A good filing cabinet is one of those purchases that feels boring right up until the day you need your car rego papers, a warranty receipt or a tax document in a hurry. For a first home, it also helps turn a study or a corner of the lounge into a real workspace. The trouble is that "filing cabinet" now covers everything from a basic flatpack to a steel unit. This guide cuts through that.
We read the Amazon AU listings for seven filing cabinets, also called file cabinets, then compared them on the things that matter in a home: whether the drawers take A4 or letter size folders, how each listing describes the lock and the castors, what the cabinet is made of, how big it is, and how it describes assembly. The cabinets below are Amazon AU listings with a star rating, and we did not test them. For tools instead of paperwork, our guide to tool boxes and rolling tool chests compares drawers, locks and wheels the same way.
What is the best filing cabinet in Australia right now?
The best filing cabinet for most home offices is the VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet (Matte Black), rated 4.2 from 2,541 ratings on Amazon AU, the most ratings of the seven cabinets here. Its listing describes 2 spacious drawers with adjustable hanging rails for A4 or letter size file folders and five casters, the 2 front ones lockable.
The listing says it fits neatly under a desk and serves as an excellent printer stand, so it can double as a stand for whichever home printer you land on. If you want a wide lateral cabinet with a printer on top, the Costway 3 Drawer Lateral and the Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral are the two lateral cabinets here. The VASAGLE Industrial 2 Drawer with an open shelf could not be bought on 20 October 2026. The quick comparison below shows every cabinet side by side.
Quick comparison: filing cabinets at a glance
Here is the short version before we get into the detail. The table gives each cabinet's drawers, its Amazon AU rating and count, and the size shown on its listing. This guide lists no prices, so confirm the price on the Amazon AU listing on the day you buy.
| Cabinet | Drawers | Rating (count) | Listed size, D x W x H cm | Listing note |
|---|
| VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet (Matte Black) | 2 | 4.2 (2,541) | 40 x 42 x 70 (the title gives 15.7 x 16.5 x 27.6 inches) | Adjustable hanging rails for A4 or letter folders |
| Costway 3 Drawer Lateral Mobile File Cabinet (White) | 3 | 4.2 (8) | 81 x 40 x 66.5 in Item Dimensions D x W x H, but Item Depth is 40 | Lateral, A4, legal and letter size files |
| Giantex 5 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet (Black) | 5 | 3.9 (129) | 40 x 49 x 65 | A4 size and foolscape size files |
| Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet (White) | 3 | 4.3 (15) | 40 x 81 x 66.5 as listed | Lateral, letter, A4 or legal size files |
| VASAGLE Filing Cabinet in Honey Brown | 2 | 4.1 (769) | 39.9 x 45 x 68.6 | Barn doors, A4 or letter size folders |
| Artiss 2 Drawers Filing Cabinet (White) | 2 | 3.8 (12) | 47 x 41 x 72 | Metal rod for suspension files |
| VASAGLE Industrial 2 Drawer File Cabinet with Open Shelf | 2 plus open shelf | 4.2 (950) | 41.9 x 44 x 69.1 | Could not be bought on 20 October 2026 |
The sections below cover each cabinet in turn, from more drawers and a wider lateral format to a farmhouse look and a slim footprint. Read on for who each one suits.
How we checked filing cabinets
NestPath is a research desk, not a testing lab. We did not assemble or test these cabinets. We read the Amazon AU listing for each one and the maker's own wording on that listing, which means its bullet points and product information. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing. Here is what we compared:
- Ratings and counts. Each rating and count is the figure shown on the Amazon AU listing, and we show the count beside every rating because 8 ratings and 2,541 ratings are not the same evidence.
- Filing fit. We noted which paper sizes each listing names, such as A4, letter, legal or foolscape, and whether it describes hanging rails, hanging rods or a rod for suspension files.
- Locks and castors. We noted what each listing says about locks, castors and brakes, in the listing's own words.
- Build and load. We noted the materials and load figures each listing states, and we call them the listing's figures.
- Assembly. We noted what each listing says about instructions and parts. We did not time any assembly.
