I was going to save this update for Metamorphosis Monday, but I’d love your opinion now since I need to make a decision, then return something that I’ll be sharing in this post.
You may remember that I recently ordered a lateral file cabinet for the office. It all started with me wanting something on which I could place a lamp. That’s often the crazy way I decorate: Want lamp lighting in one area of a room = Need something to set said lamp on. lol My love of soft lamp lighting is often the catalyst for making changes in a room. Here’s the view as I walk into the office now.
Another angle…I should probably have taken the time to put up the table on which I place my puzzle board, but I just received a new puzzle, so out it stayed.
I borrowed one of the lamps from my bedroom since I couldn’t wait to see this side of the room lit up. I like how it looks there so much, I ordered a replacement lamp for the bedroom. 
Not having anything else in the Dollhouse with which to decorate the top of the cabinet, I pulled a few books from the shelves in the living room. I ended up loving how they look here—there’s something so comforting about having books around.
So here’s my dilemma—where I’d love your thoughts! This is how this lateral file cabinet looks when assembled. It comes with an open shelf below that can hold books or whatever one desires.
I’m always looking for ways to sneak in more storage, so I bought a set of 3 baskets for the bottom shelf.
Remember when I added baskets to the Ikea Kallax in the office closet. They came in sets of four, so I ended up with three baskets left over. I was so hoping they would work for the bottom shelf of the lateral file cabinet, but unfortunately, they are around 1-1/2 inches too tall. Maybe that’s for the best since the tri-color design may have been too busy.
So, what do you think about using three baskets on that shelf for storage, not that I really need more baskets with all that I have in the Kallax. I have way too much storage space, said no one ever!
Do you prefer how it looked open without any baskets? But there’s more!
I wasn’t sure how I felt about the space/gaps between the baskets. After measuring, I was pretty sure I could squeeze one more basket in. So, I ordered a set of four baskets to try. (Baskets are available in sets of 3 and 4 here: Hand Woven Storage Baskets.)
What do you think? Do you like it with 4 baskets? Do 4 baskets look better since there are 3 file drawers above, or do you prefer 3 baskets below 3 file drawers? Or, do you prefer no baskets? Arggh. The struggle is real, please help me decide!
I found these pretty pastel-colored folders available in a set of five different colors here: Pastel File Folders.)
If you would like a file cabinet for you office that doesn’t look like a file cabinet, you’ll find this one available here: File Cabinet.
Whenever I’m watching a video or reading a decor magazine, and there are books displayed, I drive myself crazy trying to read the titles. If you love decorating books as much as I do, here are some close-ups and links to the books I pulled for the top. I think they are all still available.
An Affair With A House
Impressionist Cats And Dogs
A Passion For Flowers
The lamp was out of stock for a bit, but it’s finally back in stock again. You’ll find it available here: Crystal Lamp.
Books are available here:
New Rooms For Old Houses
Nicky Haslam’s Folly de Grandeur
Southern Style
American Writers At Home
Books are available here:
A Place To Call Home
Adventures With Old Houses
Hunt Country Style
At Home With Books
I found the cutest set of bookmarks recently! If you love cats, you’ll find these magnetic kitty bookmarks here: Funny Cat Bookmarks. 
Please let me know what you think about the baskets. One minute, I lean toward using just three, then I think maybe four looks better. I also like how it looks open! Help me decide!
Just 3 baskets for sure
I could live in that room; it looks great! If you are absolutely sure you don’t need the storage but like to collect books, would you consider two baskets on the end? Then you could put books in the center. Alternatively, I personally like the look of four baskets rather than three! Good luck – hope you post pictures once you decide!
I really like the file cabinet there—but I am not a fan of the baskets. I have a similar piece behind our sectional where I display seasonal collectibles, like a large majolica asparagus bowl; 3 pottery snowflake lanterns with Luminara candles; my great grandmother’s little brown jug with pussy willow branches…..
I love the books & a lamp on that side of your room!
No baskets at all or only one at each end so you could still decorate the middle blank bottom section. You could store a couple of new puzzles in their boxes in the middle as they are usually colorful. Stand them, don’t stack them. Depends on how you’re planning on using this piece of furniture. I like the fresh open look, but if you need storage baskets for projects, then that’s the way to go. Travel pics or keepsakes would be pretty in the blank bottom space. Also, one of the Lego items you have might look good as a centerpiece. Don’t you have the Christmas Vacation house? It may be cute if it’s not too big. To make a good decision, determine how you want use the piece of furniture. A tea set may be beautiful on one end at the top while displaying some books on the bottom. Hope this helps. That piece of furniture is so pretty it should compliment your chairs and the room in general. I don’t particularly care for the closed in look of 3 or 4 baskets. It looks too utilitarian unless you prefer that look. I always like to soften the space with memorable items. I love your bear! He’s adorable! Clara
I vote for 3 baskets!
