Tate file and storage bookcases

Room×Lab Review · Review updated October 15, 2026

File-bookcase owners praise smooth drawers and solid, compact storage; storage-cabinet buyers flag uneven walnut tone, and both report damaged deliveries

Crate & Barrel shows 106 ratings shared by all Tate file and storage bookcase sizes and finishes; some have no written text. Room×Lab read 89 distinct written reviews (76 five-star). They cover the 22-inch file-drawer bookcase and 36-inch door-cabinet storage bookcase in offices, bedrooms, living rooms and dining areas, plus older storage-cabinet models and one black-finish purchase. Drawer findings come from file-bookcase owners; door, interior and older-model findings from storage-cabinet owners. Few owners state a period of use; the longest, more than three years, is for a 36-inch storage cabinet. We picked praise from 22-inch owners, that longest use, and one example of each recurring complaint: color, delivery and workmanship.

Room×Lab rating: 7.2 out of 10 (limited confidence). Owners of the 22-inch file bookcase praise smooth drawers, compact filing storage and handsome walnut looks, mostly as early impressions. Across the Tate line, the caveats are walnut tone that varies between storage cabinets, some chips and blemishes, and damaged or long-delayed deliveries.

• Solid build impressions, with workmanship reservations: Many reviews of both sizes call them solid and well made; at least 4 raise workmanship, material or condition doubts. — Owners of both sizes call them solid and well made, but few say how long they have used them. The reservations are chips and blemishes, wood that felt less substantial than hoped, and a storage bookshelf delivered in December 2022 that looked rougher than the owner's older one.
• Walnut tone can vary between pieces: Walnut tone draws frequent praise, but at least 6 storage-cabinet buyers report orange, red or mismatched shades. — Some owners praise attractive grain, well-matched pairs and color that matches the photos. Several storage-cabinet buyers found more orange or red tones than expected, or clearly different shades between units they ordered; one returned a cabinet over its color.
• Delivery experiences range from careful to repeatedly damaged: Some buyers praise prompt, careful delivery; at least 11 describe delivery problems, from damage to long backorders. — A file-bookcase buyer had a scheduled warehouse pickup fall through, then two deliveries arrive broken. A storage-cabinet buyer got damage on both the original and the replacement. Others describe backorders and waits of several months.

Before buying

Choose the 22-inch Tate for smooth file drawers in a narrow, solid tower. Confirm its depth against your space, use the supplied wall anchor (one owner found it necessary on carpet), and check finish and color on delivery, especially when pairing pieces.

More bookcases & shelving reviews

• KALLAX Shelf unit - white 30 1/8x30 1/8 "IKEA · 6,959 owner comments checked
• KALLAX Shelf unit - white 16 3/8x57 5/8 "IKEA · 3,964 owner comments checked
• KALLAX Shelf unit - white 57 7/8x57 5/8 "IKEA · 2,471 owner comments checked
• GERSBY Bookcase - white 23 5/8x70 7/8 "IKEA · 1,465 owner comments checked
• LAIVA Bookcase - black-brown 24 3/8x65 "IKEA · 1,437 owner comments checked
• BILLY Bookcase - white 31 1/2x11x41 3/4 "IKEA · 1,412 owner comments checked

Browse every bookcases & shelving review

More bookcases & shelving

Browse every bookcases & shelving in the catalog

• Furniture
• Lighting
• Rugs
• Décor
• Bedding & Textiles
• Kitchen & Table