- Size and mobility. We compared the listed sizes and whether the cabinet rolls, because in a home office the difference between fitting under a desk and not fitting is a few centimetres.
Where a listing gave no figure, we left the figure out rather than guess. The goal is a list you can use to make a sensible call.
Last checked: 20 October 2026.
Best overall: VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet (Matte Black)
The VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet in Matte Black is our best overall filing cabinet: 4.2 from 2,541 ratings on Amazon AU, the most ratings of the seven cabinets here. Its listing describes 2 spacious drawers with adjustable hanging rails for A4 or letter size file folders. The product information lists the size as 40D x 42W x 70H centimetres, while the title gives 15.7 x 16.5 x 27.6 inches, and lists the material as alloy steel, engineered wood and plastic. The listing says it fits neatly under a desk and serves as an excellent printer stand.
On style, the listing says the cabinet boasts sleek lines and a rustic look, complements a variety of interior styles and gives an instant upgrade to your home office. That is the maker's description, so judge the finish against your own room before you order.
What sells it for a home office is the mobility. The listing describes five 360 degree swivel casters that let you move the cabinet around with ease, with the 2 front casters lockable to keep it in place when stationary and a fifth wheel on the bottom drawer that adds to overall stability. On assembly, the listing says clearly labeled parts and illustrated instructions make it a breeze to set up.
For a first home where the office is really a desk in the spare room, this is the cabinet we would pick without overthinking it. It has two drawers for A4 or letter size folders, castors that suit a tight floor plan, and the most ratings of the seven cabinets in this guide.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The bullet points call the 2 front casters lockable, and the product information lists the lock type as Key, but the bullet points do not describe what a lock secures, so check that before you rely on it for private papers. The product information lists the item weight as 15 Kilograms and the weight capacity as Maximum 77 Pounds, so keep the heaviest archives low in the cabinet. We did not time an assembly, so read the listing's instructions before you start.
VASAGLE Industrial 2 Drawer File Cabinet with Open Shelf: could not be bought on 20 October 2026
The VASAGLE Industrial 2 Drawer File Cabinet with Open Shelf could not be bought on 20 October 2026: Amazon AU showed the listing as unavailable, so we do not recommend it. Its card stays here so you can see what the listing said. It showed 4.2 from 950 ratings, and the listing describes a bottom drawer for A4 or letter size files, a top drawer for office supplies and an open shelf for notebooks or printer paper.
The listing describes five 360 degree swivel wheels, 2 of which are lockable, and says the fifth wheel on the bottom drawer adds to overall stability. It describes a slim and sturdy fusion of chipboard and steel frame, and the product information lists the size as 41.9D x 44W x 69.1H centimetres. Its load figures disagree: the bullet points say a high load capacity of 80 kg, the product information lists a weight capacity of 88 Pounds, and its own A+ content says the max. static load capacity of the product is 60 kg.
The listing says highlighted parts and illustrated instructions make setting up a breeze. Because the listing could not be bought, the practical choice for a home office is the crown above or another cabinet in this guide.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The open shelf trades hidden storage for access, so it suits tidy paperwork rather than valuables. The listing names a chipboard and steel frame but gives three different load figures, so read all three before you load it if the listing returns. The A+ content says: Do not exceed its weight limit. Its title names 2 lockable drawers on a steel frame in rustic brown and black.
Costway 3 Drawer Lateral Mobile File Cabinet (White)
The Costway 3 Drawer Lateral Mobile File Cabinet is a wide lateral cabinet rated 4.2 from 8 ratings on Amazon AU, so that rating rests on a small number of ratings. Its listing describes a spacious desktop, three drawers and two open compartments. The file drawer has 2 adjustable hanging rods that accommodate A4, legal and letter size files, and the product information gives Item Dimensions D x W x H as 81D x 40W x 66.5H centimetres while its Item Depth row says 40 centimeters, so the depth is not settled.
Other details from the listing: a 5 position adjustable shelf with 32 mm increments, a full extension design for effortless access to files, and five universal casters, two of which are equipped with brakes. The listing describes the cabinet as a mobile printer stand. The Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet below lists its size as 40D x 81W x 66.5H centimetres.
