough for any office, this cabinet is durable as it is made of metal. It won’t chip like wood file cabinets.
The full file drawer can accommodate letter-size files, while the two smaller drawers are for storing stationery and supplies, such as pens and scissors. There is also a plastic tray with multiple compartments for holding office supplies.
This cabinet is delivered pre-assembled with five casters needing to be attached. Four of the casters are movable for easy mobility while the other one provides the needed stability. It makes use of a single lock system with two keys included in the package.
DEVAISE File Cabinet
This file cabinet made of all-metal is sturdy and spacious. It is about 2 feet high with two stationary drawers and a removable tray for small office supplies. The filing drawer has a large capacity and supports the horizontal storage of letter-size file folders.
There are five casters for easy mobility. Two of the casters are lockable for increased stability. These can be attached using the included wrench.
It is compact with dimensions of 15.4 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep, and 24.4 inches tall. It should fit perfectly under your desk. With a single lock system, it can control all drawers.
Made of metal, this cabinet is strong enough to support the weight of a mid-sized laser printer. The drawers glide smoothly, and because of the casters, moving it around should be a breeze.
Alta Furniture Ameriwood File Cabinet
This lateral file cabinet isn’t the cheapest on our list, but you’ll get your money’s worth, to say the least. It features two drawers that are spacious enough for holding documents and large office supplies. Made of MDF and particleboard, it measures 29 inches tall, 29 inches wide, and 19.5 inches deep.
Without a doubt, the aesthetically pleasing design is one of the strongest qualities of this file cabinet. The cherry and gray finish can blend with any office or home setting. It is also spacious and can accommodate tons of documents. Moreover, it is strong enough to hold other items, such as a TV, speaker system, or monitor.
The drawers pull out smoothly, although it is not possible to open both at the same time. Putting this together should take about an hour or so.
Bush Furniture Cabot Lateral File Cabinet
Simple, elegant, and highly functional, the Bush Furniture Cabot lateral file cabinet is one of the top-rated filing cabinets today, and it is easy to understand why.
This lateral file cabinet is large, so make sure you have enough space at home or in the office for it. Measuring 31.4 inches by 19.7 inches by 30.1 inches, it weighs 90 pounds. While it is not lightweight at all, it does have the capacity to hold tons of documents and important items. And it can also serve as a TV stand, thanks to its sturdiness.
This two-drawer file cabinet can hold letter and legal sized files easily. Each drawer has chrome-finished handles for a contemporary look. Closing and opening the doors will be smooth with the full-extension ball bearing slides. While there are no locks, the drawers are strong enough to hold all sorts of items.
The cabinet can give a touch of elegance to any room with its rich Espresso Oak finish. It requires assembly, though. Two individuals should be able to put it together in less than an hour.
Scranton and Co 22-Inch Deep 4 Drawer Letter File Cabinet
This 4-drawer filing cabinet can hold letter-sized documents without taking up a lot of space in the office. It comes assembled, and this heavy-duty file cabinet is durable enough to hold your important documents for many years.
This commercial vertical filing cabinet is made of 22-gauge steel, so you can be assured of its toughness and durability. It measures 52 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 22 inches deep. Because of its width, the cabinet won’t take up a prime real estate in your office.
Closing and opening the drawers should be easy with its high-precision steel ball bearings. The drawers close and open smoothly. The high-side drawer, meanwhile, accepts hanging file folders, so there is no need to purchase extra accessories. There are also adjustable wire followers designed to keep the files in place. The manufacturer backs it up with a lifetime warranty.
Yoleo 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet
If you have had enough of traditional-looking filing cabinets and desire something that looks very futuristic, then this should be on your short list.
This steel filing cabinet from Yoleo measures 20 x 15 x 25 inches. It weighs 55 pounds. Just one look, and you will realize that it is designed and built differently from other filing cabinets.
Available in many color schemes, including orange, blue, green, and yellow, this Yoleo filing cabinet is shipped fully assembled, including its casters. User-friendly and mobile, the cabinet features an anti-tilt mechanism. Only one drawer can be opened at once so that the cabinet will not tip forward. The cabinet has four gray casters, two of which are locking and two are non-locking to prevent accidental rolling.
There are five interior compartments inside this cabinet, giving you plenty of storage and organizing options. There are also three utility drawers, plus adjustable dividers for keeping file folders in place. The hanging file drawer, meanwhile, has full-extension glides for quick access to all folders.
Office Dimensions 3 Drawer Metal File Cabinet
This 18-inch deep, three-drawer metal file cabinet from Office Dimensions features a pencil drawer. Located at the top of the cabinet, it is an ideal storage area for your other office essentials, such as paper clips and pens. But that’s just one of the many things to like about this metal file cabinet.
