Table of Contents
While not everyone is obsessed with tidiness, keeping your paperwork organized is crucial if you don’t want to end up losing bills, invoices and precious letters.
Finding the right cabinet can seem like an uphill struggle, though.
5 Best Lateral File Cabinet Reviews
With today’s lateral file cabinet reviews, we’ll make your buying decision much easier so we’ll get right down to it now…
First up in our lateral file cabinet reviews is a distressed and more traditional take on the standard metal of offices worldwide.
From the tapered legs and curved rails through to the pewter hardware and antique finish, you’ll get a file cabinet that will look as good in the living room as the office.
The drawers slip in and out like a dream with the full-extension ball-bearing sliders giving you full reach right to the back without straining yourself.
You can pay far more for a lateral file cabinet without getting such value for money so if you’re looking for a softer version of the stereotypical file cabinet, check out the Bush Furniture Salinas today.
Pros.
- Distressed white finish works well in modern or traditional rooms
- Accommodates all standard files and letters
- Decorative attention to detail giving you all the convenience of a file cabinet without the usual stark looks
- Ultra-smooth mechanism with easy-gliding drawers
- Outstanding value for money considering such rock-solid build quality
Cons.
- Not the easiest unit to put together so think twice if you’re not practically-inclined and can’t easily get assistance
Next up in our lateral file cabinet reviews is a mean and low-slung black model made from engineered wood. If black is not to your taste, you can opt for cherry or chalked chestnut instead.
In terms of functionality, there’s very little to choose between lateral file cabinets. You should think of these more as pieces of furniture than tools and design will naturally play a driving role in your buying decision. If you want a storage cabinet that looks more like a wardrobe than something you’d find in an office, this Sauder hits the spot.
As you’d expect, all normal letters and files fit comfortably in the pair of drawers. They slide in and out seamlessly even when heavily loaded.
If you want to keep your surfaces free of clutter and your paperwork nicely organized without enduring an eyesore of a file cabinet, consider investing in this Sauder which is currently available at an aggressive discount.
Pros.
- 3 diverse finishes so there’s something to slot in with any décor
- The perfect home for all standard-sized files and letters
- Pioneering safety mechanism allowing only one drawer to open at a time
- Solid and built to stay the distance
- Class-leading customer service
Cons.
- Some assembly is required and it’s relatively fiddly
As we hit the mid-point of our lateral file cabinet reviews, we’ve got a more expensive option from Alera in the form of this substantial 4-door beast. This cabinet weighs in at a whopping 138 pounds so make sure you’ve got some help on hand when your package arrives.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to color and size so there’s no excuse not to get a customized filing solution that will complement any room.
Components are solid and smooth and you’ll be able to operate this cabinet with ease even if it’s pretty well stuffed.
While you could certainly find cheaper lateral file cabinets, if you’re looking for a unit with room for a substantial amount of paperwork, this makes a smart bet.
Pros.
- Available in a wide range of sizes to suit all requirements
- Multiple colorways so coordinate with your existing décor
- Design sits well on uneven floors
- Scratch-resistant finish and overall durability impressive
- Single lock system in place for securing drawers
Cons.
- Certainly not the cheapest lateral file cabinet
As we edge to the end of our lateral file cabinet reviews, we’ve got a roomy armoire-style lateral model from Z-Lines Design.
Not everyone is looking to spend too much on a necessity like a file cabinet and if you’re hunting for a bargain, this 2-drawer model from Z-Lines Design is well worth popping on your shortlist.
Although it only packs 2 drawers, you’ll get the space you’d associate with a far larger cabinet. All regular files and letters fit in with plenty of room to spare.
You can choose from a broad spread of colors so there’s something for all tastes.
If you’re looking for a softer alternative to a file cabinet that still delivers all the functionality you need, we can’t recommend this budget option highly enough.
Pros.
- Very generous proportions for a 2-drawer lateral file cabinet
- Nice palette of muted color schemes perfect for traditional rooms
- Full extension glides for uber-smooth operation
- Lockable for your complete security
- Suitable for small business owners as well as homeowners
Cons.
- Some complaints about lifespan but we found build quality more than acceptable at this price point
Last but by no means least in our lateral file cabinet reviews is a reasonably expensive but top-notch unit from HON Brigade that continues to sell out the world over.
If you’re looking for the cheapest lateral file cabinet, the previous model makes better sense. If, on the other hand, you’ve got a more fluid budget and you’re looking for something where function comes before form, this 2-drawer cabinet is the obvious choice.
The stark aesthetic polarizes opinion but if you have a more minimalist vibe in your home, this cabinet will work wonderfully.
Finished with a lock so you can store sensitive documents stress-free, you’ll be hard pressed to beat this lateral file cabinet if you can weather the price tag.
Pros.
- Impeccable brand heritage without costing a fortune
- Crisp and clean lines work just as well in the home or the office
- Drawers glide in and out smoothly and without making too much noise
- Extremely stable so no concerns about the cabinet toppling over
- 4 striking finishes from black through putty
Cons.
- Reasonably expensive
- Utilitarian looks not to everyone’s liking
OK ...
Now we’re done with our lateral file cabinet reviews, we’ll round out with a few pointers on what to look for when you’re on the buying trail…
Why Use a Lateral File Cabinet?
A lateral file cabinet has drawers that extend from the longest side.
While you’ll get a wider drawer, you won’t get the depth you’ll find in some other styles of filing cabinet. As such, this variety works particularly well anywhere that space is at a premium.
What To Look For In The Best Lateral File Cabinet
Buying the best lateral file cabinet is a breeze and there’s very little you need to concern yourself with.
It pays to consider the following factors, though…
Design
Since pretty much any lateral file cabinet will perform the same basic function, design plays a critical role in your buying decision.
This is the one area where cabinets differentiate themselves.
Whether you want something stark and steel for a minimalist office or a piece of furniture more like a chest of drawers than a file cabinet, there’s truly something for everyone so lead off your research by thinking carefully about design.
Intended Usage
For most normal purposes, any lateral file cabinet should be large enough to accommodate files, letters and papers.
If you’re working with legal documents or construction blueprints, make sure the cabinet you’re looking at is substantial enough to deal with the documents you use most often.
Materials
Lateral file cabinets come in all materials from wood through steel.
As with design, this is to a large degree subjective and depends on where you want to put your cabinet as well as how durable you need it to be.
Build Quality and Drawer Mechanism
Look for drawers that slide smoothly and easily even if you’ve packed your cabinet with papers.
It’s here that honest user reviews come into their own. If you notice any repeated reference to drawers that stick or a cabinet that’s unstable and prone to toppling over, be on guard and make sure you get something that’s a pleasure to use.
Price and Overall Value
As with any piece of furniture, you should spend as much as you can comfortably afford. That way, you’ll end up with something that will stand the test of time not need replacing next month.
Think about overall value and expected lifespan rather than obsessing over the bottom line.
A Final Word
With any luck, you’ve got the best lateral file cabinet in your sights and you’re ready for a much cleaner and more organized home office.
Get in touch if there’s anything we can help you with related to any aspect of the home or garden and come back soon!