For a first home office that wants lateral filing and mobility, or a second cabinet for a growing pile of paperwork, the Costway is worth a look. It has the fewest ratings of the live cabinets here, 8, so read the listing carefully before you order.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
With only 8 ratings there is little buyer feedback to read, so we cannot say how the build holds up over time. Check the footprint against your wall before you order, because the listing's own product information gives 81D x 40W x 66.5H centimetres for Item Dimensions D x W x H but 40 centimeters for Item Depth. The listing title also names a rolling printer stand with an open adjustable storage shelf, in white, for Letter, A4 and Legal size files.
Giantex 5 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet for a busy desk
When two or three drawers will not cut it, the Giantex 5 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet has the most drawers of any cabinet here. It is rated 3.9 from 129 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing describes 5 large drawers with internal dimensions of 41.5 x 33.5 x 7 cm (L x W x H), smooth metal slide rails, and a spacious top that can accommodate your printer, scanner or decorations.
The product information lists the size as 40D x 49W x 65H centimetres, and the bullet points give the overall dimension as 49 x 40 x 65 cm (L x W x H). The listing describes 4 castors, with two lockable front castors, and says the casters can also be removed for stationary placement. It names A4 size and foolscape size files, and says the cabinet can also be used as a nightstand or dresser cabinet.
This is the cabinet for the household whose paperwork has outgrown a slim two drawer unit, or for anyone who likes to sort by category across more drawers. On assembly, the listing says easy to follow instructions and all the necessary hardware. It also says the smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain, just a simple wipe is needed, and that the drawers provide ample storage space for snacks, cosmetics, files of A4 size and foolscape size. The listing adds that, due to different batches of the item, the drawer slides and wheels may be different, and that the new version has a wood grain finish.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The listing says the cabinet top can support 20 kg and each drawer can hold up to 8 kg, so this is a sorter, not a vault for heavy archives. It names P2 engineered wood as the material. The listing also says to always secure the furniture with the anchor device provided and never to allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors or shelves. An electric screwdriver can help with the build.
Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet with adjustable shelf
The Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet is rated 4.3 from 15 ratings on Amazon AU, the highest rating of the seven cabinets here but from a small number of ratings. Its listing describes 3 spacious drawers, including one with adjustable hangers that accommodate letter, A4 or legal size files, and a 5 position adjustable shelf. The product information lists the size as 40D x 81W x 66.5H centimetres.
The listing describes 5 smooth rolling wheels, including 2 with brakes, convenient cut out handles and a surface that wipes clean effortlessly, and says the spacious tabletop functions well as a printer stand. The combination of a lateral file drawer, an adjustable shelf and a tabletop gives a flexible layout for a desk that has to be a workstation and a printer stand at once.
Choose this over the Costway if you want the 4.3 rating on offer against 4.2, while remembering that both rest on few ratings, 15 and 8. Choose the Costway if its three drawer and two open compartment layout suits your desk better.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
With 15 ratings there is little buyer feedback to read. The wide footprint takes a lot of wall width, so measure the space first. Keep heavy archives in the file drawer with the adjustable hangers and treat the open shelf as light storage. The listing says the wheels also maintain stability when stationary, making it convenient for rearranging office spaces, and calls the cabinet a statement piece in your office setting. Those are the maker's words, not our test result.
A modern filing cabinet: VASAGLE Filing Cabinet in Honey Brown
Not every filing cabinet has to look like office equipment. The listing title for the VASAGLE Filing Cabinet in Honey Brown says Modern Farmhouse Style, and its bullet points describe a unique honey brown colour with barn doors that suit an office, a study or a bedroom as a bedside table. It is rated 4.1 from 769 ratings on Amazon AU.
Underneath the looks it is a filing cabinet. The listing describes 2 roomy chests of drawers, each with an adjustable coat hanger that holds many A4 or letter size folders, and smooth running silent slides. It says the thick chipboard can easily carry up to 50kg and that the cabinet also serves as a reliable printer stand. The product information lists the size as 39.9D x 45W x 68.6H centimetres.
