Carson Forge Writing Desk home office filing

Everything you assumed about filing cabinets is wrong

You’ve got stuff — papers, tax documents and files — and you need a place to store it. If you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of a filing cabinet, stop now! Workspace storage has evolved to become a stylish and statement-making part of your home. And in some cases, doesn’t look at all like your traditional filing cabinet … because it’s not.

1 MYTH: Filing cabinets are old school.

Edge Water Shoal Creek Lateral Files for home office filing

You’ll probably collect more stuff as you get older, but filing cabinets aren’t “old school.” Today’s lateral files come in tons of style and finish options. And did we mention — tons of storage options? Most lateral files have deep, 30-inch, full extension drawers on metal slides, so you can store just about anything.

LIZ’S PICK: Use a traditional file system like the Edge Water Lateral File if your business requires a lot of paperwork.

JESS’S PICK: Shoal Creek Lateral File — it’s simple and small but gets the job

2 MYTH: I don’t have files to store, so I don’t need a filing cabinet.

International Lux Accent Storage Cabinet home office filing

Photo credit: Melissa George of Polished Habitat

If you need a variety of shelves, doors and special compartments for storing a mix of craft or office supplies, there are plenty of “non-filing cabinet” workspace storage options. Try a nontraditional storage cabinet or a computer desk with a built-in filing system. All perfect alternatives to a traditional filing cabinet.

JESS’S PICK: International Lux Accent Storage Cabinet

Adept Storage Credenza home office filing

Adept Storage Credenza home office filing

Photo credit: Kristen Duke of Capturing Joy

LANA’S PICK: Adept Storage Collection (Narrow Storage Cabinets or Credenzas)

Registry Row Desk home office filing

Photo credit: Christina’s Adventures

BONUS PICK: Registry Row Desk

3 MYTH: Filing cabinets are an eyesore.

Soft Modern Console Bookcase home office filing

Jess uses the Soft Modern Console Bookcase for bedroom workspace storage.

Nobody says you need to put a metal filing cabinet in the middle of the living room. Find a nontraditional storage option that blends in with your space. Just remember function is key. If you need items easily accessible and in close proximity to your workspace or writing desk, consider a credenza or wall shelf. Label storage boxes or bins for a “faux” filing system that’s easy on the eyes.

Soft Modern Wall Shelf home office filing

Bruno uses the Soft Modern Wall Shelf for living room workspace storage

that blends with his home’s décor.

Dakota Pass Anywhere Console home office filing

Michele McDonald of The Scrap Shoppe Blog uses the

Dakota Pass Anywhere Console to store kids’ craft and office supplies.

4 MYTH: Filing cabinets can’t be mobile.

Soft Modern Multi Cart home office filing

Jess uses a smaller take on the Soft Modern Multi-Cart —

the Square1 Accent Cart — for mobile bedroom workspace storage.

Mobile file carts definitely fit the bill, but so do mobile storage carts with casters. These options are versatile and can be loaded and moved from room to room to keep supplies close by.

BRUNO’S PICK: Soft Modern Multi-Cart

5 MYTH: I don’t really need that level of security or privacy.

Jess uses four-drawer metal filing cabinets next to her Carson Forge Writing Desk.

Some documents just shouldn’t be left out in the open. Protect important personal information like tax documents, bank statements, contracts or medical records in a locked cabinet. This is especially important if you’re sharing a space with roommates.

Top image courtesy of Jess McGurn of Bright Green Door