How Much Should You Spend on Office Furniture? (Used vs. New Price Guide)

Furnishing your office is more than just a design decision—it’s a financial one. Whether you're moving into a new space, expanding your team, or upgrading your current setup, understanding the cost of office furniture can help you make smarter budgeting choices. The big question: Should you buy new or used?

Let’s break it down with a practical price guide and money-saving insights.

 

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1. The Real Cost of Office Furniture: New vs. Used

Used furniture can slash your total furnishing budget by thousands—without sacrificing quality, especially if purchased from a reputable dealer.

 

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2. New Furniture: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Comes with manufacturer warranties
  
  

• Consistent style and finish across pieces
  
  

• Customizable options available
  
  

• May qualify for tax deductions as capital assets
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
  
  

• Long lead times (especially for bulk orders or custom pieces)
  
  

• Rapid depreciation in value
  
  

Best for: Companies with larger budgets or specific brand/style requirements.

 

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3. Used Furniture: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Major cost savings (up to 70%)
  
  

• Immediate availability in most cases
  
  

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
  
  

• Often gently used and still high-quality (especially from large corporate liquidations)
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Limited quantity or style availability
  
  

• Cosmetic wear may be present
  
  

• Shorter or no warranty
  
  

Best for: Startups, growing businesses, nonprofits, or anyone furnishing on a budget.

 

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4. Total Budget Examples

Here’s how your budget might look based on the size of your team and whether you go with new or used furniture:

Small Office (5–10 employees)

• New: $15,000–$30,000
  
  

• Used: $5,000–$12,000
  
  

Medium Office (15–25 employees)

• New: $40,000–$70,000
  
  

• Used: $15,000–$30,000
  
  

Large Office (50+ employees)

• New: $100,000+
  
  

• Used: $40,000–$70,000
  
  

 

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5. Where to Get the Best Deals

If you’re leaning toward used, don’t settle for random listings online. Instead, look for:

• Professional resellers who inspect, clean, and refurbish furniture
  
  

• Local warehouse showrooms with bulk discounts
  
  

• Liquidation events from large corporations
  
  

• Trusted dealers that offer delivery and installation
  
  

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6. Final Thoughts: What Should You Spend?

There’s no universal answer to how much you should spend on office furniture—it depends on your needs, values, and budget. But one thing is clear: going the used route can cut your costs by more than half without compromising productivity or style.

If your goal is function, savings, and speed, used furniture is a smart choice. If brand consistency, warranties, and customization are top priorities, new might be worth the investment.

Either way, plan wisely—because good office furniture pays off in productivity, employee comfort, and a professional impression.