We’re now so used to storing everything digitally that we can be thrown for a loop when it comes time to securely store important papers.
That’s where the best lockable filing cabinets come in.
Lockable filing cabinets can help you organize all of your most important documents – while keeping them safe and confidential.
Whether you need a filing cabinet for the office or your home, there are options fit every budget, style, and purpose.
We’ve searched the internet and polled our readers to bring you the best 2 and 3 drawer locking filing cabinets available.
BEST 3 DRAWER LOCKABLE FILING CABINETS
When it comes to home office filing cabinets, you typically have a choice between 2 and 3 filing drawers.
3 drawer filing cabinets offer more document storage but are taller and take up more space.
Make sure to measure your space before you buy; however, if you need a 3 drawer lockable filing cabinet, here are our favorites.
Space Solutions 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet
This Space Solutions lockable filing cabinet should really be labeled 2.5 drawers.
It offers 2 main drawers and a top “pencil” drawer that can be used to store small office supplies.
The entire unit is approximately 27″ tall and 18″ deep, and is capable of handling letter size hanging folders.
Before buying you should know that the drawers only pull out about 70% of the way. Also, we really wish that the bottom drawer was lockable – only the top 2 drawers can be locked.
With that said, it’s difficult to find a better 3 drawer lockable filing cabinet for the money.
The shiny black metal exterior is aesthetically pleasing and appears to be high-quality.
While not as durable as a safe or fire-proof cabinet, this affordable lockable filing cabinet does a nice job neatly organizing and protecting sensitive documents.
Lorell SOHO 3-Drawer Vertical File Cabinet – LLR18573
A 3 drawer model by Lorell is the SOHO LLR18573.
Like Lorell’s 2 drawer model, the SOHO’s drawers are 18″ in depth and can accommodate letter-sized hanging folders.
Assembly is super easy as this 3 drawer lockable filing cabinet only requires you to screw on its handles.
Overall, the entire unit weighs 33 lbs. and is large enough for you to place your printer on top of.
While the SOHO is not considered “commercial grade,” it is sturdy enough for home and office use.
Our only complaint with this filing cabinet is that only the top 2 drawers are lockable. Otherwise, it’s a good value and worth your consideration.
HomeGenerosity Editor Review
“My mother-in-law has the Lorell 3 drawer cabinet in her basement. When I asked her if she liked it, she responded, “no problems.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement but I suppose good enough when it comes to a filing cabinet.”
Calico Designs File Cabinet in Black 51100
The Calico Designs 3 drawer lockable filing cabinet is a great choice for shoppers that need 3 drawers but lack vertical space.
Short and squat, its dimensions measure in at 22″ L x 15.75″ W x 23″ H. Don’t worry though, it can still accommodate both letter and legal size documents.
Although it is already stable due to its dimensions, Calico Designs added on 5 casters, including a caster on the filing drawer, for additional stability.
Interestingly, this 3 drawer model is available in two material types: manufactured wood and metal.
While the manufactured wood version will save you money, we prefer the durability of the metal.
It is offered in 6 different colors:
- White
- Black
- Gray
- Silver
- Pewter
- Multi-Color
All of its drawers are lockable and easily accessible.
BEST 2 DRAWER LOCKABLE FILING CABINETS
Sometimes bigger isn’t always better.
If you are looking to buy a lockable filing cabinet to store only several important documents like a Will, Deed, and Marriage Certificate, a 2 drawer file cabinet is the perfect choice.
Lorell 16872 2-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet
Making our list as one of the best lockable filing cabinets for home office, the Lorell 16872-2 is a mobile 2 drawer filing cabinet.
This cabinet comes with two 18″ deep drawers with built-in rails that are capable of accommodating letter-sized hanging folders.
The main selling feature of the Lorell is the price.
Some reviewers have voiced concerns over the thinness of the cabinet’s metal. However, most buyers have been happy with the overall quality, and believe the cabinet to be a good value for the price.
We really like that there is minimal assembly and that you have the option to attach the castors or not.
Lorell 14341 18 Deep 2-Drawer File Cabinet – Black
Lorell appears a few times on our list of best lockable filing cabinets – including this 14341 deep 2 drawer model.
If you dislike spending money on necessities, but still want to get the job done right, then this filing cabinet may be for you.
First off, like other Lorell cabinets, the price is right.
For less than a trip to the movies with the family, you can buy a 2 drawer lockable filing cabinet that can fit underneath your desk.
