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10 Best Lateral Filing Cabinets 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Alera ALELF3654LG Four-Drawer Lateral File Cabinet, 36w x 19-1/4d x 53-1/4h, Light Gray

The Alera ALELF3654LG lateral file cabinet offers a solid option for anyone needing organized, secure storage for letter and legal-sized files. Its size (36" wide, 19.25" deep, and 53.25" tall) provides ample space with four deep drawers that include hang rails to keep files neatly arranged. The reinforced double-wall drawer fronts add durability and stability when opening and closing, which is helpful if you store a lot of documents.

The cabinet comes with a single keyed lock that secures all drawers at once, giving peace of mind for confidential files. It weighs 189 pounds, making it quite sturdy but not very easy to move around frequently. Leveling glides help keep the cabinet steady on uneven floors, but there are no wheels or casters for mobility. The light gray finish is durable and resists scratches, helping it maintain a professional look over time. This model is freestanding, so no installation is required, which suits home offices or workplaces where flexibility is important.

This cabinet is well suited for users needing reliable, spacious filing with secure locking, but it may be less ideal if a lightweight or portable filing solution is preferred.

#2

700 Series 36" W Two-Drawer Lateral File

Rating
10.0
Size and Dimensions

Most important from
45 reviews

Size and Dimensions
The 36-inch size is perfect for double rows in each drawer, although additional wire rails are needed for full functionality.

The HON Brigade 700 Series 2-Drawer Lateral File Cabinet is designed for everyday use and holds both letter and legal size documents. It measures 28.39 inches in height, 36 inches in width, and 19.25 inches in depth, making it a sizeable storage solution for a home office or professional setting. The cabinet is made from durable metal with a black painted finish, ensuring long-lasting use and a sleek appearance. Each drawer is equipped with a keyed lock, offering secure storage of important documents. Additionally, it comes fully assembled, saving users the hassle of putting it together.

However, the cabinet's weight is a significant 132 pounds, which makes it quite heavy and potentially difficult to move. This lack of mobility could be a drawback for users who need to frequently rearrange their office space. With two compartments, it offers ample storage but may not be suitable for larger filing needs.

This product is ideal for users seeking a sturdy, secure, and ready-to-use filing cabinet for a medium to large office space.

Rating
10.0
Size and Dimensions

Most important from
45 reviews

Size and Dimensions
The 36-inch size is perfect for double rows in each drawer, although additional wire rails are needed for full functionality.
#3

Lorell Telescoping Suspension Lateral Files - 5-Drawer

Rating
9.7
Size and Dimensions
Drawer Configuration

Most important from
31 reviews

Size and Dimensions
Great size and good product, despite initial shipping issues, the replacement was satisfactory with minimal scratches.
Drawer Configuration
Sturdy and easy to use, with large notebook storage and a drop-down shelf for reviewing documents, making it highly functional for accounting and finance needs.

The Lorell Telescoping Suspension Lateral Files - 5-Drawer is a robust and functional filing cabinet well-suited for office environments or home offices needing substantial storage. Its size (18.6"D x 42"W x 67.7"H) provides ample space for files and folders, with five generously sized drawers that include magnetic label holders for easy organization. The alloy steel frame and reinforced base contribute to its sturdy build, capable of supporting significant weight without tipping, thanks to a well-designed counterweight system and adjustable leveling guides.

The ball-bearing slide suspension ensures smooth drawer operation, even under heavy loads. The core-removable lock and dual locking bars offer a good level of security for sensitive documents, which is a major plus for office settings. However, at 219 pounds, this filing cabinet is quite heavy, making mobility a challenge despite its freestanding design. It does not come with wheels, which could be a drawback if you need to move it frequently.

Additionally, while the cabinet is functional and durable, its utilitarian black painted finish and simple design may not appeal to those looking for a more stylish piece of furniture. Being non-customizable means it may not meet specific aesthetic or functional preferences. It is best suited for users who prioritize function, security, and durability over mobility and style.

Rating
9.7
Size and Dimensions
Drawer Configuration

Most important from
31 reviews

Size and Dimensions
Great size and good product, despite initial shipping issues, the replacement was satisfactory with minimal scratches.
Drawer Configuration
Sturdy and easy to use, with large notebook storage and a drop-down shelf for reviewing documents, making it highly functional for accounting and finance needs.

Buying Guide for the Best Lateral Filing Cabinets

Choosing the right lateral filing cabinet can make a significant difference in organizing your workspace efficiently. Lateral filing cabinets are designed to store documents horizontally, making them easily accessible and visible. When selecting a lateral filing cabinet, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and fits well within your space.
Size and DimensionsThe size and dimensions of a lateral filing cabinet are crucial because they determine how much space the cabinet will occupy and how many documents it can store. Lateral filing cabinets come in various widths, typically ranging from 30 to 42 inches, and heights, usually between 2 to 5 drawers. If you have a smaller office or limited space, a narrower and shorter cabinet might be ideal. Conversely, if you need to store a large volume of documents, a wider and taller cabinet would be more suitable. Measure your available space and consider the volume of documents you need to store to choose the right size.
MaterialThe material of the filing cabinet affects its durability, weight, and appearance. Common materials include metal, wood, and laminate. Metal cabinets are highly durable and often used in professional settings due to their strength and resistance to wear and tear. Wood cabinets offer a more traditional and aesthetically pleasing look, suitable for home offices or executive settings. Laminate cabinets provide a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness, often mimicking the appearance of wood. Consider the environment where the cabinet will be placed and the level of durability you need when choosing the material.
Drawer ConfigurationThe drawer configuration refers to the number of drawers and their arrangement within the cabinet. Lateral filing cabinets typically have 2 to 5 drawers. More drawers mean more storage space, but also a taller cabinet. If you need to store different types of documents separately, multiple drawers can help you organize better. However, if you prefer a more compact unit, fewer drawers might be sufficient. Think about how you plan to organize your documents and the ease of access you require when selecting the drawer configuration.
Locking MechanismA locking mechanism is important for securing sensitive or confidential documents. Some lateral filing cabinets come with a central locking system that locks all drawers simultaneously, while others may have individual locks for each drawer. If security is a priority, look for cabinets with robust locking systems. For general use, a basic lock might suffice. Consider the level of security you need based on the type of documents you will store and choose a cabinet with an appropriate locking mechanism.
Weight CapacityThe weight capacity of a lateral filing cabinet indicates how much weight each drawer can hold. This is important to ensure the cabinet can support the volume of documents you plan to store without sagging or breaking. Weight capacities can vary significantly, with some cabinets designed to hold heavier loads than others. If you have a large number of heavy files, opt for a cabinet with a higher weight capacity. For lighter, less dense documents, a standard weight capacity should be sufficient. Assess the weight of your documents and choose a cabinet that can handle the load.
MobilityMobility refers to whether the filing cabinet has wheels or casters, allowing it to be moved easily. This can be particularly useful if you need to frequently rearrange your office layout or move the cabinet between different locations. Some lateral filing cabinets come with built-in casters, while others are stationary. If you value flexibility and ease of movement, look for a cabinet with sturdy wheels. If stability and a fixed position are more important, a stationary cabinet might be the better choice. Consider your need for mobility when making your selection.

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