Today we are going to be taking a closer look at the storage options available for the VertDesk v3 and NewHeights Elegante XT. While these storage products will work with our standing desks, they will also work for many of the other brands available.
Making the switch to an electric standing desk doesn’t have to mean you have to lose all of your storage. Our options vary from simple pencil drawers, to more robust file storage. With that, let’s take a closer look at our options to see if any might be a good fit for your new or existing standing desk.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the products we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
Standing Desk Storage Links
- Swivel Pencil Drawer
- Full Size Pencil Drawer
- Hanging Box/File Pedestal (JOEY)
- Mobile Mini Box/File Pedestal with Locking Casters
- OFM Mobile File Pedestal w/ Locking Box and File Drawer
- Mobile Box/Box/File Pedestal with Locking Casters
- Mobile Tambour Box/Box/File with Single Shelf
What is storage for an electric standing desk?
Storage for a standing desk can be as simple as a small tray under the desk surface for pencils, pens and paperwork. While this might be enough to satisfy some, power users that have a lot of paperwork, files or additional storage needs will want more space. While most of the larger storage options are free standing, some options now exist for small files to be mounted to the underside of your desk’s surface. These mounted solutions create a similar experience to your more traditional style desk. The alternative free-standing options are oftentimes mobile, allowing you to move them from underneath your desk when you decide to take a seat.
1. Swivel Pencil Drawer (300PDB)
The first small storage option is the swivel pencil drawer, which is our most popular pencil drawer. This is also our smallest storage option, with a max width of 14”, max depth of 8” and height of 1”. The swivel drawer features five separate compartments. There is one compartment designed to hold a roll of scotch tape and next to it one for a small stack of post-it notes. Two smaller compartments are available for items such as paper clips. The largest compartment is big enough to hold most types of pens, pencils or markers. See Swivel Pencil Drawer (300PTB) >>
Why this might be a good fit
The swivel pencil drawer is a good option for those who need a small amount of storage for things like pencils, pens, post-it notes, etc. This helps to clear up some of the clutter on your work surface and provides easy access to your items.
Why this might be a bad fit
If you find that you have a lot of pens, pencils or markers the swivel pencil tray will likely be too small. We’ve also found that some of the larger rolls of scotch tape do not fit as well in the swivel drawer’s dispenser. If are looking for a solution to hold papers, the swivel drawer will not have a large enough compartment for that type of storage. Overall, this is best used if you do not have a big storage need.
2. Full Size Pencil Drawer (100PDB)
The full size pencil drawer is our next option on the small storage solutions list. This product is quite a bit larger than the swivel drawer and because it is square in shape, you are able to maximize the storage space. With max overall dimensions of 22.5” wide, 16.675” deep and 1.75” tall, the full size drawer will take up quite a bit more space. Because of this, the full size drawer will not work on our 24” deep desks. With five compartments overall, the full size drawer features four easy to access compartments in the front section of the drawer. There is one large compartment in the back for larger items. The full size pencil drawer includes full ball bearing slides to make sliding the drawer in and out effortless. The first small storage option is the swivel pencil drawer, which is our most popular pencil drawer. This is also our smallest storage option, with a max width of 14”, max depth of 8” and height of 1”. The swivel drawer features five separate compartments. There is one compartment designed to hold a roll of scotch tape and next to it one for a small stack of post-it notes. Two smaller compartments are available for items such as paper clips. The largest compartment is big enough to hold most types of pens, pencils or markers. See The Full Size Pencil Drawer (100PTB) >>
Why this might be a good fit
The full size pencil drawer is good for those looking to add a good size junk drawer to their desk. With four smaller compartments located in the front, you can easily access pencils, paper clips and similarly sized items. The large compartment in the back will be able to fit notepads, full size sheets of paper and additional items you may keep on the desks surface. Because the compartment is so large, it can easily hold larger items like staplers, rulers, scissors, etc.
