The Best Storage Cabinets
Let's face it — there's a lot of clutter in our lives. And even where there isn't clutter, there's just the normal amount of "stuff" that we have around our homes. We can't throw it out, but we also don't want to be reminded of it all the time. Here's where storage solutions come in. Whether you're looking to tidy up bathroom supplies, organize canned goods, or store away extra gaming gear, an enclosed cabinet will do the job while helping your space look fresh. From design to size to materials, we've done the research to get the scoop on the best storage cabinets available today. Check them out below.
Fedmax Metal Storage Cabinet
Lock and stock
Unlike regular shelves, a standing cabinet provides more secure storage. Though cabinet doors are easy to open for an adult, they can easily keep a toddler or pet out of your pantry or craft supply closet. But if you’re looking for the ultimate cabinet for both utility and security, then why not try a locking shelf like this heavy-duty steel option by Fedmax? The pre-installed lockset and two key entry make this cabinet the perfect option for classrooms or shared office spaces that require restricted access to materials. And if you want to keep the cabinet in your garage, this baby can hold up to 900 pounds thanks to its adjustable, stabilizing metal shelves. Best of all, assembly is easy and can be done solo within a matter of two hours.
Pros:
- Four designs to choose from
- Each shelf holds 180 pounds
- Includes adjustable leg levelers
Cons:
- Higher cost
Vasagle Lowell Storage Cabinet
Save space, not storage
A storage “solution” means that it fixes a problem: where to store things, how to make the space look nice, and how to fit more when working with less space. This last point is particularly important for those of us with smaller households, which is exactly where cleverly designed cabinets like this multipurpose option by Vasagle Lowell come in handy. With this option, you’re in charge of the configuration of shelves and closed-door storage in this mini-cabinet, meaning you can choose more space for display or more space for hiding away as you need. Whichever of the four designs you choose, you can put between 40 and 60 pounds of weight on the top of the cabinet to give you more vertical versatility.
Pros:
- Tabletop for extra storage
- Comes with an anti-tip kit
- Packaged for safe delivery
Cons:
- It may have a slight paint smell after unboxing
ClosetMaid 1308 Pantry Cabinet
Form and function
Though big metal utility cabinets get the job done when it comes to securely store our items, they’re not the prettiest option for our homes. Wood, on the other hand, offers a functional and fashionable solution that works with all styles of home decor. That’s why we recommend a sturdy, engineered wood cabinet option like the 1308 Pantry Cabinet by ClosetMaid. Available in color options like dark cherry, espresso, and white, this cabinet looks good no matter where you put it, while still giving you the same reliable storable space inside. And while it fits a good amount inside, it takes up less space on the outside thanks to its foot-long depth, which won’t disturb your walkway.
Pros:
- Light enough to move around post-assembly
- Comes with two fixed and two adjustable shelves
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- The back is made of thin cardboard
Kousi Cube Storage Cabinet
Stack your way
As much as we want a magazine-perfect home, curating our space is harder than it seems. Whether you have big, unwieldy furniture or a non-standard layout that can’t accommodate certain structures, it can be tough to choose the right cabinet or shelf. But what if we told you that you could build your own storage shelving unit? Folks, meet the Kousi Cube Storage Cabinet. Here’s how it works: simply create the steel frame structure in exactly the configuration you want and pop in the 12 storage cubes, with or without the doors attached. Each cube is 14″ by 18″ by 14″ to hold everything from clothes to books to display items. Best of all, you’ll get this totally customizable storage cabinet for less than half the price of other brands, all without having to sacrifice the look of your room.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Waterproof and dust-resistant
- Deeper cube (18″) for more storage space
Cons:
- Assembly is easy but may require upkeep with zip ties to secure the frame
Ameriwood Home Farmington Rustic Storage Cabinet
A country cabinet
Nowadays more than ever, the “rustic” look is making a comeback. From wedding themes to restaurant design, the weathered cottage style is in, and interior home decor is no exception. If you’ve embraced all things wooden and pastoral in your living room or kitchen, then you should select a storage solution to match. Ameriwood Home’s Farmington Collection features cabinets of laminated particleboard in two different rustic colored options of brown and gray. But while the outside looks old, the inside features modern functionality thanks to the cabinet’s three adjustable shelves for ultimate organization.
Pros:
- Color true to the picture
- Six-foot height for more storage
- Comes with a drawer on the bottom
Cons:
- Wood gets scratched easily
- Assembly requires two adults
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my wood storage cabinet from damage over time?
Wood always looks good. But unfortunately, with great power comes great responsibility, and storage cabinets are no exception. More than likely, you’ll start to notice that your cabinet is showing signs of wear and tear, especially if you have children’s hands using it. Here’s where the responsibility bit comes in: to keep your wood cabinet looking good as new for years to come, you’re going to want to put on a polish as a surface layer protectant. Secondly, when cleaning, use a solution of warm water and vinegar to gently clean the surface.
My cabinet doesn’t seem very sturdy when I fully fill it, what should I do?
Unsecured cabinets are dangerous, especially if you have small children or pets. Generally, taller shelves are more likely to be top-heavy and risk tipping over. Thankfully, many cabinets come with an optional anchoring kit, and we really recommend you to use it. Just make sure you anchor the backing into a studded wall to ensure that you have the best hold possible.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.