10 Best Filing Cabinets with Lockable Drawers for Home Offices

A tidy home office makes work easier. But when papers start piling up, things can quickly get messy.

That’s where a good filing cabinet comes in, especially one with lockable drawers. It keeps your important documents organized and your private files safe from prying eyes.

In this post, I’ve rounded up the 10 best filing cabinets with locks that are perfect for home offices. Whether you need something compact, stylish, or heavy-duty, there’s an option here for you.

What to Look for in a Lockable Filing Cabinet

Before you choose a filing cabinet, it’s important to know what features matter most. The right one should not only keep your files safe but also fit well in your home office space.

Here are some key things to consider:

  • Lock Type – Go for key locks, combination locks, or digital locks based on your preference and how secure you need it to be.
  • Material – Metal offers strength and durability, while wood and MDF look great and blend with home decor.
  • Drawer Capacity – Check how many drawers you need and if they hold letter-size or legal-size files.
  • Size – Make sure it fits under or next to your desk without crowding the room.
  • Mobility – If you move things around often, choose a cabinet with wheels and locking casters.
  • Design – A stylish cabinet can double as decor, especially in home offices where looks matter.

Taking a few minutes to think about these features can help you pick a filing cabinet that works well and lasts long.

10 Best Filing Cabinets with Lockable Drawers for Home Offices

A lineup of various lockable filing cabinets in different styles and finishes, ideal for home offices.

Below are some of the top-rated filing cabinets that combine security, style, and practicality. Whether you want something compact or more spacious, there’s something here for every home office.

1. Best Overall Filing Cabinet:
DEVAISE 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet

If you’re looking for a solid all-around choice, this DEVAISE 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet is a top pick. It’s strong, stylish, and arrives almost fully assembled—just pop on the wheels and you’re good to go.

Why it stands out:

  • High-quality metal construction with smooth-glide drawers
  • Fits both letter and legal-size files
  • The central lock system keeps all drawers secure
  • Rolls easily with no tipping issues
  • Includes file rails and full-extension drawers
  • Comes in sleek black or creamy white

It’s compact enough to slide under most desks, yet spacious enough for daily file storage. Many users even keep two for extra organization!


2. Best 2-Drawer Filing Cabinet:
BYNSOE 2-Drawer File Cabinet

This BYNSOE vertical file cabinet is a compact and practical solution for small offices or tight spaces. It offers secure two-drawer storage for your letter-size files without taking up too much room.

What users like:

  • Comes with two keys and an easy-to-use lock
  • Holds a good amount of files for home or classroom use
  • Sleek steel construction and modern look
  • Clear instructions for step-by-step assembly

Keep in mind:

  • Requires full self-assembly (about 1.5 hours)
  • Needs to be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping
  • Keys are a bit bulky and made of plastic

Once it’s set up, it’s a great unit for the price. If you don’t mind some hands-on assembly, this cabinet is a solid pick.


3. Best Metal Filing Cabinet:
LETAYA 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet

If you’re after something durable and professional-looking, the LETAYA 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet delivers. Built from heavy-duty metal and nearly fully assembled, it’s a great match for long-term use.

Why it’s a winner:

  • High-strength metal build with smooth drawer slides
  • Comes 90% assembled – just install the wheels
  • One lock secures all three drawers
  • Fits comfortably under most desks
  • Excellent packaging with corner protection

A few notes:

  • One wheel hole may need a slight adjustment
  • Not as premium as higher-end brands, but still reliable

For anyone who wants a metal cabinet that’s functional, sturdy, and easy to set up, this one is highly recommended.


4. Best Rustic Filing Cabinet:
GYIIYUO 2-Drawer File Cabinet

This GYIIYUO file cabinet combines rustic charm with smart storage. With a fabric drawer design and a 24″ extended desktop, it doubles as a printer stand or side table—perfect for a cozy home office.

Key features:

  • Rustic wood look with fabric drawers and side pouch
  • Compact, functional design with optional wheels or feet
  • Extended top works well for printers or office supplies
  • Easy-to-follow instructions and well-labeled parts
  • Includes extra parts and is a great value for the price

Keep in mind:

  • Not ideal for heavy paperwork due to fabric drawers
  • Some screws may need a hand drill for a tight fitting

If you’re going for a warm, homey setup with light-duty storage, this cabinet fits the vibe.


5. Best Budget Filing Cabinet:
DEVAISE Mobile File Cabinet

For those on a budget, the DEVAISE 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet is a fantastic option. It’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and surprisingly functional for its price.

Why it’s great for budget shoppers:

  • Affordable yet useful for everyday file storage
  • Compact and lightweight – perfect for small spaces
  • Stylish wood grain print with fabric drawer fronts
  • Easy mobility with lockable wheels
  • Works well as a printer stand or side table

Be aware:

  • Fabric drawers can tip when overloaded
  • Drawer bars may come loose under heavy use
  • Not heavy-duty – best for light-to-medium storage

At an affordable price, it’s hard to beat. Ideal for students, renters, or anyone starting with a small home office setup.


