Top-Rated Companies Selling Refurbished Office Desks and Chairs in the UK

By Sam Coggin, Coggin Sustainable Office Solutions

There are a handful of established UK suppliers of refurbished office desks and chairs. What separates them is the workshop behind the stock: who strips the furniture, what they replace and what they warrant.

Refurbished office furniture sits in a sweet spot. You get the quality of premium brands without the price tag or the wait. But the market's flooded with suppliers, and not all of them deliver.

This guide focuses on the companies that consistently get good reviews - the ones businesses actually recommend after buying.

What "Refurbished" Actually Means

Worth clarifying upfront. Refurbished isn't the same as "used" or "second-hand." Used means sold as-is, potentially with wear and tear. Refurbished means the item has been inspected, cleaned, repaired where needed, and restored to a sellable condition. The best suppliers reupholster chairs, replace gas lifts, fix mechanisms, and refinish desk surfaces.

Always ask what the refurbishment process includes. If a supplier can't tell you, that's a red flag.

Top-Rated UK Suppliers for Refurbished Desks and Chairs

Coggin SOS – Preston, Lancashire. Supplies refurbished desks, chairs, and storage nationwide with delivery and installation included.

Also offers refurbishment of furniture you already own - useful if you've got decent stock that just needs attention. 12-month warranty on the parts we replace. Every order includes a savings certificate showing cost and carbon impact, which is helpful for ESG reporting. Trusted by councils, universities and corporates. Buyback scheme if you've got surplus to shift.

The Office Crowd – Midlands-based, serves UK-wide. Strong reputation for branded ergonomic chairs - Herman Miller, Steelcase, Orangebox. Free UK delivery. Clean website, easy to browse by brand or style. Good option if you know exactly what chair model you want.

Recycled Business Furniture- High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A 39,000 sq ft showroom with live stock counts and prices online, so you can see what is actually available before you travel. Unusually deep on soft furnishings and breakout seating, not just desks and chairs. Registered waste carrier, and they handle office clearance too. Good if you want to see a large range in one visit.

Office Resale – North London. Official Herman Miller refurbishment partner, which matters if you're buying Aerons or Mirras. Been in the game since the early days of the used furniture market. Offers buy-back, fit-out services, and bespoke refurbishment.

Corporate Spec – Claims to be the UK's largest buyer and seller of branded refurbished chairs. Specialises in high-end ergonomic seating - Humanscale, Vitra, Boss Design. Worth checking if you're after something specific.

ROF UK (Resale Office Furniture) – Essex-based. Strong reviews. Offers a "try before you buy" service where they'll deliver multiple chairs for you to test at home or office. Refurbishment standard reportedly high. Good for individuals or small teams.

Kings Office Furniture – London, delivers nationwide. 27 years in the trade. Stocks both desks and chairs with a 12-month warranty. Sources from corporate clearances. Decent mid-range option.

The Office Chairman – Reading, Berkshire. Nearly 30 years of experience. Specialises in chairs but also stocks desks, screens, and storage. UK's largest stockist of refurbished acoustic pods and booths if that's on your radar.

City Used Office Furniture – Multiple showrooms across England (Harlow, Chester, Hull, Warrington, Soham). Over 30 years trading. Good for bulk orders and matching sets. Nationwide delivery available.

Desk-Specific Considerations

Desks are simpler than chairs - fewer moving parts, less to go wrong. But check:

• Cable management - older desks may lack proper cable ports or trunking. Some suppliers can retrofit these.
• Surface condition - scratches and chips are common. Ask about refinishing options or request photos.
• Height adjustability - sit-stand desks are increasingly popular. Refurbished electric sit-stand desks can save you hundreds compared to new.
• Matching stock - if you need 20 identical desks, confirm the supplier has quantity. Corporate clearances often yield matching batches.

Chair-Specific Considerations

Chairs take more abuse than desks. Here's what to look for:

• Mechanism - does the tilt, recline, and height adjustment work smoothly? Any squeaks or resistance?
• Gas lift - this is often the first thing to fail. Good refurbishers replace these as standard.
• Upholstery - fabric should be clean and intact. Mesh should have no sagging or tears. Leather should be conditioned, not cracked.
• Armrests - adjustable arms wear out. Check they move freely and lock in place.
• Lumbar support - if the chair has adjustable lumbar, test it works.
• Warranty - any decent supplier offers 12 months minimum on refurbished chairs.

Brands Worth Seeking Out

Not all office furniture ages the same. These brands hold up well and are worth paying slightly more for, even refurbished:

• Chairs: Herman Miller(Aeron, Mirra), Steelcase(Leap, Think), Humanscale(Freedom, Liberty), Orangebox, HAG
• Desks: Steelcase, Senator, Herman Miller, Bene, Vitra
• Avoid generic unbranded furniture unless you're on a very tight budget. It's often not worth refurbishing and won't last.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

• What does your refurbishment process include?
• What's the warranty period?
• Can I see photos of the actual item (not stock images)?
• What's the return policy?
• Is delivery and installation included?
• Do you offer bulk discounts?
• Can you source specific brands or models?

Why Buy Refurbished?

The numbers make it straightforward:

• Up to 80% cheaper than buying new of equivalent quality.
• Immediate availability - no 8-12 week lead times.
• Environmental impact - a refurbished task chair saves roughly 70kg CO2 versus manufacturing new.
• Proven durability - furniture that's survived one office lifecycle is likely to survive another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are refurbished office chairs as good as new?

- If properly refurbished, yes. A well-maintained Herman Miller Aeron from 2018 will likely outlast a cheap new chair bought today. The key is the refurbishment quality.

How much should I expect to pay?

- Refurbished ergonomic chairs from premium brands typically run £150-400. New equivalents cost £600-1,200+. Desks vary more widely depending on size and type.

Can I try before I buy?

- Some suppliers offer this - ROF UK, for example. Others have showrooms. If you're spending significantly, visiting in person is worth the trip.

What if something goes wrong after purchase?

- Check the warranty. Most reputable suppliers offer 12 months. Keep your receipt and report issues promptly.