I think the spaces between just three baskets looks awkward. I would either go with four, or leave it open and style it in another way.
Agree that three look awkward. I like four or two, with books or something in the middle.
Definitely 4
I prefer it open. To me those baskets just make it look overflowing.
Hi Susan,
First of all, I love your little Breckenridge Teddymonkey. He has so much personality. I can understand why you couldn’t resist him.
As for the baskets, here’s my two cents (and that’s about all it’s worth.) I usually rush to get any extra storage I can, I love having cubbyholes here and there to squirrel stuff away. But in this case, my preference (aesthetic only) is no baskets. Three baskets with gaps just looks weird to me, but the 4 baskets look crammed in.
Probably, if I were living in that room I wouldn’t even notice. But since this is the focus of your post, I noticed and both ways bug me. I like the look of the file table with the open space. I’d put things in there, myself, but things like maybe a few books, the teddymonkey, and other cute items. (or even your puzzle boxes.) I would decorate it like any other shelf.
I know stuff like this can drive a person cuckoo, so I hope you find a solution that makes you happy. You’ll probably get lots of ideas and opinions, but just do what makes you happy.
I like the three baskets; the four baskets together seem a bit squished to me. Have you ever thought of white baskets?
Hi, I vote for none or 4; 3 really looks off to me.
The baskets are too much.. they make the space look crowded
I like the ad for the desk without baskets. However, the baskets match the carpet. Three. I like big decorative/photo boxes (I decorate them) and some greenery. My concern is heavy lateral files in the top part. Files weigh a lot. Will that shelf underneath support them ? Do they need a vertical laminated shelf in the middle for support ? Remember when you put the cabinets together in the garage in GA (Susan south) and we said they would sag ?
First, I had basement envy. Now I have storage envy. All those little doors and storage.. and a pantry.
How does it feel going back and forth between two houses decorated differently?
Hi Susan, if you are going with baskets, I’d recommend three instead of four. But with all the rectangular/square angles, you might think about putting something round or oval on the lower shelf.
Don’t like see the back wall so 3 baskets, 4 looks too crowded.
I personally like using three baskets. Adding the fourth one makes it look too crowded. Just my opinion.
Having an office is on my bucket list.
This is probably just going to make matters worse; however, I do think the three look too sparse, but the four looks too cramped. If you could find baskets that are just a tad wider, it would fill in the gaps, yet not be up against each other. Or, perhaps one wider basket with something interesting next to it or even more books? I always feel that there can never be too many books that is why I now have over 600 cookbooks!!
I like the three baskets because they line up with the drawers!! The lamp is so pretty and is perfect for the spot.
Definitely 4 baskets. The spaces would make me crazy too with 3 baskets. Anything else on the bottom would be too much going on. Room is coming together nicely.
I really love your new file cabinet table. Actually I really love everything in your office. It really fills the space there so perfectly. The colour palette is my favourite pretty blue and fresh white.
You have such exquisite taste.
I prefer your new furniture peace with the 3 storage boxes or even without them and adding some pretty nick knack below for interest.
I love the four! With the shelf empty it looked too top heavy. Three baskets were good, but I wondered about the spaces between baskets. So I really love the space filled in with the four baskets.
not sure if you really want all these thoughts but here is mine….No Baskets the color of them isn’t correct. if your thinking of adding another drawer then it probably should be put on the other wall facing it then switching the chairs to the other side. in other words flip flopping them. I personal like the 3 drawers but I guess it really depends on how much stuff you have to have storage for. Really who cares what others think…do what makes you happy .
I think 3 baskets would look good if they were the same widths as the drawer fronts above. The gaps look funny to me. 4 baskets look better than 3 but I’m not sure I like the color of the baskets. What about cloth bins in a color that works with the room?
Whatever you pick, I’m sure will look good, and more storage is always a good thing!
I much prefer the look without any baskets, as 3 look awkward and 4 too crowded. I feel that more of your books and/or treasures would be a much more personal and classy look like the rest of the room. Plus, I feel that the baskets distract from the beauty and elegance of your stunning lamp.
3 baskets they look clean
Three or none. I would consider white baskets or linen bins to blend in with the cabinet. Three would be more symmetrical with the drawers but wouldn’t distract from the space between them.
