Should I Buy New or Used Office Furniture in 2025?

When it comes to furnishing your office, one of the first things you may need to decide is: do you want new or used office furniture? This decision isn’t always straight forwards as both options present their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of both new and used office furniture and consider some top tips for buyers.

NEW OFFICE FURNITURE

PROS OF BUYING NEW OFFICE FURNITURE

Warranty

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages in buying new office furniture is that it will usually be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. High quality furniture typically carries a warranty of 5 – 10 years, giving you peace of mind that your investment will last a long time and be protected from future defects.

Customisation

Furniture manufacturers often boast a large catalogue of products in a wide range of sizes, styles and colours. This allows you to easily find the perfect fit for your office and create a look and feel that reflects your brand and company colours.

Future Development

Another great advantage of buying new office furniture from a stable and reputable manufacturer is that you’ll likely be able to add to your office design at a later date. If for example in a few years you need to add a few more desks to your office, with new furniture it’s much more likely that you can purchase furniture that perfectly matches the style and colour of your initial order.

CONS OF BUYING NEW OFFICE FURNITURE

Higher Cost

There’s no escaping it; anything brand new from the factory is likely to cost significantly more than its second-hand counterpart. When it comes to fitting out a large office then, the difference in price alone between new and used office furniture could be enough to sway your decision.

Environmental Impact

Also worth considering is the impact to the environment. The production of new furniture, even from the most eco-conscious of manufacturers will in some way contribute to resource consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOP TIPS FOR BUYING NEW FURNITURE

Negotiate Pricing

Often, if you’re buying a large quantity of office furniture, dealers may be able to provide some additional discount, so always negotiate the price before you commit to buy.

Look Out for Sale Events

Retailers often offer seasonal discounts or during specific sales events such as Black Friday. If you can time it right, you might be able to achieve your office fit out at a reduced price.

Visit Your Local Store

If possible, visit your local office furniture store prior to making a purchase so that you can see the quality of their furniture with your own eyes and make sure the colours and finishes fit your brand. Remember, the colours of furniture can look quite different in real life than they do on your computer screen so it’s always best to physically see what you’re buying if at all possible.

USED OFFICE FURNITURE

PROS OF BUYING USED OFFICE FURNITURE

Lower Cost

The greatest advantage to buying used office furniture is undoubtedly its reduced price tag. Generally speaking, you can expect used office furniture to be roughly half the price of its new furniture equivalent. Such a big savings can allow you to furnish your office with a much smaller budget and free up funding for other business requirements. Alternatively, you might choose to kit out your office to a higher specification than you would otherwise be able to afford when buying all new furniture.

Shorter Lead Times

Unlike bespoke new office furniture that will likely take several weeks to produce once you’ve placed your order, used office furniture is usually in stock and ready to go. This means you can get your office up and running sooner without any painful lead times.

Sustainability

Another massive advantage of buying used office furniture is the benefit to the environment. By choosing used office furniture, you’re effectively reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future. You’re also diverting products from landfills, reducing the demand for new resources and reducing the carbon footprint of your business.

CONS OF BUYING USED OFFICE FURNITURE

Condition

Whilst it is possible to buy used office furniture in great condition from a reputable dealer, some used furniture may have unsightly signs of wear and tear or require repairs. This is especially true when purchasing from a private seller.

Limited Availability

If you’re fitting out a large office, finding the specific product sizes you need in matching colours and styles can be quite a challenge.

Limited Warranty

Used office furniture doesn’t usually carry a manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll want to make sure the furniture is of high quality and in good condition.

Future Development

Unlike when purchasing new furniture, if you want to add more furniture to your office at a later date, it will much more challenging to find additional used furniture that perfectly matches your initial order.

 TOP TIPS FOR BUYING USED FURNITURE

Select a Reputable Dealer

Always buy used office furniture from a reputable dealer. Alternatively, if you choose to buy through a trusted online marketplace, be sure to check the feedback of the seller.

Buy Modular Furniture

Consider modular office furniture products that can easily be reconfigured to adapt to your changing requirements. Additionally, if you have the room to store it, consider buying slightly more furniture than you currently need so that you add to your office as your needs develop.

Read Reviews

Check for online reviews and testimonials of your selected dealer to make sure they have a good reputation. Specifically look for reviews that mention the condition of their used office furniture.

Negotiate Warranty

Since used office furniture doesn’t usually carry a manufacturer’s warranty, see if you can negotiate a short-term warranty from the dealer and find out what their policy is regarding defects discovered in used furniture.

Overall Key Factors to Consider When Buying New or Used Office Furniture

In summary, when deciding whether to buy new or used office furniture, it essentially seems to boil down to these four main factors;

1. Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, used office furniture is your best option.

2. Aesthetics

If a specific and consistent style or colour is your absolute priority then new office furniture may be your best choice.

3. The Environment

If you’re environmentally conscious and you’re keen to do your bit, then used office furniture is definitely the most sustainable option.

4. Flexibility

If the needs of your business might change and you expect to require additional matching furniture at a later date, then new furniture is more likely to suit your needs.

New Office Furniture vs Used Office Furniture – Which Should You Buy?

In conclusion, ultimately, the best choice between new and used office furniture will depend greatly on your specific needs and priorities. By carefully weighing the pros and cons discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your business both now and in the future. Our personal view is: if you can find used office furniture from a reputable dealer without having to make big compromises on style or condition, used furniture would be our first choice due to its price and sustainability.

DISCOVER NEW OFFICE FURNITURE

New Desks    New Chairs    New Storage    New Meeting

DISCOVER USED OFFICE FURNITURE

Used Desks    Used Chairs    Used Storage    Used Meeting