Dimensions of a Lateral Filing Cabinet

Features

• A lateral filing cabinet has a short and stocky appearance, especially when compared to vertical filing cabinets. Vertical cabinets are narrow and tall, with multiple drawers. The lateral file cabinet is much wider and is half as tall as a vertical cabinet, if not shorter. Lateral cabinets typically have two drawers, though some styles have three drawers, four drawers or as many as five drawers. Horizontal file cabinets are similar, though the cabinets usually have thinner drawers and are not as wide.

Dimensions

• According to Dimensions Guide, a lateral file cabinet is up to 42 inches wide. Smaller cabinets are generally either 36 or 30 inches wide. The common depth of the cabinets is 20 inches. The exact dimensions of lateral cabinets vary depending on the manufacturer. The cabinet may be slightly wider or more narrow.

Considerations

• The name of the design comes from the wide shape of the cabinet and has no bearing on the height. Taller cabinets are also referred to as lateral filing cabinets, even those that are as tall as the traditional horizontal cabinets. The design allows you to pull the drawer open and see the files stacked side by side, with each side facing you. Other designs, including the horizontal design, use folders placed one in front of the other.

Benefits

• Lateral file cabinets come in hundreds of different designs, including basic and utilitarian models made from stainless steel or other metals and painted in a neutral color. For a home office, look for models made from wood and designed to resemble a table or another piece of furniture. The file cabinet serves two purposes: becoming another workspace in your office and storing files. The squat design of the cabinets also makes them suitable for small spaces. Tuck the cabinets under a window and decorate with cushions and throw pillows for extra seating. You can even arrange two of the cabinets a few feet away from each other and top with an old door or piece of plywood to make a new desk.