4 baskets looks very crowded. I like the idea of either 3 (if you need the storage and it sounds like you don’t) or two on each end and something else in the middle. Books, a great photo or some other item. I love the file cabinet. Great find.
How about some sort of floral fabric or other soft print baskets? The rattan looks to harsh to me.
The baskets look too crowded, even just three of them. I think the open shelf makes for the best spot for books and any seasonal decor you might want add.
no baskets
I like the 4 baskets better. Not crazy about the spaces with just 3. If you’re using 3, I’d try to find some bigger baskets that would fit the space better. Maybe even 1 long basket like a French market basket. Just a thought
I like it open, but I would add BOOKS!
If you use three they should be wider baskets. Either that or none. Just put some books, photo frames or something else there instead. Four looks too jammed in.
No baskets
I like no baskets better than the three or four you are trying out. How about folding a couple of quilts and putting them on the bottom shelf?
That is what I was going to say.
Since your desk top is “heavy” with all your monitors, I think this side piece should feel lighter, show off the crystal lamp. I’d move all the books and bear to the bottom shelf or maybe place your throw there. I’d buy one or two small frames (crystal?) and a small green plant.
And to make it even cleaner, I’d paint your black registers white to hide them with the wainscoting. Project #1,999!
Aren’t you glad you asked our opinion ? We are all over the place as usual. LOL
Four baskets or no baskets.
Since dusting is one of my least favorite chores, I’d go with four baskets. No need to dust between the baskets.
I would only put 3 baskets. 4 looks crowded – 3 has a more sleek look.
What about leaving it open and putting in a silk plant? Something that has some height in the middle and tapers down to the sides. this…https://www.amazon.com/Nearly-Natural-Pothos-Ledge-Basket/dp/B015HHWT8G/ref=sr_1_8?crid=151W1M8HKOE8V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-GH0NEAqnHnf0ppXPADMbVhi26lTi9WKW72XYptMe9dFGC00ARq7YhEe6uhC87Uw3zRa3MsIR3sn0-PkBiQd62I913DnHXy_aqafAQ4fJX4VWcm68Z_L3VwRbnfAaVW2aLoUm0GLNYxwsIpjwJw2fv0OCBZjvNvlrE0R9dIIvq8unVe-5OXOaUA94iihMOcnANbMCvvP9Bp5QN-7RYqbP_8IoFKLGFvNycZ6UIe12Hzb_fHaOQTDdIFZCIU9v7UEPjXByaxsxyY11d_mYIpFtnouTCvDi3C-Ai5D5WJ5FQo.iUfO1qMAb2Jw2zucLQOgVbTTvtJi98C2Y3wA0LVSvBA&dib_tag=se&keywords=silk+plant+basket&qid=1744545218&sprefix=silk+plant+basket%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-8.
Happy Sunday, Susan. I know you are loving your new home adventure. I definitely prefer four baskets. Have you thought about white or a lighter color for the baskets? It seems some more color on top of the cabinet would be good. Maybe a painted porcelain lamp.
If you go with the baskets, 4 visually is much better. If you don’t need the extra storage, opt for using the shelf for decorative items. Personally, I would move the books to that shelf and add a mix of decorative items/flowers, possibly a tray in the center, to the top of the cabinet. I think the balance would be much better.
Sorry Susan but I vote no baskets! Use that lower space to show special items. You could do seasonable , showcase books, store puzzle boxes etc.
No baskets, or 4 baskets. I would leave it open with some memorable items below. Just my opinion. It starts looking too busy with the baskets. Maybe a single prettily shaped basket in the center with an item on either side?
Make it four, imo. It gives balance plus more storage & that’s what a work space is all about (and, you can remove one s/you want, later.) The colored folders are WINNERS!! feanki
I’d go 4 baskets or none. The space between 3 looks unfinished.
Boy oh boy, now you have a headache!!
Start with Needs. Do you Need the storage? Then let that guide you – bc as you see, 3/4/0 baskets pleases everyone/no one!
Instead of 3 stacks of books, I would keep the stack under the lamp and then put a book open to a picture on a bookstand. You can change it seasonally or with a whim. (Teddy can sit on the shelf with some favorite puzzle boxes.) Your balance would be 2 on top, 3 drawers, 2 on shelf .
Three basket. The four. Baskets looked stuffed stuffed in.
I like it without the baskets.. looks too crowded with 3 or 4. I would line the bottom shelf with books, not objects which would clutter it up again.Fran
You are a wonderful decorator.
The best look is no baskets!