Why this might be a bad fit
The name says it all. Because this product is the full size drawer it has the potential to be too large for some applications. The 24” deep VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT will not be a large enough mounting space to properly fit this drawer. Because it is so large, there is the potential for knee clearance issues when the desk is lowered to sitting height. Also, if you plan to add additional accessories, like a keyboard tray, you must be conscious of the space available. Desks that are less than 60” wide will likely not be able to fit the keyboard tray and drawer, unless they overlapped each other. This would also create additional clearance issues for your knees.
3. Hanging Box/File Pedestal (JOEY)
The first large storage option is our only large option that actually attaches to the desk. The Hanging Box/File pedestal is the smallest option on this list and is the closest you will get to traditional desk storage. The Hanging box/file is 12.25” W x 14.75” D and 16.625” H. This option includes a single lock system that will lock the box and file drawer with one key. The Hanging box/file features a smaller drawer on top that can be used as a junk drawer. This box drawer includes a small removable pencil tray. The large drawer on the bottom is designed to hold standard size hanging files. Because the pedestal file is smaller than normal, the hanging files hang perpendicular to the file drawer. It is available in a black or silver finish to match each desks frame. See The Hanging Box/File (JOEY)>>
Why this might be a good fit
If you are looking to maximize your storage option while maintaining a small footprint, the hanging box/file is a good option. The ability to bring items, including paperwork, with you to standing height is also very convenient. While this won’t offer as much space as our larger pedestal files, it doesn’t create a more mobile setup. This is the closest option you will find to a traditional desk and with a 72” wide desk you can add two pedestal files for maximum storage. We wouldn’t recommend adding this to a desk that is less than 48” wide. This product will fit both the 24” and 30” deep VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT desks.
Why this might be a bad fit
The size of the pedestal file could literally make this a bad fit. If your desk is 36” wide, the hanging box/file will be too big to allow for legs to fit under the desk when seated. The 48” desk will provide enough space for your legs to fit next to the pedestal file, but it will create a tight fit. Depending on your storage needs, this box/file could actually be a bit small. If you require more storage, you may want to look at some of the freestanding options mentioned below.
4. Mobile Mini Box/File Pedestal with Locking Casters (XPEM201BFB)
The second option on our large storage list is the slightly larger steel Mobile Mini box/file pedestal. This cabinet is freestanding and includes casters for added mobility. This option includes a single lock system that will lock both drawers with one key. Overall dimensions are 15.5” W x 21.5” D and 21.5” H. The mobile mini includes a small top drawer with a removable pencil tray and a bottom drawer that is designed to fit hanging files. The mobile mini is the only pedestal file that we offer to include a black padded cushion for the top of the file. This creates an additional seating option for visitors. The weight capacity of the mobile mini for seated users is 225 lbs. It is available in a black or silver finish to match each desks frame.
Why this might be a good fit
If you are looking for a small pedestal file that is mobile, the mobile mini could be a good fit. Slightly larger than the hanging file option, this pedestal will provide some added storage. The added mobility of the casters will create the ability to easily move if you like to keep it under the desk while standing. The mobile mini is low enough to avoid coming into contact with the underside of the desk surface when it is fully lowered on both the VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT. It will tuck completely underneath all 30” deep VertDesk v3’s and NewHeight XT’s as well. As an added bonus, the mobile mini has an optional seat pad that can be added to the top of the file. This is great for impromptu meetings in the office.
Why this might be a bad fit
While the mobile is the smallest freestanding pedestal file we offer, it still isn’t quite small enough to fit underneath the 24” deep desks. With a 21.5” depth, both the VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT will have about 2” to 3” of the pedestal file sticking out. While this might not be a problem for everyone, if you have a tight space it could post a tripping hazard. If you’re looking for a lot of junk drawer space, the mobile mini only comes with one box drawer.
5. OFM Mobile File Pedestal w/ Locking Box and File Drawer (55106)
The OFM Mobile File Pedestal is our only option on the list that offers more colors than just silver or black. This file pedestal features a two tone finish: gray steel and the face of the drawers and top in a thermofused melamine finish. The melamine finish is available in five different colors: maple, graphite, cherry, mahogany and white. Overall dimensions are 17” W x 21.25” D x 24” H. There is a single lock system that will lock the box and file drawer. Locking casters are included to better hold the cabinet in place when it is not being moved.
