Used vs. New Office Furniture: Pros, Cons & Which Is Better for Your Unique or Special Office
Outfitting a workplace can become one of the most expensive parts of an office build-out. Whether you’re moving into a new space, downsizing, or modernizing, the question almost always comes up: Should we buy new office furniture or source quality pre-owned/ refurbished pieces?
There is no universal answer. Each option has real advantages and real drawbacks depending on your goals, budget, and timeline.
Below is a breakdown of what companies should know, with a nod to resources like Broadway Furniture Group, a used office furniture provider that emphasizes flexibility, customization, sustainability, and value, and a resource like D2 of OFD, which provides new office furniture.
Pros of New Office Furniture
1. Full customization
New furniture gives you control over colors, finishes, fabrics, layout, and overall brand alignment. This matters when design and culture are part of the workplace strategy.
2. Manufacturer warranty & latest build quality
You typically get multi-year protection covering structural failure or mechanical issues and brand-new furniture often includes the latest design and ergonomic improvements, which may matter for long-term comfort or compliance.
3. Long useful life
Corporate-grade new furniture generally performs well for many years without needing refurbishment or replacement.
Cons of New Office Furniture
1. Higher upfront costs
A fully new furniture package can represent a significant investment, especially when outfitting many workstations or executive offices.
2. Long lead times
Custom orders often require 6–12+ weeks, which can delay occupancy, a real issue if you’re leasing or subleasing space under a tight timeline.
3. Environmental impact
New furniture production comes with material consumption, manufacturing emissions, packaging, and eventual disposal increasingly a concern for companies trying to reduce their environmental footprint.
Pros of Used / Refurbished Office Furniture
1. Significant cost savings & greater value
Used or refurbished furniture from suppliers like Broadway Furniture Group can deliver high-end brands at a steep discount, e.g., refurbished workstations from premium brands at as much as a 70% reduction off the new price.
This allows companies to stretch their furniture budget further, often making what once was unaffordable a reality.
2. Lower environmental impact & sustainability
Refurbishing and reusing furniture reduces waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing, a clear win if your company values sustainability.
3. Flexibility & adaptability
BFG highlights that their collections (new or refurbished), like the “Cayman” line, are modular and configurable: table shapes, finishes, power integration, etc. This lets a workspace evolve as the company grows or changes layout.
Used furniture also enables faster turnarounds; there’s no long manufacturing wait. To gain a sense of what some of the used furniture might look like, feel free to look at some pictures here: Broadway Furniture Group.
4. Access to premium, durable furniture brands
Through used/refurbished offerings, companies can access top-tier furniture and workstation systems (often out of budget when new), while still maintaining quality, durability, and ergonomic benefits.
5. Affordability with quality — potential “best of both worlds.”
Refurbished furniture from BFG is marketed as “near showroom condition,” combining affordability with aesthetics and reliability. Broadway Furniture Group
Cons of Used / Refurbished Office Furniture
1. Inventory & matching limitations
With used/refurbished furniture, you may be constrained by what’s available in terms of finishes, colors, quantity, and configuration. That might limit design cohesion or uniformity across a large office.
2. Potential condition variability
Even though reputable dealers like BFG claim careful restoration, used furniture inherently risks wear, small flaws, previous use, hidden damage, or uneven aging.
3. Limited or no warranty
Compared to new furniture with manufacturer or vendor warranties, used furniture often comes with a limited guarantee. Repairs or replacements may fall on you.
4. Less “brand-new office” image
If you’re aiming for a pristine, ultra-modern headquarters aesthetic, used furniture, even refurbished, can feel less premium to some clients or employees.
When Used / Refurbished Furniture Makes the Most Sense
Used/refurbished furniture is ideal when:
- Budgets are tight, or you’re outfitting many workstations
- You need flexibility and expect growth or change
- Sustainability matters to your organization
- speed to occupancy is important (e.g., for subleases or quick move-ins)
- You want to access premium furniture brands at a reduced cost
When New Furniture Is the Better Option
New furniture makes sense when:
- You need full control over finishes, colors, and custom specs
- You want a manufacturer’s warranty and a guaranteed lifespan
- Brand image, uniformity, and a “clean slate” aesthetic matter
- Ergonomic features and up-to-date design are priorities
- You plan long-term and expect minimal layout changes
Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you want cost-efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, and access to premium furniture, refurbished or used furniture (especially through a vendor like Broadway Furniture Group) can be an excellent option. If you prioritize custom finishes, warranty, longevity, and a pristine “brand-new” office aesthetic, investing in new furniture may be more appropriate.
Your decision should be guided by your company’s budget, growth plans, aesthetic goals, and timeline.