I like it better with no baskets; just put books. If you want the baskets, use four.
Agree with Sharon about painting registers. Try moving books down to the bottom shelf in same configuration and use a garden theme object for the top. It will bring chair fabric into play. You have too much style and imagination to simply fill areas with baskets.
Definitely not 3; you wouldn’t be asking if you liked 3 :). Either none or two on the ends with items in the center, as mentioned several times above. But the file cabinet is perfect there!
It might look all right with white baskets, but I prefer none. Books or something else there instead.
I like the look of 4 baskets. I personally think that either the chairs or rug needs to go. Together they don’t pull the whole room together.
I like the four. I find the empty spaces between the three visually jarring.
Start by painting the heater vents the same color as the wall, they are distracting. Add charm to the bottom shelf, not square storage baskets…….use fake greenery, interesting decor pieces, something with softer shape.
I’m in the no basket camp (if you don’t have to have the storage). Four is too crowded, three leave awkward visual spacing. To me the lovely crystal lamp doesn’t get along well with the baskets either. I’d either move the books to the lower area and redecorate the top (could still use a few books), or use a large decorative piece on the bottom.
I have no opinion on the baskets. Three or four, it’s all the same. What I do have an opinion on are the baby elephants in the room. Every time you post pictures of it, all I see is the black backs of those monitors. I don’t know what you can do about them, but they are visually very disruptive.
I thought the 3 and 4 baskets didn’t look quite right with the 3 drawers above. I like the idea that was suggested with one basket with an interesting shape in the middle and books on either side would complement the unit. Plus another little thing for me would be to switch out those little knobs on the filing drawers with Crystal knobs to go with your beautiful lamp!
What a coincidence, I thought of the crystal knobs too, to “glamorize” the unit. With that direction, the baskets look too casual and don’t really go with the crystal. That lamp is absolutely beautiful, I would leave that, and just use the bottom for books and then put a plant on top next to the lamp.
No baskets Susan. Display more books or puzzles if they fit.
I would use 2 open wire letter baskets (2 levels, 4 in all), 2 on each end. That way, you have space in middle to decorate, and the wire provides a more openness rather than the heavy woven baskets. That’s it for me. Good luck and have a blessed day, Sharon
Bonjour, je suis Dana, je regarde votre blog de puis plusieurs années, chaque jour, je suis étonnée ce de ce que vous préparez comme nouvelles images.
Est ce possible de préparez s’il vous plait, les mêmes décorations comme avant
votre table de cuisine, de séjour et véranda.
s’il vous plait, ne permettez pas que votre magnifique décoration soit perdue et oubliée dans un Placard. je suis toujours impatiente de regarder vos créations.
Thanks so much, Dana! Appreciate that so much! If I ever move here fulltime, I’ll be bringing all those decorative pieces with me. Unfortunately, they are back at the Georgia house right now. I didn’t have room in my SUV this trip to bring a lot of those with me. I really dislike the weather here in Ohio, it’s cold, cloudy, and often rainy much of the year. I miss Georgia weather!
2 large rectangular baskets
New knobs
Such a welcoming space! I do love the lamp on your “ file cabinet” and the books! I do not like 4 baskets under the three drawers. Can you find 3 wider baskets? The spaces between the three baskets is awkward. Since you don’t need the basket storage you could use the lower shelf for more books. And you could change out the books you choose to set out on top for the seasons or according to your current interests. If you like doing puzzles in this space, maybe store puzzles there? It really is a lovely space to work- I do love the soft lighting!
Wow what a topic. Treat the bottom with decor. Just a couple of largish pots and maybe a rounder basket. Or something floral in the center to soften the edges. The square baskets are too much square. Soften the look. Just my two cents which too is worth zero!!!
As long as you have plenty of other storage in your office I like the look of no baskets. In my opinion the baskets make it look too crowded. And I like the open back as I like seeing the wood paneling through the opening.
I am with the no baskets crowd. It seems you don’t really need the storage so much. So, I would add something more like the ad for the cabinet shows or books. You could add pottery or decorative crocks for storage if absolutely necessary. The basket just look too boxy for me. You also might already have some sort of collectible to display there with some beloved books. I might also change out the handles for something fun and whimsical. I think the lamp is beautiful but sort of gets lost in all that is going on there. I might swap it for something more chunky or with a pop of color to anchor things. Wow! I suddenly have a lot of opinions! I’m sure you will land on something that feels comfortable for you, though. Good luck!
I’m so enjoying all your efforts in the Doll House… But I think no matter how many, the BROWN baskets serve as a distraction. Perhaps a lighter color would be better???
