The file cabinet is a staple storage solution for the home, home office, and business. Many of us prefer a sturdy and compact file cabinet, though. Still, we want to consider its cost and quality. This article can help when choosing the best small filing cabinet available.
Top 10 Small Filing Cabinets
When it comes to getting a small filing cabinet, you want one that isn’t going to take up much space, yet it should still be able to hold a good amount of paperwork and files.
As you can see from the chart below, most of the filing cabinets I’m featuring contain 1-2 drawers. But, there are a couple that have 3 or more, if you want additional storage.
| Filing Cabinet | 2 or less Drawers | 3 or More Drawers | Wood / Metal |
| Princeton for Home Office (Lateral) |  | Wood | |
| Olivia 2 Drawer File Cabinet (Lateral) | | Wood | |
| Walt 2 Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet | | Metal | |
| Worton 2 Drawer Vertical Filing Cabinet | | Metal | |
| Orange City 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet | | Metal | |
| Belham Living Cambridge 2-Drawer Wood File | | Wood | |
| Giantex Rolling | | Wood | |
| Gigi 2 Drawer Mobile | | Metal | |
| Alera Mobile Pedestal File Cabinet | | Metal | |
| South Shore Munich 2 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet | | Wood |
Lateral Filing Cabinets
These file cabinets are an office storage solution designed to store and organize documents horizontally. Unlike traditional vertical file cabinets, lateral cabinets feature wide drawers that can accommodate letter or legal-sized files side by side. Let’s review some of them below.
Best Overall: Princeton Lateral File Cabinet for Home Office
Size:
- Height: 29.25″
- Width: 29.84″
- Depth: 17.99″
This file cabinet gives me plenty of storage capacity! Two wide lateral file drawers and a sleek, modern appearance make this small file cabinet a cute and contemporary addition to our home or office! Its pristine white color and shiny silver drawer handles make it appealing for an updated décor.
Even though it has a low height, there’s quite a bit of room in the vertical drawers. I could easily store four file cabinets’ worth of papers, office supplies, or more oversized items like artwork. Plus, it’s less wider than two separate file cabinets set up side by side. So, it lets me even save more space by choosing lateral-sized drawers.
Also, I want at least a file cabinet that’s durable enough to be filled to the brim. It’s without tipping over when I open one of the drawers. This cabinet has a hefty weight of almost 72 pounds, and its drawers effortlessly glide open for easy document retrieval.
Pros
- Can fit either letter or legal-sized documents
- Contemporary appearance
- Huge amount of storage
Cons
- It’s not easy to assemble.
Best in Aesthetics: Olivia 2 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 22″
- Width: 15.75″
- Depth: 18″
The handsome wood exterior and extra storage drawer make this small document cabinet a lovely addition to our home and office! I can get three color choices of espresso, oak, or walnut to match my décor.
This portfolio cabinet resembles a high-end kitchen cabinet, and the contemporary horizontal drawer handles add to its overall look. This little cabinet is small enough to go into an apartment home office. It will also hold plenty of files.
Pros
- Two separate drawers for storage
- Three colors to choose from
- Sturdy and won’t tip over
Cons
- The exterior is a wood grain laminate, not natural wood.
Best in Durability: Walt 2 Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 27.5″
- Width: 30″
- Depth: 17.63″
Many of us are old enough to remember when all the best file cabinets were made of metal! This one certainly is, making it the most durable fireproof file cabinet. For long-term document storage and with excellent balance and sturdiness, this is one of the metal file cabinets that can be a valuable addition to our home or office.
Also, it comes with front leveling glides and hanging rails for hanging files. One of the reasons professionals choose metal as one of the best file cabinets is because it locks. I can padlock both drawers. Also, an interlocking mechanism allows me to open one at a time. Excellent for classified documents and sensitive material.
Pros
- Made from 30% recycled materials
- Extremely durable and will last for years
- Locking drawers
Cons
- Prone to dents during shipping
Vertical Filing Cabinets
We use the best file cabinets for our office and home storage solutions. They help us organize and store important documents. A vertical cabinet for files is typically tall and narrow. It has drawers that extend vertically, allowing for efficient and space-saving storage. Here are some of the best file cabinets.
Sleek & Style: Worton 2 Drawer Vertical Filing Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 24.5″
- Width: 14.25″
- Depth: 18″
An industrial look and classic metal design make this portfolio cabinet a sturdy and attractive part of our home or office storage. It’s one of the most durable steel file cabinets, so the regular trips, stumbles, drops, and bumps of life won’t matter. You won’t make a dent in this little file organizer.
