Is It Better to Get New or Used Home Office Furniture?
Millions of people all over the world are getting used to the idea of working from home full-time. They may have gotten a taste of remote work as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, or they may be working for a new company that loves the idea of a distributed workforce.
Whatever the case, if you want to remain productive, keep your morale high, and maximize your chances of success, you’re going to need a swanky home office where you can do your best work – and that means investing in the right furniture.
There are some important steps in the decision-making process. For example, you’ll need to choose the right office furniture company, establish a reasonable budget, and look up reviews to ensure you’re buying high-quality products. But one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to buy your office furniture new or used.
The Benefits of Used Furniture
There are some potential advantages to buying used furniture for your home office, including:
Lower costs
The biggest and most obvious advantage here is that you’ll save money. If a new desk costs $500, you can bet that same desk will be listed on eBay just a few years later for $250 or less. Over time, furniture suffers from wear and tear, and the design becomes a bit outdated. Its value inherently decreases, even though it serves the same function effectively. If you don’t mind some scrapes and other minor defects, you can buy something budget-friendly if you shop used.
Older styles
Shopping used also enables you to find some older styles of furniture that are no longer in circulation. For example, you might personally love the look and feel of antique desks from the 1940s – but you won’t find modern, new desks that can replicate that style exactly.
Convenience
Depending on where you’re shopping for used furniture, it might be more convenient. If you’re buying a desk chair from your neighbor, you won’t have to wait for shipping or go to a store to pick it up.
History and sentimentality
Some used furniture can also carry a bit of history or sentimentality. You might enjoy using the same desk your grandfather once used, or you might like the idea that this desk has been owned by a wide range of different people.
The Benefits of New Furniture
However, there are more advantages to buying new furniture for your office:
Modern designs
New office furniture tends to be designed with the user in mind, with the benefits of modern scientific research and ergonomics in its favor. Not only is the style more in line with modern expectations, but it’s also more likely to support a healthy posture and allow you to work your best. You might also benefit from built-in features for additional comfort – such as having a fully adjustable desk chair.
Structural integrity
Used furniture might remain reliable for decades to come, but it’s not a guarantee. There may be screws missing, or sections of the furniture may be so worn that they’re hanging on by a thread. When you buy new furniture, you’ll have pieces that have much more reliable structural integrity. You can practically guarantee that your furniture will last for many years to come.
A wider selection
When shopping for used furniture, you’re going to be limited in terms of selection. You’ll only be able to choose from pieces that people are willing to list – and the “perfect” piece may not be available. On the other hand, if you shop new, you’ll be able to select pieces from a wide range of manufacturers and distributors. You can find almost anything you want if you look hard enough.
Customization potential
Buying new furniture also gives you some degree of customization potential. You can choose a desk that fits the corner of your home office perfectly, or get an office chair in a different color to fit your desired style.
Reviews and other insights
While you might be able to find some reviews for older models of furniture, you’re more likely to find reviews for pieces in current circulation. With new furniture, it’s easier to do your due diligence and research the products you’re about to buy.
Company backing
As long as you’re working with a reputable office furniture company, you can rest assured they’re going to support you. If you’re not happy with your purchase, they may be willing to repair, replace, or refund it.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, while used furniture can save you money, new furniture has too many advantages to ignore. If you can afford to get new furniture for your office, barring any special considerations that would push you to used furniture, you should buy new furniture.