The design of this metal file cabinet can be best described as smart and efficient. It can fit under most desks and work surfaces. As such, it is ideal for use in small offices and homes.
Inside the cabinet are drawers with high sides to make room for letter-size hanging files. The patented glide extensions, meanwhile, facilitate the smooth opening of the drawers. There is also a privacy lock to secure your documents and possessions. This lock secures the top two drawers.
Measuring 18 x 14.25 x 27.3 inches, this file cabinet is relatively lightweight at under 30 pounds. It also has a black satin finish that gives it an aesthetically pleasing look.
GreenForest Vertical File Cabinet
This vertical file cabinet from GreenForest is an excellent choice if you are in the market for a compact, sturdy, and reasonably priced storage cabinet. It is designed for traditional office and home office use. It can accommodate A4 and letter-size files, while its small size allows it to take up minimal space.
This file cabinet has dimensions of 15.75 inches long and 13.8 inches wide. It is 23 inches tall, enabling it to provide you with up to 12.4 inches of deep storage space.
Made of wood, this cabinet is strong enough to serve as a TV stand. Even larger items, such as printers, can be placed on top of this cabinet. There are no casters at all, but moving it should be easy enough because it weighs less than 40 pounds.
DlandHome 3-Drawer Office Filing Cabinet
This 3-drawer office filing cabinet can reinvent the way you store your important files. It offers a large storage space with two standard drawers and a single A4 drawer. It is movable and lockable. It is also sturdy, durable, and stylish.
This three-drawer filing cabinet measures 20.5 inches long, 15.4 inches wide, and 24 inches tall. It weighs around 51 pounds. There is no need to assemble it as it comes fully assembled. You only have to attach the wheels, and the cabinet is ready to go.
Speaking of the wheels, this cabinet has five casters. Two are lockable for added stability, while one is under the file drawer. You can also lock the cabinet to secure all the drawers and keep your files private.
The two standard drawers can hold letters, books, and magazines. There is also a drawer for storing A4-size files. This cabinet is versatile enough to be positioned on either side of the bed or home office desk to expand your work area.
Made of solid metal with a powder coating, this filing cabinet should stand the test of time. There is also a nice spray finish to further enhance the durability of this cabinet.
Studio Designs 51104
Last but not least is this three-drawer file cabinet from Studio Designs. It comes with a lock to secure important files, which can be legal or letter-sized. It is compact and easy to move. The price is also very reasonable for such a well-designed filing cabinet.
This cabinet measures 22 inches long, 15.75 inches wide, and 22.75 inches tall. The top two drawers have the same dimensions of 12.5 inches wide, 17.25 inches deep, and 2 inches tall. The bottom drawer, meanwhile, offers more depth for added storage.
The top drawer also features a plastic tray where you can keep writing and office supplies. It slides along the walls for quick and easy access to the stored items. The cabinet comes fully assembled, too.
Filing Cabinet Buying Guide
Factors to Consider in Choosing Filing Cabinets
Space – perhaps the most important consideration, this will determine the size and type of filing cabinet to be purchased.
Storage capacity – the next most important consideration in choosing a filing cabinet is the size of documents to be stored. If there are plenty of legal or letter-sized files to be stored, then you can go with a lateral filing cabinet. It is also advisable to invest in a larger filing cabinet if it is expected or foreseen that more documents will be stored in the next few years.
Material – filing cabinets can be made of steel, wood, and plastic. Steel is the best in terms of durability but may also affect the price. Wood is a good choice although it is not as durable as steel. Plastic is the least durable. Consider getting a filing cabinet that is made out of fire-resistant material.
Locking mechanism – it is also strongly advised to buy a filing cabinet with a robust locking mechanism, especially if the documents to be stored are considered important or highly sensitive.
Ease of assembly – some filing cabinets require assembly, while others are delivered pre-assembled. Make sure that the filing cabinet you buy has an instruction manual and that you have the necessary tools in case assembly is required.
Types of Filing Cabinets
Pedestal filing cabinet – this type of filing cabinet has casters for mobility and two or three drawers. This is the ideal choice for those who move their workspace frequently. A pedestal cabinet can be moved out of the way if needed. It also doesn’t take up much office space.
Lateral filing cabinet – this cabinet has hanging rails for convenient and easy filing of legal or letter-sized files. With its size, it can hold more files compared to other types of cabinets.
Flat filing cabinet – shallower compared to the other types of filing cabinets but longer and deeper. It is commonly used in storing blueprints, artwork, and larger pieces of work. This usually has 5 or 10 drawers plus a modular for extra storage space.
Vertical filing cabinet – with smaller cubbies for storing letter-sized files, this traditional filing cabinet is recommended for use in offices and even homes with minimal space. It normally has a thumb latch for locking drawers.