A guide to filing cabinets

Suspension Files: A4 vs Foolscap

Suspension files rest on parallel runners, and the distance between these runners determines whether you'll need A4 or foolscap files.

Foolscap filing
Foolscap files are slightly larger than A4. They were widely used in the UK and are still common in many offices. Foolscap suspension or lever arch files are often used to hold A4 paper; the slightly larger size offers better protection for the edges of the documents.

• File with suspension bar: H 240 x W 407 mm
• File without suspension bar (card part only): H 230 x W 360 mm
• Sit on runners that are approximately 400 mm apart

A4 filing
A4 suspension files are more compact and suitable for offices with limited space. Cabinets designed for A4 are usually narrower.

• File with suspension bar: H 240 x W 350 mm
• File without suspension bar (card part only): H 230 x W 300 mm
• Sit on runners that are approximately 345 mm apart

Some filing cabinets can accommodate both file sizes, but this is not standard. All our product descriptions clearly state the compatible file type. If you're unsure, our Sales Team is happy to help.

Find the cabinet that suits you

Perhaps a standard wooden or metal cabinet will not meet your expectations. Explore alternative designs to suit different storage needs.

Other filing options: 

Multi-Drawer cabinets
Ideal for small items or categorised documents, these office cabinets have narrow drawers that store papers flat, without the need for suspension files.

Lateral filing cabinets
Cabinets with wider drawers than a standard cabinet, fitted with two sets of suspension runners in each drawer for storing two runs of files side-by-side maximising capacity and accessibility.

Fireproof filing cabinets
Designed to withstand extreme conditions, our fireproof filing cabinets are rated to protect paper documents for 60–120 minutes, depending on the model (exact rating varies – see product descriptions). Each drawer will act as a fire-insulated unit meaning that even if one drawer is open the others remain fireproof. These cabinets will keep important documents safe in the event of a fire and usually come equipped with a more heavy duty lock than a standard filing cabinet.

Cabinets with filing cribs
Some metal office cabinets can be fitted with lateral filing rails or pull-out cribs. Rails allow files to be accessed within the cabinet, while cribs slide out fully. It is generally recommended that no more than two or three pull-out file cribs are fitted (depending on the cabinet) and that they are fitted to the lower half of the cabinet to prevent the cabinet from becoming top heavy.

Soho filing cabinets
Small Office Home Office cabinets are smaller and designed specifically for this type of environment.

Bisley filing cabinets
Bisley is a well-known British manufacturer of steel filing cabinets. Their cabinets are recognised for quality and endurance and all the Bisley cabinets in our range come with a product guarantee (length of guarantee varies - see product descriptions).

Understand your cabinet and make sure it works for you

When choosing an office filing cabinet, it’s not just about the size and style. These functional features matter too:

Locking mechanism
Most (but not all) of our filing cabinets are lockable. This will act as a deterrent to most people but probably not a determined thief! Some of our fireproof filing cabinets come with a much more heavy duty lock, including electronic lock options, so it may be worth the extra investment for highly sensitive files (with the added bonus that they will be protected in the event of a fire).

Drawer extension
Drawers normally open to either 80% or 100%, with 100% extension meaning that the back of the drawer is flush with the cabinet frame when fully open. Drawers that open to 80% do so to prevent the cabinet from tipping over; you can still access the final 20% you just have to reach in to do so! Cabinets with 100% extension allow easier access to all files and usually have an anti-tilt mechanism.

Anti-tilt function
An anti-tilt mechanism prevent the cabinets from becoming top-heavy and tipping over by allowing you to open only one drawer at a time. Particularly important in busy offices or schools.

Happy filing!