The way offices are designed has a direct impact on both the working environment and the planet. Choosing second-hand office furniture is more than a budget-friendly option, it is a practical step into the circular economy. This approach keeps valuable resources in use for longer and reduces the waste that often comes from the traditional linear model of buy, use and dispose.
At The Office Chair Man, we have always believed that offices should be furnished with style, comfort and sustainability in mind. For over 25 years we have supplied businesses of all sizes with high-quality recycled and used office furniture. Every item we sell is refurbished to meet our strict standards and we offer well-known brands at a fraction of their original retail price.
This article explores how second-hand furniture supports the circular economy, the advantages for office design, and why The Office Chair Man is the trusted partner for businesses who want to combine value with responsibility.
Did you know that choosing second-hand furniture can save up to 70 % of the carbon embodied in new manufacturing? Leave your thoughts.
The circular economy is a system designed to eliminate waste and keep materials in use. Instead of the take, make and dispose model, the circular approach involves reuse, refurbishment and recycling. It allows products to circulate within the economy for as long as possible, reducing demand for raw materials and limiting environmental harm.
Furniture is particularly well suited to this model. Office chairs, desks and storage solutions are often built from durable materials that can be cleaned, repaired and refreshed to look and perform as well as new. The benefits are both environmental and financial:
By taking part in the circular economy through furniture reuse, organisations can not only achieve savings but also meet sustainability targets that are increasingly important in both public and private sectors.
Businesses often face the challenge of balancing budgets with the need for professional, stylish office spaces. Choosing second-hand furniture provides a solution that addresses both.
| Factor | New Furniture | Refurbished Furniture |
| Cost | 100% RRP | Up to 75% off RRP |
| Lead time | Weeks/Months | Immediate availability |
| Environmental impact (carbon) | High | Reduced by up to 70%* |
| Quality control | Manufacturer | 30-point checklist |
*Based on refurbishment and embodied carbon savings as outlined in sustainable office planning guidance.
Second-hand office furniture is not about compromise. It is about accessing trusted brands with proven ergonomic and design quality while also benefiting from affordability and environmental responsibility.
For over 25 years, The Office Chair Man has been a leading supplier of high-quality recycled and used office furniture. Our experience and dedication make us a trusted partner for businesses that want to furnish their workplaces responsibly.
We focus on providing as-new pre-owned furniture from respected manufacturers. Our mission is simple: to reduce waste while helping organisations create comfortable, functional and attractive offices. This commitment supports ecological well-being by extending the life of existing furniture rather than letting it end up in landfill.
Every item we sell undergoes a detailed 30-point inspection. Chairs, for example, are tested for stability, comfort and adjustability. Desks and tables are checked for structural integrity. Upholstery is cleaned or replaced where required. Only once we are satisfied with the condition do we make these items available for purchase.
We are proud to stock furniture from world-renowned names including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Humanscale, Vitra, Kinnarps, Orangebox, Framery and Boss Design. These brands are recognised for quality, ergonomics and design innovation. Buying them second-hand allows businesses to enjoy top-tier products at affordable prices.
Our philosophy is guided by sustainability. We not only give furniture a second life but also reduce the embodied carbon associated with manufacturing. By extending furniture lifecycles, we actively contribute to lower emissions and reduced waste.
The Office Chair Man serves businesses across the UK, combining local service with nationwide reach.
We deliver using our own fleet of vehicles and hub courier partners. Free delivery is available within a set radius of Reading, and we regularly serve locations including Reading, London, Oxford, Slough and Bracknell. For businesses further afield, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, deliveries can be arranged with a tailored quote.
For complete convenience, we also offer installation services. This ensures that workspaces are ready to use as quickly as possible. Payment for used furniture must be made before or on the day of delivery unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Our approach is flexible, customer-focused and designed to make sustainable office refits straightforward, wherever a business is located.
Every refurbished desk or chair sold by The Office Chair Man contributes directly to environmental savings. By giving furniture a new lease of life, we prevent it from being discarded prematurely and reduce the demand for new manufacturing.
Choosing used furniture does not mean sacrificing comfort. Many of the items we supply are designed with advanced ergonomic features, ensuring staff enjoy the same levels of support and adjustability as with new products.
An office chair refurbished and reupholstered through our craftsmen avoids waste, delivers style aligned to a company’s brand colours, and costs significantly less than buying new. This is the circular economy at work, benefiting both business and the environment.
We have worked with businesses across different industries who share our belief in sustainable and practical office design. While each project is unique, the outcomes consistently highlight the same benefits: lower costs, reduced carbon impact and professional workspaces created with premium furniture.
Feedback regularly notes:
Our customers understand that buying used furniture is not about compromise. It is about making a conscious choice to invest in quality while aligning with sustainability values.
Integrating second-hand furniture into office design is straightforward with the right approach.
By following these steps, businesses can create workspaces that are modern, comfortable and aligned with sustainable principles.
Some businesses hesitate about second-hand furniture because of outdated misconceptions.
Second-hand office furniture is not second best. It is a smart, responsible choice that aligns with the demands of modern business and sustainability expectations.
Second-hand office furniture is a powerful example of the circular economy in action. It extends the life of valuable products, reduces waste, saves money and lowers environmental impact. Businesses benefit from premium quality, ergonomic comfort and stylish office designs without the high costs of buying new.
At The Office Chair Man, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. Our expertise, rigorous refurbishment process and commitment to sustainability allow us to deliver furniture that performs as well as new while protecting the environment.
We invite businesses to join us in making the circular economy a reality. Together we can create offices that are modern, functional and sustainable, proving that second-hand truly is a first-class choice.
Discover how second-hand office furniture from The Office Chair Man can transform your workspace sustainably—visit our collection today.
Original price was: £750.00.£600.00Current price is: £600.00.
Stock: 3
