Vertical vs. Lateral File Cabinets: a quick guide to upgrading your file storage system.

We posted a file cabinet buying guide a couple years (and a name-change) ago. We’ve gotten a few requests during that time to update and streamline the post. Office Ink aims to please. So here are we are with the highlights: a quick guide to office file cabinets.

Lateral File Cabinets: best for small offices; frequently accessed files.

Horizontal lateral files are take up little interior space, so they are the best choice for small offices. Lateral file cabinets are available in a wide range of widths and heights. You can get lateral files big enough to divide a room, small enough to fit under your desk, or sized just right to to do double-duty as a new work surface.

 basyx Vertical File Cabinet

Vertical File Cabinets: best for small offices; less frequently accessed files.

Vertical cabinets take up less wall space than lateral files, but they are too deep and bulky for small work areas. However, vertical file cabinets provide a ton of file storage. Use them to archive files you don’t need to get at every day.

Metal Cabinets: best for busy offices.

Metal file cabinets can take a lot of abuse, so they are best for choice for frequently accessed files.

Wood Cabinets: best for home and private offices.

Wood cabinets are usually more attractive than metal options, and relatively more expensive. However, they are a beautiful option if you don’t need to store a million file folders. Use them in your home office, or in a private office.

Check out the previously posted buying guide for a more in-depth look at your file cabinet options.

2 comments on “Vertical vs. Lateral File Cabinets: a quick guide to upgrading your file storage system.

  • Sariah Meagle says:

    These different types of office filing cabinets are nice to know, especially now that you mentioned that lateral file cabinets are best for small offices. We might consider getting a metal cabinet that you pointed out is best for busy offices like ours. If vertical file cabinets are best for less frequently accessed files as you say, then we might consider getting that from a good store for the office as well.

    Reply

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