Filing Cabinet Buying Guide

When it comes to office storage, there are a whole host of solutions for you to choose from - including filing cabinets. These units are ideal for storing and organising everything from paperwork, to equipment, to stationery supplies. Office file cabinets make it easy for you to access what you need, when you need it. Our filing cabinets are available in a variety of different shapes, sizes and styles with a range of useful features. If you need help sussing out which model you should go for, keep reading our filing cabinet buying guide...

Choosing the right filing cabinet

Selecting the right model for your office can be tricky. With so many different designs on offer, you might struggle to decide which one is best for you. In order to make the right decision, you might find it useful to start by asking yourself these questions... What will I be using it for? There are a whole host of reasons why you might need a filing cabinet. For example, you may have sensitive digital information that you need to keep secure, or you could simply need somewhere to organise and store paper documents. So that your unit meets your requirements, make sure you think carefully about what you’ll need it to do. How much space do I have? If space isn’t an issue, you’ll have the freedom of choosing any size of cabinet. However, if you’re struggling for square footage in your office, you’ll need to assess your floor plan, measure the space available and go for a unit with suitable dimensions. Do I want it to complement the other furniture and decor? While it’s crucial that your filing cabinet offers you a safe, secure place to store and organise your office essentials, it’s just as important to think about what it will look like. If you want your new unit to complement the rest of your furniture and overall decor, you’ll need to take colour, shape and style into consideration too.

A selection of shapes, sizes and styles

Filing cabinets are available in a plethora of different shapes, sizes and styles. It’s important that you choose the right model for your space, so it’s worth getting to grips with the different designs available. Here, we take a look at some of the most popular options, focusing on the main features of each one. Vertical filing cabinet
  • Often thought of as the ‘typical’ style of filing cabinet
  • Doesn’t take up too much floor space due to its tall, upright design
  • Available in a variety of heights and drawer quantities
Lateral filing cabinet
  • Wide and horizontal in design
  • Ideal for the storage of larger sized papers, such as blueprints
  • Usually has two drawers, although models with three and four sections are also available
Multi drawer filing cabinet
  • Typically designed with five, 10 or 15 shallow drawer sections
  • Ideal for the storage of new media such as CDs and DVDs, as well as A4 documents and index cards
  • Usually tall and slim in design
Mobile filing cabinet
  • Features smooth, wheeled castors for easy mobility
  • Usually small and compact in design
  • Often positioned underneath desks to provide user with extra storage space at their workstation

A variety of features

After you’ve decided on the shape, size and style of unit you need, it’s important that you make sure the model you choose has all the right features. This will ensure that you’re able to get the most out of your purchase. To help you find what you’re looking for, check out these useful features. Locking system Many cabinets are designed with secure locking systems, making them the ideal place to store sensitive and confidential documentation, as well as expensive pieces of equipment and tools. The style of lock can vary between designs. For example, some models are manufactured with a key lock. Usually, this mechanism enables the user to lock each individual drawer compartment, or there might be one lock to secure the entire unit. Other lockable filing cabinets may have electronic or combination locks. Fireproofing If you want to be able to keep the contents of your storage units safe in the unfortunate event of a fire, you could go for a fireproof design. At Furniture At Work, we offer fireproof filing cabinets that provide up to 90 minutes of fire protection for paper documents and up to 60 minutes for digital media. Our firesafe filers also offer resistance to the impact of falling through collapsed buildings. Scratch-resistance Since it’s likely you’ll want your cabinet to look it’s best for years to come, it’s important that you go for a design that is scratch-resistant. This will ensure that your unit is able to withstand the daily rigours of office life. Scratch-resistant filers usually have a rough, textured casing. Suspension files Suspension files are a design feature of many filing cabinet models. This means that each drawer has a folder style file suspended by hooks from two parallel runners inside the compartment. These files provide you with multiple spaces into which you can slot documents. Usually, each file has its own individual tab, meaning you can label and organise your paperwork to find what you need quickly and easily. Anti-tilt mechanism The last thing you’ll want is your storage solution toppling over, so make sure you look out for models with anti-tilt mechanisms. This feature means that you can only open one drawer at time, preventing the unit from becoming unbalanced and falling forward, which is essential for the safety of you and your colleagues. Drawer size Whether you plan on using your cabinet to store standard A4 files, foolscap documents, large blueprints or index cards, it’s important that you choose a design with the right sized drawers. The compartments of your chosen unit should be big enough to accommodate what you’ll be keeping in it. Castors If you want to be able to move your filer with ease, a model with castors is a must. This feature allows you to transport the unit around your workspace, meaning you can roll it from one area to another without the need for any heavy lifting. Handles While it’s a given that your filing cabinet will have handles, there are a variety of different styles for you to choose from. For example, you might prefer to go for a unit with discreet moulded handles, or you could opt for one with stylish D-shaped handles. Regardless of the type of handle you decide on, you should ensure that you’re able to pull open and push close each drawer section with ease. Drawer labels Especially if you’re creating an organised filing system, drawer labels are an essential feature. When each compartment has its own label, this will enable you and other users to know what is inside each drawer at a quick glance, helping you find what you’re looking for easily.

A choice of materials

When you’re choosing your filing cabinet, you’ll find that there are a selection of materials available. Below, we take a look at three designs to help you select the right one for your office. Metal Strong, sturdy and sophisticated, metal is a popular choice. Metal filing cabinets are available in a variety of colours, including black, white and grey, and it’s the perfect choice if you’re keen to maintain a professional look and feel throughout your workspace. Wood For a more traditional vibe in your office, wood filing cabinets could be ideal. This type of model can be purchased in a range of different finishes, such as oak, maple, beech and walnut. Aside from their timeless appearance, wooden units are strong, robust and hard wearing, meaning that they’ll be able to stand the test of time. Plastic It’s also possible to purchase plastic designs. While this type of unit can be inexpensive to buy and is available in a plethora of shades, it may not be durable or secure enough for busy office spaces. Usually, plastic filers are more suited to home use.

Get in touch

At Furniture At Work, we know all there is to know about filing cabinets, making us perfectly placed to help you find the right storage units for your office. If you need help choosing your next cabinet, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts. You can speak to our knowledgeable and friendly advisers by calling us on 0844 415 9700, or by filling out our online contact form.