If your "office" is a corner of a shared room and you care how it looks, this is the cabinet in the guide whose listing leads with style. On assembly, the listing says described parts and detailed instructions make the assembly a breeze. Its title also names 2 paper trays, a printer stand and hanging folders, in A4 and letter size.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Neither the bullet points nor the product information on this listing mention a lock, so it suits organisation rather than private papers. The listing names thick chipboard and a 50kg carrying figure, so keep to that figure when you load it.
Artiss 2 Drawers Filing Cabinet in White
The Artiss 2 Drawers Filing Cabinet in white is rated 3.8 from 12 ratings on Amazon AU, the lowest rating of the seven cabinets here, so we include it as a slim option rather than a standout. The product information lists the size as 47D x 41W x 72H centimetres. The listing says it is constructed from E1 particle board and equipped with a metal rod to easily hang and access suspension files.
For a study nook or a bedroom desk where every centimetre counts, the slim footprint is the draw. The listing describes black metal lip handles and anti rust metal drawer runners, and the product information lists a 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer Defects. The bullet points add a finish coated with MB foil lamination for a smooth, modern appearance, and a build constructed from E1 particle board for long lasting strength and stability.
We would only point first home buyers here if footprint is the overriding concern. Otherwise the VASAGLE crown above has a far larger rating base, 2,541 ratings against 12.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The 3.8 rating from 12 ratings is the lowest here, so read the listing closely before you order. The Artiss listing names no paper size; it says only that the metal rod hangs suspension files, so check that your folders suit it.
Which filing cabinet brands are on Amazon AU?
The Amazon AU listings in this guide come from four brands: VASAGLE, Costway, Giantex and Artiss. VASAGLE has the most ratings, 2,541 at 4.2 for the 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet and 769 at 4.1 for the Honey Brown cabinet. We did not test any of them and do not rank brands.
Giantex has two cabinets here, rated 3.9 from 129 ratings for the 5 Drawer and 4.3 from 15 ratings for the 3 Drawer lateral. Costway is rated 4.2 from 8 ratings and Artiss 3.8 from 12 ratings. We found no country of origin on the seven listings we saved, so we make no Australian made claim for any cabinet here.
Each listing words its style differently. The crown's listing says sleek lines and a rustic look, the Giantex 5 Drawer says a simple and modern appearance that can match almost any colour scheme or decoration style, the Artiss says a smooth, modern appearance, and the Giantex 3 Drawer says a sleek design. Match the finish to the room, and treat these as the makers' descriptions.
Vertical or lateral: what are the two types of filing cabinets?
The two common types of filing cabinet are vertical and lateral. A vertical cabinet is tall and narrow, with drawers that pull out from the short side, so it saves floor width. A lateral cabinet is wider and lower, with drawers that pull out from the long side and a flat top that can hold a printer.
In this guide the Costway 3 Drawer Lateral and the Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral are the two cabinets whose listing titles call them lateral. The Giantex lists 40D x 81W x 66.5H centimetres, and the Costway gives 81D x 40W x 66.5H centimetres in one row but 40 centimeters for Item Depth in another. The VASAGLE, Artiss and Giantex 5 Drawer cabinets list less width than height, for example 40D x 42W x 70H and 47D x 41W x 72H centimetres. If you have the wall width and want a surface to work on, go lateral; if you are squeezing storage into a narrow gap, go vertical.
Do filing cabinets fit A4 and foolscap files?
Check the listing before you buy. A4 is named on six of the seven listings here, along with letter, legal or foolscape sizes, but the Artiss listing names only suspension files. Foolscap appears on the Giantex 5 Drawer listing as foolscape size, and legal size on the Costway and Giantex 3 Drawer listings.
Foolscap and A4 are different paper sizes, so match the size named on the listing to the folders you already own.
Do filing cabinets lock?
Some do, but read the listing closely. The crown's bullet points call its 2 front casters lockable, and its product information lists the lock type as Key. The Honey Brown listing mentions no lock. Check what a lock actually secures before you rely on it for private papers.
