Furnishing an office can be a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Refurbished office furniture offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new, without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
At The Office Chair Man, we specialise in providing high-quality refurbished office furniture that meets the needs of modern businesses. Our extensive range includes top brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Humanscale, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
This guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of refurbished office furniture and offers practical tips to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Refurbished office furniture offers significant cost savings, often 30% to 70% cheaper than buying new, while still delivering quality and durability.
- Opting for refurbished pieces supports environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and promoting reuse within a circular economy.
- Premium brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase are accessible through refurbishment, providing ergonomic design and lasting performance at reduced prices.
- Immediate availability and customisation options make refurbished furniture a flexible and efficient solution for modern office setups.
- Considerations such as limited warranties, potential minor wear, and restricted stock should be carefully reviewed before making a purchase decision.
You can save between 30%–70% by choosing refurbished office furniture. It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and available immediately. What’s not to love?
Understanding Refurbished Office Furniture
What Is Refurbished Office Furniture?
Refurbished office furniture refers to pre-owned items that have been restored to a like-new condition. This process involves:
- Inspection: Assessing the furniture for structural integrity and identifying any damages.
- Repair: Fixing or replacing faulty components such as wheels, armrests, or gas lifts.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly sanitising all surfaces to ensure hygiene.
- Reupholstering: Replacing worn or outdated fabrics with new materials.
- Repainting or Refinishing: Restoring surfaces to their original appearance.
The goal is to extend the lifespan of quality furniture, making it a viable option for businesses looking to save money and reduce environmental impact.
Pros of Buying Refurbished Office Furniture
Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to choose refurbished furniture is the significant cost savings. Businesses can expect to save between 30% to 70% compared to purchasing new items. This allows for better allocation of resources to other critical areas of the business.
Environmental Benefits
Opting for refurbished furniture contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and conserving resources. According to industry reports, the UK disposes of approximately 1.2 million desks and 1.8 million office chairs annually. Choosing refurbished options helps divert these items from landfills, promoting a circular economy.
Access to Premium Brands
Refurbished furniture provides an opportunity to own high-end brands at a fraction of the cost. Brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase are renowned for their durability and ergonomic design. Acquiring these through refurbishment ensures quality without the hefty price tag.
Immediate Availability
Unlike new furniture, which may have lead times due to manufacturing and shipping, refurbished items are typically available for immediate delivery. This is particularly beneficial for businesses needing to set up offices quickly.
Customisation Options
Many refurbished furniture providers offer customisation options, allowing businesses to select finishes, fabrics, and configurations that align with their brand aesthetics. This flexibility ensures that the furniture complements the existing office design.
Cons of Buying Refurbished Office Furniture
Limited Warranty
Refurbished furniture often comes with shorter or limited warranties compared to new items. It’s essential to understand the warranty terms and ensure they align with your expectations and business needs.
Potential Wear and Tear
Despite refurbishment, some items may exhibit minor signs of previous use, such as scratches or dents. While these are typically cosmetic, they may affect the overall appearance and perception of the office environment.
Limited Stock and Styles
The availability of refurbished furniture is dependent on existing inventory, which may limit choices in terms of styles, colours, or matching sets. This can pose challenges when aiming for a cohesive office design.
Compatibility Issues
Integrating refurbished furniture with existing office setups may present compatibility challenges, especially if the dimensions or styles differ significantly. It’s crucial to consider space planning and ensure the new additions harmonise with the current layout.
Buyer Tips for Refurbished Office Furniture
Assess Your Needs
Before purchasing, evaluate the specific requirements of your office space, including the number of employees, types of workstations needed, and the desired aesthetic. This assessment will guide your selection process and ensure functionality.
Research Reputable Suppliers
Choose suppliers known for their quality refurbishment processes and customer service. Look for reviews, certifications, and transparency in their operations. The Office Chair Man, for instance, prides itself on rigorous quality checks and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Inspect Before Purchase
If possible, visit the supplier’s showroom to inspect the furniture firsthand. Check for structural integrity, comfort, and any signs of wear. If in-person inspection isn’t feasible, request detailed photographs and specifications.
Understand Return and Warranty Policies
Clarify the terms related to returns, exchanges, and warranties. Ensure that these policies are clearly stated and align with your business’s risk tolerance.
Plan for Delivery and Installation
Coordinate logistics for the delivery and installation of the furniture. Confirm whether the supplier offers these services or if you’ll need to arrange them independently. Proper planning ensures a smooth transition and minimises disruptions.
Why Choose The Office Chair Man for Refurbished Furniture
At The Office Chair Man, we are dedicated to providing top-quality refurbished office furniture that meets the diverse needs of our clients. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our operations:
- Extensive Inventory: We offer a wide range of refurbished office furniture, including chairs, desks, and storage solutions from leading brands.
