Office chairs are an essential part of any working environment, whether you’re managing a busy open-plan space or building your dream home office. But with rising costs, growing awareness of sustainability, and changing workplace habits, more and more people are asking: Are used office chairs actually worth it?
At The Office Chair Man, we’ve been supplying high-quality recycled office seating to homes and businesses across the UK for years. We specialise in designer brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, Humanscale, Kinnarps, and many more — all at a fraction of the original cost, and always refurbished to a high standard.
This article is your go-to guide to understanding the value behind used office chairs. We’ll cover the pros, the potential drawbacks (with honest answers), and most importantly, what you need to look for before buying.
Whether you’re a facilities manager outfitting 200 desks or a freelancer who needs back support for long editing sessions, you’ll walk away with the information you need to make a smart, sustainable, and budget-friendly decision.
And yes — we believe used chairs are absolutely worth it. Let’s show you why.
The Herman Miller Aeron B chair costs £1,200 brand new — or just £399 refurbished. Same comfort. Same quality. Smarter choice.
Used office furniture isn’t just about saving money. It’s about aligning your purchasing decisions with your values — particularly when it comes to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
At The Office Chair Man, we’ve noticed an increasing number of organisations actively seeking out second-hand options. Why?
The average office chair contains plastic, steel, foam, gas lifts, and fabric — materials that can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. By reusing what’s already been made, you avoid unnecessary waste and reduce carbon emissions from manufacturing new items.
Businesses seeking ISO 14001 accreditation or implementing greener policies often come to us specifically to meet those sustainability targets.
When budgets are tight, furniture is often one of the first areas to see cuts. But reducing cost shouldn’t mean reducing quality or comfort. Used office chairs offer access to world-class ergonomic design at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Buying second-hand lets you do more with less — without sacrificing productivity, wellbeing, or aesthetics.
As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, people are investing in proper home office setups. But a cheap new chair often leads to discomfort and long-term pain.
That’s why savvy professionals are turning to recycled office chairs — particularly those from brands like RH Logic and Herman Miller that are designed to support long periods of sitting with ergonomic precision.
Let’s take a deep dive into why buying a used office chair is such a smart investment.
You can expect to save between 40% and 75% when purchasing a used office chair from a reputable supplier. That’s not pocket change — that’s a serious return on investment.
| Chair Model | RRP New | Typical Used Price (Office Chair Man) |
| Herman Miller Aeron B | £1,200 | £399–£499 |
| Steelcase Leap V2 | £950 | £295–£365 |
| Humanscale Liberty | £800 | £260–£330 |
| RH Logic 400 | £1,050 | £375–£450 |
| Orangebox Do Chair | £650 | £165–£225 |
You’re not just saving money — you’re gaining advanced ergonomic support that cheap chairs can’t offer. Adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, back tension, height-adjustable arms, breathable mesh, and synchro-tilt mechanisms are all standard on the chairs we stock.
Every reused chair helps prevent more CO₂ from being released during new manufacturing. Here’s what you’re saving on average with one reused chair:
While new furniture often involves long lead times (especially for bulk orders), our chairs are in stock and ready to ship. We offer UK-wide delivery, free local drop-offs around Reading, and personal collection options.
High-end office chairs are designed to last 10 to 15 years or more. When you buy used, especially from The Office Chair Man, you’re still getting years of life — at a lower cost and better per-use value than most new chairs.
Chairs like the Herman Miller Mirra 1 or Humanscale Freedom are no longer manufactured — but they’re still loved by professionals who know their comfort and performance. Buying used gives you access to these rare gems.
Some people hesitate to buy used because they’ve had bad experiences — or just don’t know what to expect. Here’s how we handle the most common concerns.
Not with us. We hand-select every chair from high-quality sources — corporate offices, showrooms, and fit-out projects — where furniture is often replaced long before it’s actually worn.
Before any chair goes online, it goes through:
We hear this a lot. That’s why every chair is:
In fact, many of our refurbished chairs are cleaner than those in everyday office use.
We back many of our chairs with a warranty. We’re not a faceless seller on a marketplace — we’re an established company with a real warehouse, real staff, and real after-sales support.
If something isn’t right, we’ll put it right.
We only sell genuine branded chairs. Every model is checked for authenticity and functionality before being listed. If we say it’s a Herman Miller Aeron, you can be 100% sure it is.
Choosing the right chair isn’t just about price — it’s about getting something that works for your posture, your space, and your working style.
Look for chairs with:
Not all chairs fit all people. Think about:
Ask us — we’ll guide you to the right fit.
We stock chairs in a range of finishes and colours. If you’re after visual consistency, we can help you match chairs for full office refits.
At The Office Chair Man, our team handles:
All work is done in-house so we can control the quality.
There are a lot of used furniture sellers out there — but we’re not just resellers.
We focus solely on office seating — so we know our chairs inside and out. It’s not just stock to us; it’s our expertise.
Each product is photographed in-house. No stock images, no guesswork — what you see is what you get.
We deliver across the UK, and offer free local delivery within the Reading area. You’re also welcome to visit our warehouse and try before you buy.
From startups to corporate clients, we supply quality seating with transparency, speed, and service you can count on.
Used office chairs aren’t a second-best option — they’re a smart, sustainable, and high-value solution for businesses and individuals alike.
At The Office Chair Man, we believe in giving premium seating a second life. Every chair we sell has been carefully selected, professionally refurbished, and made ready for many more years of comfort.
From cost savings to environmental benefits to ergonomic performance, choosing a second-hand office chair makes sense — for your budget, your body, and the planet.
Browse our full range online or contact us for personalised advice. Whether you’re after a single chair or a full office refit, we’re ready to help.
Sit well. Spend wisely. Think sustainably. That’s the Office Chair Man way.
The Office Chairman where we combine over 25 years of experience in supplying only the highest quality recycled office furniture and used office chairs. Providing remarkable customer service at exceptional value for your money.
68 St Johns Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5AL
Combining 25 years of experience in supplying only the highest quality used office furniture and used office chairs. Providing customer service levels at exceptional value for your money.