Best,
SheilaC
No baskets on the lateral file. It looks too busy.
Hi Susan, if you don’t need the extra storage, I would suggest doing away with the baskets and filling the shelf with books and more books! They would add color, interest and diversity to the space. Happy Decorating!
4 definitely !
Three baskets. I vote for white.
Three baskets look unfinished, too much space in between. Four baskets looks too crowded. I think just stacks of books or some of your puzzles would look great there.
I definitely like the baskets… But the set of four looks a little bit crowded. I think it will be easier for you to use the baskets pulling them in and out if you just use three.
Your dollhouse is looking so nice!
Hi, I like the 3 baskets 4 looks crowded looks jammed in. I like it I think I want that file cabinet.
I like 3 baskets
I agree with Joy; two large rectangular baskets. It would break up the matchy- matchy with the file drawers.
Hi Susan! Wow, what a response and here is one more. I like the idea of just books and a large-ish lidded basket that allows breathing room around it. You have some hidden storage, but also a place to show off books (and maybe, fun puzzle boxes). You have a lot of great responses, anxious to see what you do. Your room is getting cozier and cozier!
Wow, you definitely got opinions! I would put a bird lamp. Since this is office, puzzle, bird watching room I would put books and puzzles on bottom and decorate top.
The file cabinet looks completely lost in that large space. Don’t think about baskets untill you finished with so much open area. Then put something nice on the bottom shelf…. a small aquarium maybe.
I would leave it open for seasonal decor to add color to that side of the room since it is all white. You could pick up beautiful colors from your exquisite rug.
Thanks for sharing your book titles! I always strain to read titles of books in magazines. A true book lover and puzzle lover too!
Keep us posted on your decision!
3 or none and decorate both shelves accordingly: books, pottery, decorative basket, family photos, a couple puzzle boxes, seasonal decor etc.
Four baskets look much better than three….for sure! And while I love books used as decor….I prefer the paper covers be removed….that is just me…
Dear Susan, You are moving right along. I vote no baskets. I would pull the books from the top and stack on the bottom. Move the bear down as well.That would balance the whole piece. The lamp while very pretty looks a little too delicate for the room. I’d get something with a little more weight to it. Maybe add a couple of family photos (from your trip?) to the top. You must be getting rich with all of our 2 cents worth. Iris
Absolutely FOUR baskets. But I would spray paint them to match the “file cabinet” for a more finished product, so it doesn’t just look like you just stuck 4 random baskets you happened to have lying around. Personally, I think it would elevate the look to match the already beautiful pieces you have in your office!
Hi there! I like the four baskets together with no space the best, it just looks neater to me, but I see why this is a tough decision because it looks pretty good both ways. Agree with you on how books can lift the spirit as well as add warmth to a room! I have two Carolyn Roehm books, A Passion for Blue and White and one about giftwrapping called Presentations. Love them both!
I love the file storage, I agree that the piece looks great where you’ve placed it! Here’s my two cents regarding the baskets – the three you’re using look a little narrow and draw attention to the empty space between, but four of them is too many and look very jammed together. If it was my space, I’d try to find a special long, but low, basket to stack pretty throw blankets in! Maybe something antique??
As far as the baskets, I think using square baskets is too repetitive ( since you have the square drawers above). I would find 3 large ,interesting looking round baskets to go on the bottom shelf.
My concern is not with the baskets, but how stable is the piece if the file drawers are filled and for some reason all open at once? Is it important to have counterweight on the shelf?
Don’t worry, it came with anchors that let me anchor it to the wall, so it can’t tip over.
I like it better without the baskets. I just can’t handle them! Three or four it doesn’t matter. I like it with some more books or something styled in there. Thanks. Tammy Harris
I usually like baskets unfortunately, these just look off putting. The 3 baskets look awkward and the 4 baskets look forced with no wiggle room in order to move them in or out. Zero baskets would be my choice. Add visual weight by placing books on that lower shelf, faux greenery and memorabilia. Looking forward to your final decision. Thanks for letting us weight in on your cabinet!
No baskets!!!!I don’t like the books on top. I feel they should be on the bottom shelf, with some pretty book ends. I think a plant would be lovely on the top shelf with a photo of the snow and grandsons from your recent trip. I love the clean, uncluttered look. But I am sure whatever you decide on will be awesome!
I’d go 3 wider baskets or none at all. 4 looks too crowded and I agree about how heavy lateral files can become. I also think 3 stacks of books on top of the unit is a bit much though I love books too. Good luck with all these opinions! You are brave asking!