If your office space is more of a DIY project than a well-thought-out design, you know how hard it can be to find storage pieces that are both functional and stylish. Flat files are a great example of this — they’re a workhorse piece that’s used for a wide variety of purposes, from storing and organizing documents to stashing paper supplies to acting as a makeshift desk. And, if your work requires you to have a lot of physical paperwork, you’re definitely going to need some kind of filing system.
Read on for our list of best flat files.
Our Editor’s Best Office Flat Files Reviews
- VERSATILE USE - Organize your work area efficiently! Store blueprints, schematics, documenst and papers up to 24”x 36”. This blueprint cabinet holds up to 500 sheets per unit, 750 semi-active, or 1,000 inactive.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Our architect file cabinet has heavy gauge steel base & scratch-resistant surface. The flat file drawer endures daily wear-and-tear, and is stackable.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE - The drawer depressors and the ball-bearing sliders will ensure that your papers are aligned properly and do not curl. Use the base holes to get your documents quickly without tearing.
- SAFE & CUSTOMIZED - Use the secure lock to safeguard you sensitive documents. Assign the flat file drawers to individuals, specific projects, or subject matters with the label holders.
- SIZE AVAILABILITY - Choose from cabinets that support documents size 20"x36", 30"x42", and 36"x48". Ideal for classrooms, art studios, and printing shops, catering to large projects.
- VERSATILE USE - Organize your work area efficiently! Store blueprints, schematics, documenst and papers up to 30”x 42”. This blueprint cabinet holds up to 500 sheets per unit, 750 semi-active, or 1,000 inactive.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Our architect file cabinet has heavy gauge steel base & scratch-resistant surface. The flat file drawer endures daily wear-and-tear, and is stackable.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE - The drawer depressors and the ball-bearing sliders will ensure that your papers are aligned properly and do not curl. Use the base holes to get your documents quickly without tearing.
- SAFE & CUSTOMIZED - Use the secure lock to safeguard you sensitive documents. Assign the flat file drawers to individuals, specific projects, or subject matters with the label holders.
- SIZE AVAILABILITY - Choose from cabinets that support documents size 20"x36", 30"x42", and 36"x48". Ideal for classrooms, art studios, and printing shops, catering to large projects.
- METAL CABINET FEATURES- Drawers feature heavy-duty nylon rollers and courtesy stop, rear hood and hinged front document depressor
- OFFICE STORAGE- Stack up to 5 units
- FILE CABINETS COMPATIBILITY- Safco Products Closed Low Base Model 4995BLR, optional Lock Kit includes lock and two keys Model 4981
- DIMENSIONS- Label holder on drawer front dimensions 3.25"W x 1 â…ž"H (OD)
- Secure File Storage: Every drawer includes a rear hood to shield documents, and a hinged edge prevents curling, so your sheets stay protected and well-preserved
- Heavy Duty Construction: Crafted from durable steel with a powder coat finish for added strength; Features latches to keep drawers tightly shut and bolts to keep them in place when open
- Smooth & Quiet Operation: This filing cabinet is equipped with extra-strength rails for precise drawer alignment, ensuring seamless sliding without jams; Nylon rollers offer noise-free operation
- Product Dimensions: This storage cabinet measures 32"D x 46.25"W x 16.25"H; Each drawer accommodates up to 300 active, 450 semi-active, or 600 inactive files and can hold up to 60 lbs.
- METAL CABINET FEATURES- Drawers feature heavy-duty nylon rollers and courtesy stop, rear hood and hinged front document depressor.
- OFFICE STORAGE- Stack up to 5 units.
- FILE CABINETS COMPATIBILITY- Safco Products Closed Low Base Model 4997BLR, stack up to 2 units on Safco Products Open High Base Model 4977BL, optional Lock Kit includes lock and two keys Model 4981.
- DIMENSIONS-Label holder on drawer fronts dimensions 3.25"W x 1 â…ž"H (OD).
- Material: Made of aluminum alloy, rigid and stable, exquisite and detailed surface, solid and reliable inside, durable and never deformed!
- Index tab: The index label is attached for easy classification. When there are many files, it is inevitable to forget which level of the file you want. The label helps you quickly find the file you want.
- Tiered storage: This file cabinet has 7-layer drawers to meet various storage and archiving needs.
- Lockable: This filing cabinet features lockable filing drawers for the convenient and confidential storage of A4 suspension files.
- Stability: The sensitive appearance volume combined with non-slip foot pads can be placed on the office table or multiple layers at will, which is not easy to fall or damage, making the home more space.
