Lateral filing cabinets have gained in popularity until more of these cabinets are purchased than vertical file cabinets.
The original design of filing cabinets was vertical. They are still a good choice if you are dealing with wall space that is limited, as lateral filing cabinets will take up more of that wall space. Lateral cabinets will work fine with letter-size files, however, they definitely are a better choice If you have legal-size files.
The use of two 2 drawer lateral cabinets can easily be used to support a work surface and save space if you have a small office. This configuration will give you the work surface that a desk would provide, plus ample filing space.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Lateral Cabinet for Your Needs
The main factors for you to consider will be:
1) depth of cabinet
2) width of cabinet
3) number of drawers
4) paint color
In addition to the above considerations, manufacturers offer more than one style of drawer pull and various edge detail. This is an option of which you will want to take advantage if you are matching other pieces of furniture in your office.
It is rare that someone will choose to purchase custom lateral file cabinets, as there are so many options available in ready to purchase models. However, if your budget is unlimited, you might want to check out custom file cabinets which some manufacturers make available. They allow you to choose custom features from bottom to top.
Additional Tips for Selecting the Right File Cabinet
If you choose a five drawer lateral file cabinet, consider that files in the top drawer will be difficult see unless everyone using it is really tall. It’s smart to make the top module of a five drawer cabinet accessible with a door that can be lifted rather than a drawer that must be pulled out.
Make certain the file cabinet is weighted sufficiently enough that it won’t tip over when you open a top drawer. Drawers that are filled full can cause a file cabinet to warp or bulge unless you choose a thicker grade of steel for larger size cabinets.
If you want to purchase locking file cabinets to match your office furniture or workstation/cubicle, you will want to check to see if the manufacturer or your existing furniture makes file cabinets. If they do, it’s smart to purchase them, as the paint color or wood finish will be a perfect match. You will also be able to choose the same edge details and drawer pulls.
If you purchase more than one file cabinet, you will want to request that they be “keyed alike.” If you do this, you will be able to lock and unlock all cabinet drawers/doors with the same key. If you decide to order furniture with drawers that match your file cabinets, ask the vendor for lock cores that have the same key number.
One additional option not to be overlooked here would be the purchase of fireproof lateral file cabinets. These are rarely chosen due to their high price tag, extreme weight and expensive delivery charges.