Why this might be a good fit
This cabinet is a good fit if you are looking for a small mobile pedestal that closely matches the desk surface color. Like the other mobile options in the list it includes casters so that it can be easily moved in your office. A single lock system is included to keep your files safe in shared work areas. Because this cabinet is only 24”
Why this might be a bad fit
While the colors of the cabinet will provide a close match to most of the laminates on the VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT, they are not perfect. If you plan to use the bottom file drawer for storage, instead of files, it doesn’t include a fully enclosed drawer shell. This means that items can fall out of the sides of the drawers if you filled the bottom file drawer.4
6. Mobile Box/Box/File Pedestal with Locking Casters (500MP)
If the mobile mini was too small, the full size mobile box/box/file pedestal could be a better option. This freestanding, steel pedestal file is similar in depth and width to the mini, but includes an additional box drawer. The mobile box/box/file pedestal includes locking casters for added mobility and a single lock system to protect valuables inside. Overall dimensions for the box/box/file are 15.38” W x 21.5 D and 25.5” H. Similar to the other pedestal files, this product also includes a removable pencil tray. It is available in a black or silver finish to match each desk’s frame. See the Mobile Box/Box/File Cabinet >>
Why this might be a good fit
If you are looking for a more traditional sized pedestal file, the mobile box/box/file is a good option. With two full drawers and a file drawer on the bottom, users that require a little more space will like this option. With the casters you are able to easily move the pedestal file out from underneath your desk. This is important if you are considering adding it to the NewHeights XT which lowers to 24”. The VertDesk v3 will not have this clearance issue with the lowest height being 27”. The mobile box/box/file also includes a single lock that will lock all three drawers with one key for added security.
Why this might be a bad fit
The mobile box/box/file stands at about 25.5” tall, so this can create clearance issues if you like to keep your NewHeights XT below 26.5” seated. The overall depth of the mobile box/box/file is about 2” to 3” deeper than what’s available underneath a 24” deep VertDesk and NewHeights Desk. If you are picky about how the pedestal will stick out beyond the desktop this could pose an issue.
7. Mobile Tambour Box/Box/File with Single Shelf (510MP)
The last option on our list for large storage is the mobile tambour box/box/file with single shelf. This is the largest mobile storage option that we recommend pairing with the VertDesk v3 or NewHeights XT. The mobile tambour is 35.5” W x 19.625” D x 25.5” H. The box/box/file section is similar in size to the mobile box/box/file mentioned above. The addition of the single shelf with locking tambour door creates another dimension of storage not available with our other options. The box/box/file includes a single lock system to control all three drawers. In addition, the sliding tambour door has a separate lock to protect the items that are stored on the shelf. It is available in a black or silver finish to match each desks frame. See The Mobile Tambour Cabinet >>
Why this might be a good fit
If you are searching for a large storage option that is mobile, the Mobile Tambour is our best option. At only 19.675” deep, it is able to fit almost completely underneath both 24” and 30” VertDesk v3 and NewHeights XT desks. The added locking shelf system creates an area for storage of books and other large items. This thing is a tank and if you want a solid storage option, the Mobile Tambour is hard to beat.
Why this might be a bad fit
The Mobile Tambour is not cheap and at over $500 it could price itself out of a lot of offices. It is also wider than our other storage options with an overall width of 35.5”. At this size it has the potential to be too large to fit some office areas. If you plan to stow it underneath your desk, you will need to look at a desk that is at least 48” wide.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the amount of storage you need, there are quite a few different options to suit your needs. Just because you have switched to a standing desk doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your storage space. While many of the larger storage options we have seem similar, there are slight differences that could impact how they work with your setup. Paying close attention to the dimensions will ensure the cabinet isn’t too large to fit underneath your standing desk. If color matching is the most important aspect, we highly recommend going with one of the metal cabinets that are made to match our frames.
