With this in mind, we researched filing cabinets of various dimensions and styles with standout features. Our top choice is the Poppin Stow 2-Drawer File Cabinet, which boasts a sleek, durable construction with smooth-rolling caster wheels and a lockable design for extra security. Here are the best file cabinets for every budget and space. If you’re looking for a secure cabinet, you’ll be glad to know that both drawers on this model are lockable, and you’ll get a set of two keys. We also like that this file cabinet has four caster wheels that glide smoothly, spin 360 degrees for easy transport, and lock into place to prevent the cabinet from rolling away. The Stow arrives fully assembled. And if you order it from Poppin, you can take advantage of the brand’s white-glove delivery service and generous 120-day return policy. While the price is steep for the size, there’s no denying the high-quality construction. Price at time of publish: $349 Now, we wouldn’t necessarily call this unit cheap, but you won’t find many locking filing cabinets under $100 unless you’re open to an open box-style filing system. And while rolling casters would be nice, the design features are about right for the price. Price at time of publish: $54 Made of solid mango wood, natural cane, and iron, it has a cool mid-century modern vibe. This unit is a more expensive option, it doesn’t have wheels or a lock, and you’ll have to assemble it at home. But its aesthetic appeal can’t be denied—and if you think of it as a multifunctional furniture-storage hybrid, it might be worth the investment. Price at time of publish: $699 This file cabinet features one large drawer for letter-size hanging folders, plus two smaller drawers for other important items you want to keep secure. This means that it might not have enough room for all your files if you need two drawers’ worth of space. On the plus side, all three drawers are lockable. Laura Davidson offers a two-year warranty on the file cabinet, as well. Price at time of publish: $200 Recessed handles give this file cabinet a streamlined appearance, and it also features card slots on the front to add labels. We should note this unit has to be assembled at home. Also, it’s 140 pounds when empty—so you’ll want to set it up in the room where you plan to keep it, as it’ll be more of a hassle to move than smaller models or ones with wheels. Price at time of publish: $305 Only two of the drawers lock, and they don’t extend all the way out, but this is by design to prevent tipping. We read some reports that the steel is on the thinner side and might be more easily dented than heavy-duty file cabinets, so this might be most appropriate for light home use, rather than a busy office setting. However, the filing cabinet arrives fully assembled, and considering the size, it’s a decent value for the $200 range. Price at time of publish: $196 Featuring a metal and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) frame and fabric-covered drawer, this unit comes in a dark driftwood gray or white with a gray drawer. The caster wheels make it easy to move around your space. Plus, if you ever need more storage, you can buy additional cabinets and stack them together—the divots on the top of the cabinet will keep them in place. Just keep in mind that the drawer won’t be the most durable option available, and since it doesn’t lock, it isn’t the most secure either. Price at time of publish: $63 The file cabinet is constructed with kiln-dried mahogany and engineered wood, and the larger of the two drawers is designed with metal rails for hanging file folders. We wish it had a lock and came in more colors, but the white lacquer finish and streamlined design would make it a great fit for a range of decor styles. Price at time of publish: $384 The larger of the two lockable drawers can fit letter- or legal-size file folders. This unit has caster wheels, allowing you to pull it out and move it around your space as needed. It’s a little pricey for the size, but you can count on premium quality. Price at time of publish: $239 This filing cabinet is constructed primarily from steel, and 28 percent of the materials used are recycled. It doesn’t roll, and the design is relatively basic. But it’s nice and sturdy, arrives fully assembled, and definitely gets the job done for those who need a mid-size unit. Price at time of publish: $280 It’s also designed to resist crushing from a 30-foot drop or a collapsing ceiling. With two drawers and a four-pin key lock, it doubles as a fireproof safe. This file cabinet is one of the most expensive options we found, but it might be worth investing in for peace of mind in the event of an emergency, especially for storing irreplaceable or otherwise priceless items. Price at time of publish: $819
Material and Color
You’ll also want to pay attention to the material. Most filing cabinets are made of steel, which is generally strong, water-resistant, and long-lasting. Many feature a powder coating, which makes for a smooth, nonporous surface while giving you more color options, as is the case with the Laura Stockpile Curve File Cabinet. Some are made of wood and look more like regular furniture, like the Urban Outfitters Ivy Filing Cabinet. In any case, Jones explains that your file cabinet “shouldn’t be an item that stands alone or places a sore thumb in your space.”
Portability
According to professional home organizer Pia Thompson, “Mobile file cabinets…serve as portable file systems because of the convenient wheels that allow you to easily transport them from room to room.” Not all filing cabinets have caster wheels, but this can be a critical feature since they can get heavy when full.
Locking and Security
“Having a cabinet with a lock or one that is fireproof can provide security around your important papers,” says Thompson. When browsing lockable units, check how many of the drawers lock, as some are only partially lockable. For instance, both drawers on the Poppin Stow 2-Drawer File Cabinet lock with a single key.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is an experienced commerce writer and product tester specializing in home improvement, remote work, and lifestyle topics. For this story, she interviewed Shaniece Jones, a professional organizer specializing in storage solutions, and home organizer Pia Thompson of Sweet Digs. With their expert insights in mind, Theresa researched today’s best filing cabinets, narrowing it down to units that stood out in terms of durability, versatility, portability, security, and aesthetic appeal. “Also, consider a cabinet that comes in a variety of colors that fits in with your decor and feels good in your home,” Thompson adds. “That will encourage you to use it without adding to your visual clutter.”