It has many great features, including high-side lockable drawers with letter-sized hanging files or folders and wide, sturdy handles to open them cleanly. It’s like a tank or, instead, a storage cube. It also comes in two colors: black or putty. Once you plunk this down in a corner of your office, it’ll quietly do its job holding files for years to come.
Pros
- Very sturdy and durable to last for years
- Weighs less than twenty pounds
- Lockable drawers
Cons
- There are no wire file holders.
Modern and Compact: Orange City 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 26.25″
- Width: 15.75″
- Depth: 16.8″
I like the classic look of cottage furniture in my office. This little portfolio cabinet is it and boasts plenty of storage space in my small area. Also, it has two full-sized file drawers. The drawers sit flush with the furniture and stand up on four legs.
Also, it has an excellent design style, with the beveled front of the drawers and shiny dome-shaped handles. I can choose between antique white or black for colors. It may be small yet mighty and weighty. I can use this as a small printer stand, or it can do double duty as a bookshelf, too.
Pros
- Two full-extension file drawers
- Simple, clean design style
- It takes up little space
Cons
- Made from MDF, not natural wood or metal
Best Wooden Design: Belham Living Cambridge 2-Drawer Wood
Size:
- Height: 29.25″
- Width: 18″
- Depth: 19″
This little document cabinet is made of wood with wood veneers and comes in black or putty. It has two deep drawers to hold my letter-sized papers and documents. Such a nice piece of handsome, traditional furniture that would fit in nicely with any office.
Sturdy metal railings and shiny silver dome-shaped handles complete the polished appearance of this portfolio cabinet. It stores much more than a singular file drawer. Being small enough is an advantage, as it can easily fit into a home office, apartment, or condo.
Pros
- There is plenty of filing storage space with two drawers
- It comes in two colors
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The drawers do not lock.
Mobile Filing Cabinets
These are versatile office storage solutions designed to enhance organization and accessibility. Mobile file cabinets are compact and typically feature wheels for easy mobility. It allows users to move effortlessly around the workspace. Let’s review some of the nice ones below.
Mobile Office Solution: Lorell 16873 2-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 24.5″
- Width: 14.3″
- Depth: 18″
Four smooth rolling casters make it easy to wheel this little two drawer file cabinet anywhere I need to put it. I have back problems with difficulty moving furniture due to weight. So, I’ve got to get a mobile cabinet like this one.
It’s a two-drawer vertical file cabinet in a sleek, industrial gray color. This cabinet has two letter-sized lockable drawers that are excellent for document storage and retrieval. The drawer fronts are embossed to give it a dazzling design flair.
Pros
- Steel construction for durability
- Baked enamel finish in gray
- Lock secures both drawers
Cons
- The wheels don’t lock in place.
Versatile Rolling Cabinet: Giantex Rolling File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 27.2″
- Width: 11″
- Depth: 16.9″
This cabinet has four large canvas drawers for office supply storage. It’s handy black rolling, with plenty of space in a home or business. Also, it has rolling casters so I can wheel this file cabinet anywhere. It’s constructed of a sturdy frame with four floating brackets to accommodate the drawers.
I can easily pull the drawers in or out of the frame. Also, I can reposition them easily. The drawers are made from sturdy canvas that’s simple to keep clean. They come with oval recessed openings to easily pull them out.
Pros
- Removable drawers
- The frame has steel pipe for sturdiness
- Strong enough to support a printer on top
Cons
- It does not hold vertical files.
Best in Design: Gigi 2 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 26.5″
- Width: 14.25″
- Depth: 18″
A cute name and even cuter design style make this fun little cabinet great for a safe and stylish file cabinet. I can lock the drawers and keep my files, letters, and essential information secure from prying eyes. The two letter-sized drawers feature recessed drawer fronts. It’s an added architectural feature with gently curved silver handles.
In addition to the modern look, this small cabinet for files has casters to roll it wherever you need. That’s a vital feature in a document cabinet, which quickly gets heavy due to all the paperwork you can stuff in there. Also, this filing cabinet is made of 30% recycled materials, making it eco-friendly.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Contemporary design
- Lockable drawers
Cons
- Assembly instructions are confusing.
Best in Durability: Alera Mobile Pedestal File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 28″
- Width: 20″
- Depth: 19.75″ / 23.25″ (two depth choices)
It has four colors – black, charcoal, light gray, or putty. Also, it moves around quickly, gliding and locking casters for simple mobility.
