Selecting the right office chair is more than a matter of style or initial price. It is a decision that directly affects comfort, productivity, and the long term health of both the user and the workplace budget. Businesses and home workers often face a choice between purchasing high quality refurbished office chairs or opting for low cost new chairs from budget suppliers.
At The Office Chair Man, we have been supplying refurbished chairs for almost three decades. Our focus has always been on delivering high quality seating from reputable brands at a fraction of the cost of buying new. The chairs we refurbish are designed and built to last, and our process ensures they are clean, fully functional, and ready for years of service.
Cheap new chairs can seem appealing due to their low upfront cost. However, these products are often mass produced with minimal ergonomic features and limited durability. Over time, the need for replacement can make them a false economy.
This article compares both options across cost, quality, ergonomics, sustainability, and service to help you make an informed decision about which offers better long term value.
Refurbished office chairs are pre owned seating products sourced from businesses, corporate offices, and suppliers. At The Office Chair Man, we carefully select models from trusted manufacturers such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, Humanscale, Vitra, Orangebox, Kinnarps, RH, and Senator. These brands are known for engineering excellence, ergonomic design, and build quality.
Every chair that comes into our warehouse undergoes a thorough inspection and cleaning process. We check all moving parts, ensure that mechanisms operate correctly, and replace any components that do not meet our high standards. The result is a chair that looks and feels “as new” but costs significantly less than the equivalent model bought brand new.
The appeal of refurbished seating is in combining premium brand quality with genuine cost savings. Our customers can often achieve up to 75 per cent off the recommended retail price without compromising on comfort, support, or style.
Refurbished chairs are not “second best” options. In fact, they frequently outperform new budget chairs in both longevity and ergonomics. They are designed for heavy daily use in professional environments, meaning they are robust enough for years of continued service in their second life.
One of the most obvious differences between refurbished office chairs and cheap new chairs is the purchase price. At first glance, budget new chairs appear to be the most cost effective option. However, when you look beyond the initial outlay, a different picture emerges.
| Chair Type | Typical Price Range | Average Lifespan | Replacement Frequency (over 6 years) |
| Refurbished premium brand | £100 – £400 | 8 – 12 years | Once |
| Cheap new chair | £50 – £150 | 1 – 3 years | Two to five times |
A refurbished premium brand chair may cost more upfront than the cheapest new option. For example, a refurbished Steelcase or Herman Miller chair might be priced at £250 compared to £90 for a basic mesh chair from a budget retailer. However, the higher quality chair is likely to last at least twice as long without the need for major repairs.
Cheap new chairs often involve:
Over a 6 to 10 year period, the total cost of owning a single refurbished chair is often less than the cost of repeatedly buying and replacing multiple cheap chairs. When you factor in reduced waste, better ergonomics, and improved user comfort, refurbished seating becomes even more attractive.
A chair’s quality determines not only how long it will last but also how comfortable and supportive it will be throughout the day. Premium office chairs from established manufacturers are built with strong materials, precision engineering, and features designed to promote healthy posture.
Refurbished chairs from The Office Chair Man retain all the original ergonomic functions:
These features are crucial for maintaining comfort and reducing strain during prolonged periods of sitting. They are often absent or poorly implemented in low cost new chairs.
The brands we stock invest heavily in research and development. They design chairs that meet strict industry standards for ergonomics and durability. This level of engineering ensures the chair remains functional and supportive for many years.
In contrast, cheap new chairs may use lower grade materials and basic mechanisms. While they may look appealing at first, the padding can compress, the fabric can fray, and the moving parts may wear out quickly. Poor ergonomics can also lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, and even musculoskeletal issues over time.
Investing in a refurbished high quality chair is therefore not simply about comfort, but about protecting health and productivity in the workplace.
Choosing refurbished over new is a powerful way to reduce environmental impact. Every year, thousands of office chairs end up in landfill. Many of these could be refurbished, reused, and kept in circulation for years to come.
At The Office Chair Man, we help extend the life of premium seating. By refurbishing and reselling quality chairs, we reduce waste and lower demand for the raw materials and energy required to manufacture new products. This supports a circular economy, where goods are reused rather than discarded.
