2 Drawer File Cabinets

Storing documents such as tax records, reports and meeting notes is an everyday task both at home and in the office. Filing cabinets are an easy way to keep papers organized and accessible, and two-drawer cabinets are an ideal storage option for many users. They hold a significant amount of documentation but are compact enough to fit tight spaces such as a closet in a home office or an office cubicle. Staples carries a full line of two-drawer filing cabinets from manufacturers such as HON, Lorell and FireKing.

Deep or Wide?

There are two main styles of file cabinets. Vertical files have drawers that are the width of a document, either letter or legal. Lateral files are wider, typically 30 to 42 inches, but the drawers are only as deep as a legal or letter page. Both products have advantages. Standard files typically have a smaller footprint, which may make them a better choice for cubicles or home offices. They store papers in front-to-back order, making it easier to access their contents from any angle. The wider drawers on lateral files often offer more storage space. Some of these products also store documents in both left-to-right or front-to-back order, so you can customize storage to fit specific needs or a room's shape.

A Choice of Materials

Manufacturers use many different materials in file cabinet construction. Metal cabinets are extremely strong and durable and come in a variety of colors that can match almost any home office or business interior. Wood or laminate products often offer warmer colors than metal finishes. A wood two-drawer file cabinet may be a good home filing solution if the household desk is in a kitchen or family room. Finally, products made from plastic are quite durable. They're also lighter than either metal or wood cabinets.

Varied Placement Options

Both types of filing cabinets offer a range of placement options. They both have flat tops you can use as an additional storage area, and some products have laminated surfaces that turn them into a convenient shared work space. Some vertical files are sized to fit beneath a desk, while lateral files can be placed back to back and used as an informal room divider.

Exceptional Document Protection

All filing cabinets keep documents organized, and most have a keyed lock that provides simple security. Some products offer additional protection for critical papers. High-quality locks and reinforced side panels protect against more advanced intrusion techniques, and products with fire- and water-resistant ratings from Underwriters Laboratories keep documents safe should disaster strike. Some two-drawer file cabinets are also media rated, meaning they're designed to protect electronic storage devices such as CDs or magnetic tape from heat and moisture. Others have UL impact ratings that ensure contents remain secure, even when the cabinet is dropped.

Filing cabinets keep reports, records and notes organized and safe. These products feature varied materials that fit into any room and offer multiple filing options. Find a two-drawer filing cabinet for home or business use at Staples.