Furnishing an office for a team of 20 to 50 people requires careful planning. Businesses need workstations, meeting spaces, reception seating and storage, all while managing budgets and maintaining a professional environment. For many organisations, refurbished office furniture offers a practical and sustainable solution.
At The Office Chair Man, we specialise in supplying high quality recycled office furniture and used office chairs. With over 25 years of experience, we focus on sourcing premium pre-owned furniture from leading manufacturers and offering exceptional value for money.
A well planned office can support productivity, collaboration and comfort. By selecting the right refurbished furniture and planning the layout carefully, companies can create a professional workspace without overspending.
This guide explains how to furnish an office for 20 to 50 employees using refurbished furniture, covering workstations, meeting rooms, reception areas and storage solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Refurbished office furniture offers a cost effective way to furnish offices for 20 to 50 employees without sacrificing quality.
- Careful planning of office zones such as workstations, meeting rooms and breakout areas helps maximise space and efficiency.
- High quality refurbished furniture often comes from leading manufacturers used in professional office environments.
- Flexible layouts and modular furniture allow businesses to adapt as teams grow or working patterns change.
- Choosing refurbished furniture supports sustainability by extending the lifecycle of commercial office furniture.
Did you know? Many refurbished office chairs come from premium corporate environments and are designed for years of professional use.
Why Choose Refurbished Furniture for a Medium Sized Office
Refurbished office furniture is becoming a popular option for companies fitting out new offices or expanding their workspace.
At The Office Chair Man, our ethos focuses on supplying high quality pre-owned furniture from leading manufacturers while helping reduce waste in the office furniture industry.
Cost Effective Office Fit Outs
Furnishing an office for dozens of employees can quickly become expensive. Desks, chairs and meeting room furniture add up quickly when purchased in large quantities.
Second-hand office furniture provides an opportunity to reduce these costs significantly. Many refurbished items come from premium office environments and remain in excellent condition after inspection.
Our approach ensures every piece of furniture is checked to meet standards of quality, functionality and appearance before reaching our customers.
Access to Premium Manufacturers
Refurbished office furniture often includes products from well known manufacturers used by large organisations.
Examples of brands frequently found within our stock include:
- Herman Miller
- Humanscale
- Kinnarps
- Steelcase
- Vitra
- Orangebox
These manufacturers are widely recognised for their design-led office furniture and ergonomic seating solutions.
Environmental Benefits
Reusing office furniture helps reduce waste across the industry. Rather than disposing of high quality furniture, refurbished products allow businesses to extend the lifecycle of commercial office furniture.
For companies looking to improve sustainability practices, refurbished furniture can be a simple and practical step.
Start With a Practical Office Plan
Before buying desks and chairs, it is important to plan the overall layout of the office.
A thoughtful layout helps ensure the workspace supports both individual work and team collaboration.
Identify Core Office Zones
Most offices for 20 to 50 employees will include several different areas.
Typical zones include:
- Employee workstations
- Meeting rooms
- Breakout areas
- Reception or visitor space
- Storage areas
Each zone requires different types of furniture and different space allocations.
Estimate Workstation Numbers
Not every employee necessarily needs a permanent desk. Hybrid working patterns often reduce the number of desks required.
Businesses should consider:
- How many employees work in the office daily
- Whether desks will be shared
- Space for future team expansion
Leave Space for Growth
Growing companies should avoid designing layouts that are too rigid.
Flexible layouts using modular desks and movable seating allow offices to adapt as teams grow or working styles change.
Furnishing Employee Workstations
Workstations form the backbone of any office environment. Selecting the right desks and chairs is essential for comfort and productivity.
Choosing Office Desks
Office desks are available in a variety of configurations.
Common desk formats include:
- Individual desks
- Bench desks
- Back-to-back desk clusters
- Sit stand desks
The Office Chair Man supplies used office desks in different sizes, finishes and metal frame designs.
Sit stand desks are also available, allowing employees to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
Example Desk Layout Options
| Desk Type | Typical Use | Ideal For |
| Individual desks | Dedicated workspaces | Small teams |
| Bench desks | Shared desk banks | Open plan offices |
| Sit stand desks | Adjustable working position | Ergonomic workstations |
Selecting the right desk type depends on office layout and available space.
Selecting Ergonomic Office Chairs
Office seating is one of the most important investments for employee wellbeing.
At The Office Chair Man, we stock a large range of used office chairs from respected manufacturers.
These chairs often originate from high specification corporate offices and include ergonomic features designed for everyday professional use.
Examples available through refurbished stock include:
- Herman Miller task chairs
- Steelcase ergonomic chairs
- Humanscale mesh chairs
- Kinnarps office seating
Some of the most recognised models include Herman Miller Aeron chairs, which are known for their breathable mesh design and ergonomic adjustability.
Additional Workstation Furniture
Beyond desks and chairs, additional workstation accessories help improve organisation and comfort.
Useful items include:
- Desk pedestals for personal storage
- Desk screens for privacy
- Monitor stands or arms
- Cable management trays
These accessories help create tidy and efficient workstations.
Meeting Rooms and Conference Spaces
Meeting rooms are essential for collaboration, presentations and decision making.