Sustainability is not only about waste reduction. It also involves making choices that benefit both the planet and the bottom line. Refurbished chairs allow businesses to meet corporate social responsibility goals while saving money.
For organisations seeking to promote an eco friendly image, investing in refurbished office furniture sends a clear message about values and priorities. Employees are also increasingly conscious of their employer’s environmental practices, making sustainable choices a positive factor in staff engagement and retention.
The environmental cost of cheap new chairs is often overlooked. Lower quality items are discarded more frequently, increasing landfill waste and resource consumption. By choosing refurbished premium seating, you actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
Refurbished office chairs do not mean limited options. Our stock includes a broad variety of styles, colours, and configurations to suit different workspaces and preferences.
We regularly hold models across several price bands, allowing customers to balance budget and features. Whether you need a task chair with multiple adjustments, an executive high back model, or a stylish meeting room option, refurbished premium brands offer more variety than most low cost new ranges.
The Office Chair Man updates stock frequently as new items come in from corporate clearances and relocations. This ensures that customers have access to modern designs as well as timeless classics from renowned manufacturers.
Cheap new chairs tend to offer a narrower range of features and styles. Many budget models are variations on a single basic design, with limited fabric or finish options. This can make it harder to create a cohesive, professional look across a workspace.
By choosing refurbished premium chairs, you benefit from both variety and quality, enabling you to select seating that matches your workspace design without compromising on durability or comfort.
Durability is one of the strongest arguments for choosing refurbished premium chairs over cheap new alternatives. High quality brands design chairs to withstand years of daily use in busy office environments. The frame, mechanisms, and upholstery are built for longevity.
When we refurbish a chair, we ensure all moving parts work as intended and that the seat and back support are structurally sound. This means a refurbished chair can easily serve for many more years.
Cheap new chairs are often built to a price point, with thinner materials, weaker joints, and less robust mechanisms. Over time, bolts can loosen, plastic parts can crack, and fabric can wear prematurely. Repairs may not be possible or cost effective, leading to early replacement.
With a refurbished premium chair, small maintenance tasks such as replacing castors or tightening a mechanism can extend its life significantly. This is rarely the case with budget chairs, which may lack available spare parts or use non standard fittings.
When you consider the combined benefits of durability, repairability, and reduced replacement frequency, refurbished chairs clearly offer superior long term value.
The buying experience is an important factor in the value of office furniture. At The Office Chair Man, we provide nationwide delivery across mainland UK, with free delivery within a defined radius of our Reading base. For larger orders, we work to ensure cost effective and reliable delivery through our own vehicles or trusted couriers.
Our team is available to help customers select the right chair for their needs, offering advice on ergonomics, features, and suitability for different roles or environments. We believe customer service should be as strong as the products we sell.
Cheap new chairs bought online may arrive flat packed without clear assembly instructions or customer support. In some cases, after sales assistance is limited or non existent. This can be frustrating and may lead to additional costs if professional assembly is required.
By choosing a refurbished chair from a specialist supplier, you gain the assurance of product knowledge, careful preparation, and responsive service before and after purchase.
When choosing between refurbished premium chairs and cheap new models, consider the following:
Choosing refurbished office chairs from The Office Chair Man ensures you receive a product that combines quality, comfort, and sustainability, backed by professional service.
Long term value is about more than the purchase price. It encompasses quality, comfort, sustainability, and service. Refurbished premium office chairs offer a compelling combination of these benefits.
By investing in a refurbished chair from The Office Chair Man, you gain the durability and ergonomic excellence of top brands at a fraction of the cost of buying new. You reduce waste, support a circular economy, and provide your staff or yourself with a chair designed for comfort and productivity.
Cheap new chairs may suit short term needs or very tight budgets, but the need for frequent replacements, lower comfort levels, and reduced durability make them a less effective investment over time.
For individuals and organisations looking to maximise value, refurbished premium chairs are a smart, sustainable, and cost effective choice.
Secure exceptional long-term value and comfort—explore our refurbished design classics today at The Office Chair Man.
Original price was: £750.00.£600.00Current price is: £600.00.
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