6. Best Compact Filing Cabinet:
SPACE SOLUTIONS Lorell 14341 File Cabinet

If you’re short on space, the Lorell 14341 2-Drawer File Cabinet is a smart choice. It’s compact, lightweight, and fits perfectly under most desks.

Highlights:

  • Comes fully assembled (just attach the handles)
  • Great for small home offices or tight corners
  • Stylish black finish pairs well with modern furniture
  • Includes 2 keys for the built-in lock
  • High-sided drawers keep files upright and organized

Good to know:

  • Drawers don’t extend fully
  • Lightweight build; not ideal for heavy-duty use

It’s not the most secure option out there, but it’s functional and super convenient for everyday file storage.


7. Best 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet:
DEVAISE 3-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet

Looking for something functional and stylish? The Rustic Brown DEVAISE 3-Drawer File Cabinet adds charm and storage space to your home office setup.

Why users love it:

  • Attractive wood grain finish and open shelves
  • Great for printer storage, files, and supplies
  • Accurate sizing for tight spaces
  • Affordable and well-packaged

Things to note:

  • Assembly can be time-consuming
  • Not heavy-duty; treat it like pressboard furniture
  • Wheels are decorative more than practical

If you want function and style on a budget, this cabinet gets the job done with flair.


8. Best 5-Drawer Wood Filing Cabinet:
OLIXIS 5-Drawer Mobile File Cabinet

Need more drawers? The OLIXIS 5-Drawer File Cabinet gives you space for documents, supplies, or even makeup items—without hogging room.

Why it’s a standout:

  • 5 spacious drawers for versatile storage
  • Compact design fits under desks
  • Easy to move with smooth rolling wheels
  • Sleek black wood finish suits modern offices

Consider this:

  • Assembly takes 2–4 hours, easier with a drill
  • One caster may arrive broken—check upon delivery
  • Bottoms aren’t built for very heavy items

Once built, it’s a clean, solid unit that adds both function and style to your office.


9. Best Filing Cabinet with Shelves:
DEVAISE 3-Drawer Wood File Cabinet

This white DEVAISE cabinet offers the best of both worlds: drawers for files and open shelves for office essentials or decor.

Why it’s worth considering:

  • Sleek and modern white finish
  • Spacious drawers plus open storage areas
  • Can be used with or without wheels
  • Sturdy build and easy to clean
  • Works great as a printer stand

Keep in mind:

  • Not lockable, unlike others on the list
  • One drawer piece might arrive damaged (check packaging)

It’s a great cabinet for people who want organization with a touch of style, just not for those needing locking drawers.


10. Best Vertical Filing Cabinet:
VASAGLE 2-Drawer File Cabinet

The VASAGLE Vertical File Cabinet is a sleek and modern choice for small offices. It’s compact, rolls easily, and supports both letter and A4-sized files.

Why it’s a favorite:

  • Drawers open smoothly and hold more than expected
  • Stylish matte black finish
  • Rolls well on sturdy casters
  • The top surface holds a large printer or decor
  • Clear assembly instructions included

A few heads-ups:

  • Assembly takes time (1–2 hours)
  • Missing parts were reported by a few buyers
  • Not ideal if you dislike DIY projects

If you want a neat, affordable solution with a clean look, this one checks the right boxes.


How to Organize Your Lockable Filing Cabinet Efficiently

A messy filing cabinet defeats the purpose. To keep things neat and easy to access, follow these simple tips:

  • Use labeled folders – Color-coded or tabbed folders help you find documents fast.
  • Group by category – Sort files by type (e.g., bills, tax documents, work files, receipts).
  • Place most-used files in top drawers – Keep essentials within easy reach.
  • Store sensitive items in the locked drawer – Use the locking section for documents like IDs, contracts, or financial records.
  • Avoid overstuffing drawers – Too many papers make them hard to open and can damage files.

Organizing your cabinet takes a few extra minutes but saves a lot of time later.

Conclusion

A lockable filing cabinet is more than just office furniture—it’s a smart way to keep your documents secure and your workspace clutter-free. Whether you need something compact, stylish, or heavy-duty, there’s a perfect option on this list for your home office.

Thanks for reading! 😍✨🌸
I hope this guide helped you find the right filing cabinet that fits your space and needs.

FAQs

What type of lock is best for a filing cabinet—key, combination, or digital?

Key locks are the most common and simple to use. Combination and digital locks offer more convenience and don’t require keys, but may cost more.

Can I use a filing cabinet for storing items besides documents?

Yes, many people use filing cabinets to store electronics, office supplies, craft items, or even personal valuables—especially if it has lockable drawers.

How do I stop a filing cabinet from tipping over?

Make sure it’s placed on a flat surface. For taller cabinets, secure them to the wall using brackets. Also, avoid opening multiple drawers at once.

Do all drawers in a filing cabinet lock together?

Not always. Some cabinets have a central lock for all drawers, while others may only lock one or two. Be sure to check this in the product description.