Office Storage Units

Tall office cupboards are closed units with hinged or sliding doors, often shelved inside. They're suited to stationery, files and anything that needs to be out of sight. Office cabinets are similar but generally shorter - they'll more often be found under a desk or against a wall as a side unit. Combination units pair drawers with shelves or a cupboard section in the same piece, which is useful when wall space is limited. Drawer towers stack three to six narrow drawers in a slim vertical column, and are good for A4 files, stationery and small office supplies. Open shelving and bookcase-style units suit reference materials and any storage that benefits from being easily visible.

Under-desk units at 60 to 75cm tall tuck beneath standard desks, whereas mid-height side units of 90 to 120cm can double as a printer stand or second work surface. Tall office cupboards reaching 180cm or more are best suited to a dedicated office wall. Widths run from slim 40cm towers to wider 80 to 100cm cabinets. Check internal shelf spacing and adjustability if you plan to store ring binders, lever arch files or printer paper - these all have specific height and depth requirements.

Wooden units in oak, pine, walnut and dark wood feel like furniture and slot into living rooms and bedrooms without announcing their office function. Metal office storage is durable, lockable and easier to move, but is better suited to dedicated office spaces or utility rooms. For shared rooms, a wooden cabinet that closes flush at the front is usually more forgiving than open shelving.

Practical features vary by model but can include lockable doors and drawers, adjustable shelves, soft-close drawers, castors for mobile units, and integrated cable cutouts for storage that also houses a printer or router. For paperwork-heavy roles, a unit combining file drawers with open shelving above gives good capacity without looking like office furniture.

Flitch brings together office storage units from more than 100 UK retailers into one searchable catalogue, covering cupboards, cabinets, combination units, drawer towers and shelving. Filter to narrow your choice, set price drop alerts on shortlisted pieces, and check the price history before you commit. If you'd like a helping hand, our stylist team can help you find the right storage for your room.

What is an office storage unit?

Any piece of furniture designed to hold office supplies, equipment or paperwork. A filing cabinet is a good example, but the category is wider than that and covers cupboards, combination units, drawer towers and bookcases.

How tall should an office storage unit be?

Under-desk units at 60 to 75cm tuck beneath standard desks, whereas side units at 90 to 120cm can double as a secondary surface or printer stand. Tall office cupboards reach 180cm or more and suit dedicated office rooms with the wall space to accommodate them.

What is the difference between an office cupboard and a filing cabinet?

A filing cabinet has drawers sized specifically for A4 hanging files. An office cupboard has shelves or a mix of shelves and drawers, suited to general supplies, books and equipment as well as paperwork stored in boxes or binders.

Are office storage units lockable?

Many are, particularly metal units and dedicated office cupboards. Look for cam locks on doors and drawers, with keys supplied. Replacement keys can usually be ordered using the lock code stamped on the unit.

Can office storage work in a living room?

Yes, especially wooden cabinets and combination units in oak, walnut, painted or matt black finishes. Pieces that close fully at the front look more like sideboards or media units than office furniture.