Reviewers really like the Lorell’s smooth glide drawers and how light the cabinet is – weighing in at only 19 lbs.
While assembly is easy, this filing cabinet unfortunately does not have tracks for hanging folders. If tracks aren’t a necessity, than the value of this cabinet is awfully tempting.
It comes in either black (as pictured) or tan.
Space Solutions 2-Drawer Home File Cabinet
This filing cabinet isn’t trying to be anything it isn’t.
It’s made for your home office and bridges the gap between cheap, lesser quality filing cabinets and pricey high-end models.
You will really like the gray as it’s a nice change of pace from the typical black and tan options.
Space Solutions also earns points with its patented easy glide drawer system. Its smooth sliding drawers also are designed to only extend 75% to prevent tipping; some reviewers aren’t a fan but we don’t mind.
Overall, the Space Solutions is a good lockable filing cabinet for the money.
It won’t keep out the determined crook, but it will lock out prying eyes.
Z-Line Designs 2-Drawer Vertical File Cabinet
Looking for more of a classic look?
This Z-Line 2 drawer filing cabinet comes assembled with a wood veneer in a cherry finish.
While most of our selections include metal exteriors, this wooden veneer 2 drawer cabinet feels right at home in a plush home office setting.
Our reviewers have loved this cabinet’s quality. However, they have noted that assembly does take slightly longer than other options. The determining factor when it comes to this option is what you value more: great looks or easy assembly.
As far as size, the Z-Line measures 15.8 x 20 x 27.1 inches. It is capable of handling both letter and legal size documents.
BEST LOCKABLE LATERAL FILING CABINETS
Lateral filing cabinets offer additional storage space without adding unnecessary height.
Most lateral cabinets also offer hanging rails for organization – a super neat feature for the more organized person.
Z-Line Designs 2-Drawer Lateral File Cabinet
Like the looks of the Z-Line but need the extra storage space of a lateral filing cabinet?
Here’s the Z-Line lateral filing cabinet.
Like its brethren, this cabinet is laminate with a wood veneer finish. It also includes the popular antique handles.
Apart from the size, the lateral filing cabinet is also available in 3 different colors:
- Black
- Cherry
- Espresso
The two filing drawers both have full extension glides and are lockable.
A nice feature appreciated by reviewers is that this filing cabinet will not tip forward with the top shelf extended; it is very stable.
Again, like the other Z-Line cabinets, assembly does take slightly longer than desired. However, the included instructions are quite easy to follow.
Alera LA523029BL
Looking for a heavy duty filing cabinet? The Alera lateral filing cabinet checks off all of the boxes.
In addition, this cabinet is offered in 6 different size configurations and 3 different colors.
While it’s great having so many options, we really like leveling guides that adjust for uneven floors, and its reinforced double walls for additional stability.
Did we say that this lateral cabinet is stable? Try out a 131 pound shipping weight for stable. We hope you have a strong Fedex person.
If you’re worried about buying a cheap filing cabinet online, this model by Alera is the solution. While the price is not the lowest, it is worth it for the quality and durability you receive.
Hirsh SOHO 2 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet in Black
Looking for a lateral lockable file cabinet? Maybe something to hold redwelds?
The Hirsh SOHO is a wide 2 drawer cabinet, measuring in at 27.75″ high and 30″ wide.
While it is not capable of being equipped with casters, it is, however, well made and constructed of heavier metal than most small lockable filing cabinets.
TAA complaint, the Hirsh SOHO includes adjustable front leveling guides and a lock for both drawers.
We would classify the Hirsh SOHO as a high-end home office option. While not as heavy-duty as commercial cabinets, this cabinet sports a much thicker metal exterior than cheaper offerings.
Available only in black, this lockable filing cabinet is worth the price.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FILING CABINET
Prior to purchasing any of the filing cabinets that we’ve reviewed, it’s important to know the space where it is going to be placed.
First, select where in your home or office you would like to place your filing cabinet. Then, carefully measure the space, taking into consideration that you will need room to open the drawers and maneuver files.
Once you find the right size filing cabinets, it’s simply a matter of what is important to you. Do you need extreme durability? Hanging rails? A one lock system?
Think about what matters most to you and be confident in choosing any of the lockable filing cabinets that we’ve reviewed in this article.
If you have any questions, or have purchased one of the cabinets we’ve discussed and would like to have your own review featured, please reach out to us. We love to hear from our readers!
Image Credit: Amazon.com