Filing cabinets play a key role in keeping important papers safe, organized, and easy to find. Filing cabinets are an essential piece of every office space. Even if you don’t have a job that requires holding onto documents, a filing cabinet is crucial for storing anything from bills to report cards. Keep reading to find a filing cabinet that suits your needs.
There are various types of filing cabinets available to serve different needs. Before you start looking for a new cabinet, determine your storage needs and what type of paperwork you need to store.
Lateral Filing Cabinets
Lateral filing cabinets typically feature one to three wide drawers and sit low to the ground. They’re best for storing documents you can arrange side-to-side, like legal and letter-sized documents.
Vertical Filing Cabinets
Vertical filing cabinets are taller and narrower with two to five drawers. They store both legal and letter-sized documents that are arranged from front to back.
Flat Filing Cabinets
Flat filing cabinets feature short, wide drawers. They’re intended to store non-standard sized documents, like blueprints or artwork.
Open Shelf Filing Cabinets
Open shelf filing cabinets feature open shelves rather than drawers. They’re designed to file documents side-by-side, but they can be used to store books or other items.
Mobile Filing Cabinets
Mobile filing cabinets are filing cabinets on wheels, giving you the ability to roll it from space to space. They typically feature lockable casters to keep it stationary when needed.
Filing Cabinet Materials
Once you’ve decided what type of filing cabinet you want, select a material. The most important factors to consider here come down to price, durability, and aesthetics.
Metal
Metal filing cabinets are typically constructed using steel or aluminum. They’re one of the most durable options, making them ideal for long-term storage.
Wood
If aesthetics is more important to you than durability, a wood filing cabinet may be right for you. Though their ability to blend seamlessly with the rest of your furniture comes with a heftier price tag.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is a style of filing cabinet that features a thin layer of wood bonded to the front for the appearance of a solid wood.
Laminate
Laminate is a faux-wood alternative that’s more budget friendly than solid wood. It can feature a solid color or a wood grain print.
Safety Features
Filing cabinets offer additional features to keep important documents safe. Fire safety features and anti-tip mechanisms keep your documents safe and your cabinet in place.
Counterweights & Anti-Tip Mechanisms
Counterweights are heavy materials built into the bottom of the cabinet to reduce the risk of tipping. Anti-tip mechanisms prevent you from being able to open more than one drawer at a time, thus protecting you from the cabinet tipping over.
Fireproofing
Find a cabinet constructed with fireproof protection to preserve sensitive documents in case of a fire.
Locks
Look for cabinets equipped with locks or keypads to keep documents safely put away.
Keep Documents Safe & Secure
Keep your documents safe and secure with a filing cabinet that meets your storage and safety needs. Use these tips to guide your decision and find the piece that meets all your needs. Browse our selection of filing cabinets to find an option available near you.