- Flat filing stacking system
- Trays are molded in one piece from high-density polyethylene
- Steel reinforcement
- Stack trays up to 5 feet high
- Optional wood top is available 4898LO
- Material: The folder is made of environmentally friendly plastic, which has the advantages of durability and easy cleaning.
- Index tab: Label location can indicate your classification for easy find.
- Large capacity: Desktop drawer has multi-layers of storage drawers, which can place different files separately. The filing cabinet is small in size and large in capacity and can be stored in different locations.
- Sturdy anti-fall: Resistance to dropping and compression, strong collision resistance, fits beneath all standard desks at work or at home office for your organizational needs.
- Feature: This file cabinet keeps office supplies organized and files away important documents for a compact storage. Great For Storing Magazines, Newspapers, Files, Documents, And Much more.
- Attractive and contemporary drawer box helps organize cluttered desks.
- Made of premium-quality plastic in gray, each drawer is color-coded to aid document organization.
- Colorful drawers hold A4, C4, folio, and letter-size paper formats.
- Drawer stops enable smooth and soundless opening.
- Fits into all standard office cabinets and sideboards when placed side by side.
- Durable Construction: Reinforced straight-cut tab ensures long-lasting use and easy labeling, perfect for frequent handling.
- Flat-No Expansion: Designed to hold up to 50 sheets, these flat file jackets provide secure document storage without bulk.
- Letter Size Compatibility: Ideal for organizing and protecting letter-sized documents, reports, and files in offices, classrooms, or homes.
- Versatile Use: The file jackets are perfect for organizing your most important documents, whether for school, work, or personal use.
- Convenient 10-Pack: Each pack includes 10 high-quality file jackets, giving you ample storage for your documents.
Best Office Flat Files Buying Guide
Before choosing the best office flat files you should consider following options:
1. Size: The first thing you need to figure out is the size that you need. This will depend on the number of documents you want to store and how often you need to access them.
An office file cabinet with too many drawers is not efficient. Too few drawers will mean that you waste space. The standard configuration for a cabinet is two to three drawers.
Pick a size that allows you to efficiently organize your documents and makes it easy for you to reach and retrieve them.
2. Number of drawers: The number of drawers in an office file cabinet is an important consideration.
You should keep in mind that an over-complicated or too many number of drawers can lead to a chaotic filing system. You don’t want to have to open multiple drawers to find the documents you are looking for.
A good number of drawers is between 2 and 4. The number of drawers will depend on the number of employees who need to access the cabinet and the type of documents you file.
3. Ease of use: A cabinet that is easy to use is one that has drawers that slide smoothly and evenly.
It is also important that the cabinet has drawers that are easy to open and close. Drawers that stick or break easily are a clear indication that the cabinet is of poor quality.
4. Security: A good quality office file cabinet should have a locking mechanism. Strong and sturdy locks are an indication of a secure cabinet.
A cabinet with a lock ensures that the documents inside remain private. Make sure the lock works smoothly and is easy to use.
5. Materials: The materials of the cabinet are also an important consideration. The best cabinets are made of high quality steel or wood.
When picking a cabinet, make sure it is made of durable and sturdy materials. You also want to make sure that the materials are aesthetically pleasing.
A cabinet made out of wood will blend in with the overall décor of the office. On the other hand, steel cabinets tend to look more modern and compact.
6. Warranty: The warranty period is an indication of the quality of an office file cabinet. The longer the warranty period, the better the quality of the cabinet.
A good cabinet should have a warranty period of at least 5 years. This will ensure that the cabinet lasts for a long time.
7. Price: Last but not least, the price of the cabinet is an important consideration. It is crucial to establish whether the price is reasonable for the quality of the cabinet.
An office file cabinet that falls within your budget is a good option. It is important to not compromise on the quality of the cabinet for a lower price.
What else you should know about office flat files
1. What is an office flat file?
An office flat file is a type of filing cabinet that is designed to hold documents that are flat, such as drawings or maps.
2. What are the benefits of using an office flat file?
An office flat file can help to keep a work area organized and tidy. It can also help to protect important documents and papers from being damaged or lost.
3. How do you store and organize files in an office flat file?
In an office flat file, files are typically stored in alphabetical order.
4. How do you access files in an office flat file?
Files in an office flat file are typically accessed by opening the drawer that corresponds to the file’s alpha-numeric code.
5. What are some tips for using an office flat file effectively?
Some tips for using an office flat file effectively are to keep it in a central location, to use it to store documents that are infrequently accessed, and to label the files clearly.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best office flat files. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best office flat files will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.