It’s a three drawer file cabinet with locks. So this little cabinet can keep my secret information safe. Inside the drawers is a legal conversion bar as an alternative option for legal files. The bottom drawer is for vertical files. Each smaller drawer is six inches high and great for flat storage.
Pros
- Comes assembled
- Made of metal for strength and durability
- There are multiple colors and sizes to choose from
Cons
- Dents more easily than most metal file cabinets
Most Versatile: South Shore Munich 2 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet
Size:
- Height: 20.6″
- Width: 15.7″
- Depth: 18.2″
A gray, weathered oak finish and minimalist black horizontal handles give this modern-looking document cabinet a contemporary appeal to go with industrial décor. It’s nice to have something stylish in our home or office, plus it’s completely movable.
Black casters wheel this little cabinet around. Within its small, almost cube-like design is plenty of storage in the bottom letter-sized drawer. Built-in metal along the tops of the drawers creates a natural ‘shelf’ to rest my tabbed files on. The upper drawer is nice and deep for office storage of supplies or flat papers.
It’s a small cabinet for files with a sturdy weight of almost forty pounds. So it won’t tip over when I open the drawers.
Pros
- Versatile small size to fit in any office
- Heavy-duty casters to wheel around
- Extra storage drawer
Cons
- Made of laminated particle board
What to Look for in a File Cabinet
I consider various file cabinet features when searching for a file cabinet. The file cabinet we choose not only enhances our organization. It also complements our decor.
Type, Size, and Organization Options
Understanding the type, size, and organization options is crucial when finding an excellent portfolio cabinet. I determine first the type of filing cabinet that suits my needs.
The size is a critical consideration. I measure the space where I’ll place it to ensure it fits. Small file cabinets come in various dimensions, so I choose one that maximizes my available space. When it comes to organization, I prefer a 4 drawer file cabinet. So, I consider the following:
- The number of drawers
- Cabinet features like dividers, labels, or even integrated locks
Material and Color
Selecting a small filing cabinet’s suitable material and color is more than just an aesthetic choice. It can impact durability and how well the cabinet blends into the space. Common materials include:
- Metal
- Wood
- Laminate
Metal
Metal is among the best file cabinets. They’re sturdy and suitable for heavy-duty use. In contrast, wood and laminate cabinets offer a more classic and warm appearance. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the style of your office.
Color
Color can affect the ambiance of the space. So, I think about the existing decor and, of course, my personal preferences. It’s essential, too, that the color and material align with the space’s overall aesthetic, providing the functionality and durability required.
Portability
Small file cabinets are a fantastic choice for those who require a degree of mobility in their office organization. The best file cabinets are often designed with portability in mind. They feature wheels or casters that make them easy to move around our workspace.
The convenience and flexibility of portable small file cabinets can significantly improve workflow and adaptability. It’s incredibly advantageous. It allows me to reconfigure my office layout and access my files conveniently and quickly. When I evaluate the portability of a small cabinet for my files, I consider the following:
- Quality of the wheels
- A cabinet that can fit through doorways or navigate tight spaces
Locking and Security
The security of my essential documents is paramount regarding file cabinets. So, when I select a filing shelve, I look for models that provide locking mechanisms to safeguard sensitive files. Many small metal file cabinets come with built-in locks, often traditional key locks or modern digital ones, for enhanced security.
Also, the type of lock best suits my needs and the level of security required for my documents. Additionally, I evaluate the overall construction and materials of the file cabinet. I want to ensure that it offers durability and resistance to tampering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brand of File Cabinet Is the Best?
The title of the “best” brand for file cabinets can vary depending on individual preferences and specific needs. Some well-regarded brands in the industry include Hon, Steelcase, and HIRSH. Still, the ideal choice depends on budget, size requirements, and priority features.
What Do You Call a Small Filing Cabinet?
A small filing cabinet is called a “compact filing cabinet” or simply a “small file cabinet.” These file cabinets are designed to fit into smaller spaces and hold a limited number of files compared to their larger counterparts.
What Are the Three Types of Filing Cabinets?
There are three primary types of cabinets for filing purposes: vertical filing cabinets, lateral file cabinets, and mobile file cabinets. Vertical cabinets store files from front to back, lateral cabinets store them from side to side, and mobile cabinets are designed for easy mobility with casters or wheels.
Conclusion
Although most of us use plenty of digital document storage, having physical file storage is still very important. It’s especially true if the material is classified. So, getting even a small filing cabinet is necessary, whether for a professional law office with classified client files or a home-based business in a studio apartment.
