File Cabinets

Get organized with file cabinets that store traditional files and more

By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer

Until the paperless office arrives, most businesses won't get far without at least one file cabinet to store paperwork in an orderly fashion. For most offices, traditional vertical or lateral file cabinets will do. The most common vertical file cabinets are the ubiquitous two-to-four drawer metal file cabinets that are designed to store 8 ½" x 11" files. Lateral file cabinets are usually wider and shorter, and offer more storage options. Some points to consider when shopping for file cabinets:

If you occasionally need space for large or bulky files, opt for lateral file cabinets.
Think about the way you work. Do you frequently share files with others? Consider a compact mobile file cabinet. Do you work with confidential files? Install a lock that can't be opened with the same key that opens your other file cabinets.
You can find specialty filing cabinets for X-rays, blueprints or other material that doesn't fit into a traditional filing cabinet.

Basic vertical file cabinets and lateral file cabinets

If you need traditional vertical file cabinets or lateral file cabinets, shop around for the size, color and price that suit you. Basic metal file cabinets can be found at just about any office supply store.
Try: Peruse the full-featured metal file cabinets and wood file cabinets at sites such as FilingCabinets.com and OfficeMax.

File cabinets with convenient extras

Looking for a file cabinet on wheels? Need a file drawer for DVDs? File cabinet makers have your extra needs covered.
Try: Mobile file cabinets like those available at Everything Office Furniture, make it easy to transport a large number of files from one desk to another. Most can fit under a desk. The Executive Vertical Filing Cabinet, available at FilingCabinets.com includes a drawer designed to store CDs and DVDs. Keep critical files safe from fire damage by storing them in a fireproof file cabinet. Just Filing Cabinets offers a wide selection.

Wood file cabinets that make a design statement

If your home office spills over into your living room, or if you're simply a design-conscious business owner, you can find file cabinets that don't scream "office."
Try: At The Home Decorators Collection you'll find wood file cabinets in styles such as Craftsman and Country French. Amazon.com offers a hardwood, black louvered file cabinet.

Speciality file cabinets

Architects and builders need space for blueprints and drawings, medical and law offices need easy access to scores of files every day. Check out the specialty file cabinets that are tailor-made for these and other specialized filing requirements.
Try: Find specialty file cabinets designed for the unique needs of your industry at Just Filing Cabinets and OfficeFurniture.com.

If you need to increase or decrease the capacity of your file cabinets, install file rails.
A tall file cabinet is less likely to topple over if it's equipped with counterweighted drawers and internal locking devices that prevent you from opening several drawers simultaneously.
Long lateral file cabinets can do double-duty as a countertop or a room divider.