The Giantex 5 Drawer listing says two lockable front castors, and the Costway and Giantex 3 Drawer listings describe castors or wheels with brakes. Those describe wheels, not drawer locks. For fire resistance and real security, see our guide to home safes for important documents.
How big a filing cabinet do you need?
Measure your space first, because the listed sizes here range from taller cabinets to a lateral 81 centimetres wide. The crown lists 40D x 42W x 70H centimetres and its listing says it fits neatly under a desk, while the Giantex 3 Drawer lateral lists 40D x 81W x 66.5H centimetres.
- VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet: 40D x 42W x 70H centimetres, and the title gives 15.7 x 16.5 x 27.6 inches.
- Giantex 5 Drawer Mobile File Cabinet: 40D x 49W x 65H centimetres.
- VASAGLE Filing Cabinet in Honey Brown: 39.9D x 45W x 68.6H centimetres.
- Artiss 2 Drawers Filing Cabinet: 47D x 41W x 72H centimetres.
- Costway 3 Drawer Lateral: 81D x 40W x 66.5H centimetres in Item Dimensions D x W x H, but Item Depth is 40 centimeters.
- Giantex 3 Drawer Lateral: 40D x 81W x 66.5H centimetres, as listed.
What should you look for in a filing cabinet?
Look for the paper size on the listing, adjustable hanging rails or rods, a lock if you store private papers, castors that lock if the cabinet will move, a stated load figure, and a size that fits your space. The checklist below explains each point using what the seven listings here actually state.
Start with the paper size, because it decides whether the drawers hold your folders at all. The crown, the Honey Brown and the VASAGLE Industrial listings name A4 or letter size, the Costway names A4, legal and letter size, the Giantex 5 Drawer names A4 and foolscape size, and the Giantex 3 Drawer names letter, A4 or legal size.
- A lock, if you store anything sensitive. The crown's product information lists the lock type as Key; check what a lock secures on the cabinet you choose.
- Adjustable hanging rails. These are what let a drawer hold suspension files neatly. The crown, Costway, Giantex 3 Drawer and Honey Brown listings describe adjustable rails, rods or hangers.
- Locking castors, if it will move. The crown lists the 2 front casters as lockable, the Giantex 5 Drawer lists two lockable front castors, and the Costway and Giantex 3 Drawer list castors or wheels with brakes.
- Stability. The crown's listing says the fifth wheel on the bottom drawer adds to overall stability, and the Giantex 5 Drawer listing says to always secure the furniture with the anchor device provided.
- Load figures. The Giantex 5 Drawer lists 20 kg for the top and 8 kg per drawer, the Honey Brown lists up to 50kg, and the crown lists a weight capacity of Maximum 77 Pounds. These are the listings' own figures.
- Assembly. The crown, Honey Brown, VASAGLE Industrial and Giantex 5 Drawer listings each mention instructions, for example illustrated instructions on the crown and all the necessary hardware on the Giantex 5 Drawer. The Costway product information lists Required Assembly as No, so read its listing for what it expects of you.
Are flatpack filing cabinets hard to assemble?
We did not time any assembly, so we cannot say how long any of these takes. The crown's listing says clearly labeled parts and illustrated instructions make it a breeze to set up, and the Giantex 5 Drawer listing says easy to follow instructions and all the necessary hardware. Read the listing for the cabinet you choose.
How do you care for and stabilise a filing cabinet?
Anchor it, load it low and keep it dry. If the listing includes an anchor device, as the Giantex 5 Drawer listing does, secure the cabinet with it straight away, and never allow children to stand, climb or hang on the drawers. The crown's product information advises wiping with a damp cloth.
The materials differ by listing: the crown lists alloy steel, engineered wood and plastic, the Artiss lists E1 particle board, the Giantex 5 Drawer lists P2 engineered wood and the Honey Brown lists thick chipboard. Keep any wood based cabinet away from damp and wipe spills quickly. Load the bottom drawer first with the heaviest files lowest, and keep to the load figures each listing gives.
You will also want these for your home office
A filing cabinet is one piece of a working home office. These companion buys round it out, and the NestPath guides linked below compare them.
