Best desk file holder

Organize any office, home, or academic setting with the best desk file holder.

best desk file holder
woman out of focus putting sheets of paper in a desk file holder
(Image credit: Branislav Nenin/Shutterstock)

Keeping your desk clean is often easier said than done, especially if you work with a lot of paper. In those cases, then picking the right desk file holder is critical. It can let you keep track of everything going on in your workflow, and ensure there aren't errant piles of paperwork all over the place. 

When choosing a file holder for your desk, you may want an option that holds more than just paper. If that's the case then there are a few things to think about before making a decision. 

  • Size: The first thing to consider is how much space you have to devote to a file organizer. If you have a large desk, then this might not be as much of a concern, but the last thing you want is something that takes up too much room instead of helping you to stay organized. 
  • Functionality: While some file holders are built just to hold paperwork, that isn't necessarily true across the board. Some options have slots for holding pens or office supplies. If you find that you're constantly reaching for paperclips or the like, then an option that puts those things right in front of you should be the priority. 
  • Design: Not all file folders look the same or have the same design. We spend a giant chunk of our lives at work, but that doesn't mean you have to opt into neutral design while you're there. Finding a file organizer that suits your aesthetic and design for your workspace will work wonders. Be sure you like what something looks like before buying it. After all, it's going to be staring you in the eye from your desk every day. 
Best overall

desk file holder

(Image credit: Amazon)

SimpleHouseware mesh desk organizer

Staff pick

Sturdy mesh dividers and convenient shallow drawers adorn SimpleHouseware's silver desk organizer.

Pros:

  • Space-saver
  • Five vertical compartments
  • Triple-compartment sliding drawer
  • Sturdily constructed

Cons:

  • Surface mount only
  • Sold in black and silver only

Mesh desktop file dividers are a common sight in many offices, whether home or commercial. SimpleHouseware's five-compartment holder is both lightweight and sturdy, thanks to its thin metal mesh material. Black and silver finishes are offered, which is de rigueur for office supplies, but this desk organizer is well-equipped. A letter storage shelf is sandwiched between a triple-compartment sliding drawer and five vertical compartments for large folders and folios.

Best value

desk file holder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Marbrasse monitor riser with dual drawers

All-in-one

Save even more desktop space with Marbrasse's combination monitor riser and desk organizer.

Pros:

  • 33-pound weight capacity
  • No assembly required
  • Two sliding drawers
  • Monitor stand riser

Cons:

  • Only available in black and silver (again)

Sure, files and folders need organization, but what if you have a monitor that's too low? Marbrasse comes to the rescue with their metal desk organizer. With a 33-pound weight capacity, it can support monitors, printers, laptops, and more. Smooth, no-stick drawers and durable black metal mesh keep their contents visible and save your workspace from drowning in a jumble of office supplies and forgotten projects.

Vertical trays

desk file holder

(Image credit: Amazon)

Simple Trending vertical 5-tray mesh desk file organizer

Sorts all kinds of items neatly

 Simple Trending's desk and folder organizer can be mounted on the wall or placed securely on your desk.

Pros:

  • Can be hung on the wall
  • Handles for portability
  • Various compartment sizes 
  • No-slip rubber pads

Cons:

  • Requires assembly

A clear, tidy workspace is essential, especially if you work from home. Keep it organized with SimpleTrending's five-tray document holder; it can be mounted on your wall, as well as placed on your desktop. Little rubber pads keep it from sliding around and scratching surfaces, and it takes only two screws to secure it to your wall. A downside is that it does need to be assembled and doesn't arrive ready to use — but the directions are clear, and it takes very little time and effort to construct.

High-capacity

desk file holder

(Image credit: Amazon)

DecoBros mesh desk organizer

Wide trays

Academically-inclined folks will love DecoBros' desk organizer; it's sturdy enough to stow heavy textbooks.

Pros:

  • Useful all over your home
  • Durable metal mesh
  • Side-load trays

Cons:

  • No drawers, just open shelves

DecoBros' mesh organizer makes an excellent case for using it anywhere in your home. It's dependably built and can hold a lot more than you'd think. This holder easily corrals heavy textbooks and binders, but what about using it in the kitchen? It makes a great organizer for your pantry, pan lids, and even your refrigerator and freezer shelves. Skip this rack if you need drawers to store pens and pencils or other objects that might roll away.

Best for easy access

A fan style file folder organizer

(Image credit: Amazon)

PAG Fan-Shaped Desk File Organizer

Fan it out

Ensure that every file is always within reach with this organizer. 

Pros:

  • Easy to access all your files at once 
  • Super affordable 
  • Small space footprint 

Cons:

  • Assembly can be frustrating 
  • Only about an inch of space per shelf 

If you deal with a lot of paperwork or files then being able to grab what you need without hunting for it saves you time and frustration. The PAG Fan-Shaped Desk File Organizer lets you have access to all your files in one place, perfect for anyone who is moving between different sets of paperwork. It's also fantastic for teachers who need to hand out assignments, and keep track of homework! 

Bottom line

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It's super easy for your desk space to get cluttered and covered in work, making it difficult to stay on top of things and keep organized. Investing in a quality desk file holder can ensure that your files stay in a single place to keep you from losing your mind when you can't find the file you need. 

Our number one pick,  desk folder and file holder by Simple Houseware has a divided drawer perfect for small items like paperclips. Combined with four slots above for larger items like binders and envelopes, it's a great option for anyone who has a lot to keep track of. 

Why trust us? 

 At RealHomes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible. 

Staff Writer

By day, Jen is a writer for multiple Future Publishing brands, with over seven years of experience writing, and editing about everything from video games to kitchen gadgets. When not writing for Future, Jen is the author of Fantasy & Horror novels, and spends most of her time reading, hanging out with her dog Fionn, and trying to decide which book to read next.