Refurbished meeting furniture can provide a professional appearance while maintaining cost efficiency.
Conference Tables
Meeting tables vary in size depending on room capacity.
Common meeting room setups include:
- Small meeting rooms for 4 to 6 people
- Medium meeting rooms for 6 to 10 people
- Boardrooms for larger groups
The Office Chair Man supplies a range of conference room furniture suitable for different business environments.
Meeting Room Chairs
Meeting rooms require comfortable but practical seating.
Popular options include:
- Cantilever conference chairs
- Stacking chairs
- Upholstered meeting chairs
Stackable designs are particularly useful because they allow rooms to be rearranged easily.
Example Meeting Room Furniture Setup
| Room Type | Table Size | Seating |
| Small meeting room | 1200 to 1600 mm table | 4 to 6 chairs |
| Medium meeting room | 1800 to 2400 mm table | 6 to 10 chairs |
| Boardroom | Large conference table | 10 to 14 chairs |
Refurbished meeting furniture helps companies maintain consistency across rooms without excessive spending.
Breakout and Collaborative Areas
Modern offices increasingly include informal spaces for collaboration and relaxation.
Breakout areas provide flexible seating and encourage spontaneous discussions between teams.
Types of Breakout Furniture
Breakout areas often include soft seating and informal tables.
Examples include:
- Lounge chairs
- High stools
- Café style tables
- Soft seating pods
The Office Chair Man offers collaborative and breakout furniture suitable for both offices and reception areas.
Benefits of Breakout Spaces
Breakout zones support a range of activities across the office.
Common uses include:
- Informal meetings
- Team discussions
- Quiet work sessions
- Social interaction between colleagues
These areas add flexibility to office layouts and help create a comfortable working environment.
Reception and Visitor Spaces
Reception areas create the first impression for visitors, clients and potential employees.
A well designed reception space communicates professionalism and attention to detail.
Reception Seating
Reception furniture often includes comfortable seating that reflects the company’s style.
Typical reception furniture includes:
- Lounge chairs
- Sofas
- Side tables
The Office Chair Man supplies used reception furniture and seating as part of our refurbished product range.
Creating a Cohesive Design
When furnishing reception areas, businesses should consider:
- Matching colours with the rest of the office
- Durable upholstery materials
- Comfortable seating for visitors
Consistent furniture design across reception and meeting spaces helps create a cohesive brand image.
Storage Solutions for Growing Teams
As teams expand, storage becomes increasingly important.
Documents, office supplies and personal belongings all require organised storage systems.
The Office Chair Man supplies a range of used office storage solutions suitable for professional environments.
Common Office Storage Options
Typical storage furniture includes:
- Tambour cupboards
- Filing cabinets
- Desk pedestals
- Lockers
These storage units help maintain tidy workspaces and improve organisation across the office.
Tips for Buying Refurbished Office Furniture in Bulk
Purchasing refurbished furniture for an entire office requires careful planning.
Businesses should take time to ensure consistency, quality and practicality.
Buy From Specialist Suppliers
Specialist suppliers understand how to source and refurbish commercial office furniture.
At The Office Chair Man, we focus on supplying high quality recycled office furniture from respected manufacturers.
Inspect Furniture Quality
Important factors to consider include:
- Upholstery condition
- Structural integrity
- Adjustable components
- Compatibility with other furniture
Careful inspection ensures refurbished furniture meets workplace requirements.
Maintain Visual Consistency
When purchasing furniture for large teams, consistency helps create a professional appearance.
Buying desks and chairs in matching batches helps maintain a cohesive office design.
Example Furniture Checklist for a 20 to 50 Person Office
Businesses often find it useful to create a furniture checklist before purchasing.
The following table provides a simple guideline.
| Office Size | Desks | Chairs | Meeting Tables | Meeting Chairs | Storage Units |
| 20 employees | 20 desks | 20 chairs | 2 tables | 10 chairs | 6 units |
| 35 employees | 35 desks | 35 chairs | 3 tables | 18 chairs | 10 units |
| 50 employees | 50 desks | 50 chairs | 4 tables | 25 chairs | 15 units |
Actual requirements will vary depending on layout, working patterns and available space.
Conclusion: Refurbished Office Furniture
Furnishing an office for 20 to 50 employees is a significant investment for any business. Careful planning is essential to ensure the workspace supports productivity, collaboration and comfort.
Refurbished office furniture offers a practical solution for companies seeking high quality products while managing budgets. By reusing commercial office furniture from respected manufacturers, businesses can create professional environments without the cost of buying everything new.
At The Office Chair Man, we specialise in supplying recycled office furniture and used office chairs sourced from leading manufacturers around the world. With more than 25 years of experience, our goal is to deliver quality products, excellent customer service and outstanding value.
Whether furnishing workstations, meeting rooms or reception spaces, refurbished furniture can help businesses build functional offices that support growth and flexibility.
Discover cost effective used office furniture that combines comfort, quality, and sustainability for modern workplaces.
Further Reading
- Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide (Mayo Clinic): A practical article explaining how desks, chairs and monitors should be positioned to improve comfort and reduce strain in office environments.
- Workplace design and productivity (Harvard Business Review): An article examining how office design and workspace environments can influence employee performance and collaboration.