- A label maker so your drawers and hanging files are actually findable, not just full.
- A paper shredder to safely destroy the old statements and ID documents you clear out while filing.
- A document scanner for going paperless on the records you would rather keep as backups than originals.
- A desk organiser to keep the stationery that lives in your top drawer from becoming a jumble.
- Suspension files and tabs in the paper size your cabinet's listing names, the consumables that make the hanging rails do their job.
- A document tray for paper in progress: see our document trays compared for the desk.
- A home safe for the passports, deeds and certificates that deserve more than a cabinet lock: see our home safes compared for documents.
- A paper cutter for trimming printed pages: see our paper cutters compared for trimming printed pages.
What this guide does not cover
This guide covers seven Amazon AU listings. It does not assess steel office cabinets sold elsewhere, Australian made ranges or fireproof document boxes, which are a different product from a filing cabinet. We found no country of origin on the seven listings we saved, so we make no Australian made claim for any cabinet here. It also does not judge how long any cabinet lasts. The Giantex 5 Drawer listing says its cabinet is sturdy and durable with a long service life, which is the maker's wording, not our finding.
There is no one drawer or large metal cabinet on this page: the cabinets here have 2 to 5 drawers, and the crown's product information lists alloy steel, engineered wood and plastic. If a steel cabinet or a security rating matters to you, this guide cannot rank one, because we read listings and did not test any cabinet.
Frequently asked questions about filing cabinets
What is the best brand of filing cabinets?
We do not rank filing cabinet brands, because we read listings and did not test the cabinets. Among the brands in this guide, VASAGLE has the most ratings: 4.2 from 2,541 ratings for the 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet and 4.1 from 769 for the Honey Brown cabinet. Giantex, Costway and Artiss each have fewer ratings.
What is a good modern filing cabinet for home use?
For a modern look, the VASAGLE Filing Cabinet in Honey Brown is listed in a Modern Farmhouse Style, with barn doors and 2 drawers for A4 or letter size folders. It is rated 4.1 from 769 ratings on Amazon AU. The Giantex 5 Drawer listing describes a simple and modern appearance and is rated 3.9 from 129 ratings.
What are the best file storage cabinets for home use?
For home use, the VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet is our best overall pick, rated 4.2 from 2,541 ratings. Its listing describes 2 drawers with adjustable hanging rails for A4 or letter size folders, and five swivel casters with the 2 front ones lockable. For a printer on top, compare the lateral Costway and Giantex 3 Drawer.
What are the two types of filing cabinets?
The two common types are vertical and lateral. A vertical cabinet is tall and narrow and saves floor width, like the VASAGLE and Artiss cabinets here. A lateral cabinet is wider and lower with a flat top for a printer, like the Costway and Giantex 3 Drawer here, which list about 81 by 40 by 66.5 centimetres.
Does anyone use file cabinets anymore?
Yes, they are still sold and rated on Amazon AU: the VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet has 2,541 ratings at 4.2, and the Giantex 5 Drawer has 129 at 3.9. If you keep few papers, a scanner and a label maker can cover part of the job.
What do people use instead of filing cabinets?
If your paper pile is small, a document scanner for digital copies and a label maker for folders can replace part of a cabinet. For records you keep on paper, a cabinet with adjustable hanging rails, such as the VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet rated 4.2 from 2,541 ratings, keeps A4 or letter size folders together.
Where is the best place to buy a filing cabinet?
This guide checked Amazon AU listings only. Read the seller line, the stock message and the return terms on the listing before you order. The VASAGLE 2 Drawer Rolling File Cabinet, the Giantex 5 Drawer and the VASAGLE Honey Brown listings each show eligibility for change of mind returns within 30 days of receipt.
Build out the rest of your home office
A filing cabinet is the storage backbone, but a comfortable, productive home office needs a few more pieces. If you are setting up a workspace in your first home, these NestPath guides pair naturally with this one and read the Amazon AU listings the same way:
About the author
Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first home buyer process themselves. NestPath focuses on Australian first home buyers. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au