- Quality Assurance: Each piece undergoes a meticulous refurbishment process, ensuring it meets our stringent quality standards.
- Customisation Options: We provide various customisation choices to align with your office’s aesthetic and functional requirements.
- Sustainability Commitment: By choosing our refurbished furniture, you’re contributing to environmental conservation by reducing waste and promoting reuse.
- Customer Support: Our knowledgeable team is available to assist you throughout the purchasing process, ensuring a seamless experience.
Partnering with The Office Chair Man means investing in quality, sustainability, and exceptional service.
Conclusion: Refurbished office furniture
Refurbished office furniture presents a practical and eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new items. While there are considerations to keep in mind, such as warranty limitations and potential wear, the benefits—cost savings, environmental impact, and access to premium brands—often outweigh the drawbacks.
By conducting thorough research and partnering with reputable suppliers like The Office Chair Man, businesses can create functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces without exceeding their budgets.
Explore our premium range of refurbished office chairs at unbeatable prices—visit us today to upgrade your workspace sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is refurbished office furniture durable?
Yes — when refurbished professionally, durability is a core strength.
At The Office Chair Man, our refurbished furniture is sourced from top-tier manufacturers like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Humanscale. These brands are known for building products designed to last 10–15 years or more. Our team restores each piece to optimal working condition through:
- Rigorous structural inspections
- Replacement of worn or damaged parts
- Reupholstery using commercial-grade fabrics
- Re-lacquering and refinishing hard surfaces
The result? Office furniture that performs like new — and often outlasts budget-brand alternatives fresh out of the box.
What’s the difference between used and refurbished furniture?
Used furniture is sold “as is”, while refurbished furniture is restored to a higher standard.
- Used Furniture: Typically unaltered since previous use. May show signs of wear and lacks guarantees or servicing.
- Refurbished Furniture: Professionally cleaned, repaired, and reconditioned. Components may be replaced or improved. Often comes with a warranty and support.
At The Office Chair Man, we only sell furniture that has undergone a detailed refurbishment process. This ensures our customers enjoy better aesthetics, safety, and longevity.
Can I customise refurbished furniture to suit my workspace?
Absolutely — and we encourage it.
One of the major benefits of buying through The Office Chair Man is the ability to tailor items to your brand or workspace aesthetic. Our refurbishment process allows for:
- Fabric reupholstery: Choose from a wide range of colours and finishes
- Repainting and refinishing: Match wood, laminate or metal finishes to your existing décor
- Modular adjustments: Select different arms, bases, and castors for chairs or size options for desks
Customisation options vary depending on stock, so it’s always worth speaking to our team about what’s possible.
How much can I expect to save by purchasing refurbished office furniture?
Savings typically range from 30% to 70% compared to the cost of new.
Here’s a quick comparison based on real stock listed on our website:
Brand/Model | New RRP (Estimate) | Refurbished Price | Saving |
Herman Miller Aeron Chair (Size B) | £1,350+ | £495 | ~63% off |
Steelcase Leap V2 Task Chair | £920+ | £264 | ~71% off |
RH Logic 400 Orthopaedic Chair | £900+ | £495 | ~45% off |
By choosing refurbished, businesses can equip their offices with high-quality furniture at a fraction of the cost — without sacrificing comfort or professionalism.
Is refurbished furniture environmentally friendly?
Yes — it’s one of the most sustainable choices you can make.
The commercial furniture industry produces a significant amount of waste. According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), over 300,000 tonnes of office furniture are discarded annually in the UK alone.
Buying refurbished helps:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Minimise carbon emissions from manufacturing and distribution
- Extend the life of durable materials already in circulation
Every refurbished desk, chair, or storage unit you buy contributes to a greener future.
Does refurbished furniture come with a warranty?
Yes — but warranty terms can vary.
At The Office Chair Man, we provide a standard 12-month warranty on most refurbished items, with options to extend on request. Our warranties cover:
- Mechanical failures (e.g. chair hydraulics or tilt mechanisms)
- Manufacturing defects discovered post-refurbishment
- Upholstery workmanship, if customisation was part of the order
Always check the individual product listing or speak to our team for full warranty details before purchase.
Who is refurbished furniture best suited for?
Nearly every business — from startups to large corporates.
Refurbished furniture is ideal for:
- Startups and SMEs looking to maximise budget
- Large firms outfitting multiple departments or locations
- Remote workers creating ergonomic home office setups
- Sustainability-conscious organisations reducing their environmental footprint
Whether you’re designing your first office or upgrading an existing space, refurbished furniture offers practical, attractive, and environmentally responsible solutions.
Further Reading
- 10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity at Work: Discover practical tips to enhance focus and efficiency in the workplace, helping you make the most of your workday.
- Environmentally Friendly Choices: The Sustainability of Used Office Furniture: Understand the environmental advantages of opting for used office furniture and how it contributes to a sustainable office environment.