Lobby chairs work harder than almost any other seat in the office. Strangers use them for a few minutes at a time, all day long, often while carrying bags, coffee or paperwork. They need to look sharp, clean easily and survive years of being dragged, bumped and sat on at odd angles. This page walks you through how to choose them and how new, remanufactured and pre-owned options compare.
What a good lobby chair has to do
Before you compare tiers, get clear on the job. A reception chair is not a task chair. Nobody adjusts it, so the fixed dimensions have to fit most people out of the box.
- Easy to get in and out of. Arms give visitors something to push against when they stand. In medical and senior-facing offices, include a few chairs with arms and a slightly higher seat.
- Cleanable surfaces. Upholstery gets spills, sunscreen and hand oils. Wipeable finishes save you money on replacements.
- Stable and heavy enough. Light chairs creep across the floor and get knocked over. Sled bases and four-leg frames with good glides stay put.
- A footprint that fits. Oversized lounge pieces look great in a showroom and block walkways in a real lobby.
- A look that matches your brand. A law firm, a clinic and a tech startup usually want very different rooms.
New vs remanufactured vs pre-owned lobby chairs
Office Station offers seating across three tiers. The right one depends on how soon you open, how visible the room is and how much you want to spend.
| Tier | What you get | Typical lead time | Warranty picture | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquidation-grade pre-owned | Designer pieces sold as-is by condition grade | As little as 72 hours when in stock | Manufacturer warranty generally does not transfer | Fast openings, secondary waiting areas, tight budgets |
| Remanufactured | Pre-owned frames refreshed for a cleaner, more uniform look | Usually 7 to 14 days | Manufacturer warranty generally does not transfer | Client-facing lobbies that need a consistent set |
| New | Current production in the finishes and fabrics you choose | Typically 4 to 6 weeks | Ask about coverage for the specific product | Brand-specific finishes, large matched sets, long planning windows |
Many offices mix tiers. You might put a matched set of remanufactured or new chairs in the main reception area and use liquidation-grade pieces in a second-floor waiting nook or an employee lounge.
How condition grades apply to lobby seating
Every pre-owned piece carries a grade. Here is what to look for on a lobby chair at each level.
Grade A: like new
Upholstery is clean with no visible stains or pilling. Frames and arms show no noticeable scratches. This is the grade to choose for the chairs a client sees first.
Grade B: very good
Light signs of use, such as faint wear on arm caps or minor scuffs low on the legs. From a normal viewing distance, a grade B chair still looks professional.
Grade C: good
Fully usable with visible cosmetic wear. Grade C makes sense for staff areas, back-of-house waiting rooms or anywhere you plan to reupholster later.
Browse pre-owned office chairs
Upholstery and frame materials compared
- Vinyl and polyurethane: Wipe clean with mild cleaners and handle frequent sanitizing. A strong pick for healthcare, dental and veterinary offices.
- Commercial woven fabric: Warmer and quieter than vinyl, with more color options. Look for tight weaves that resist snagging.
- Leather: Ages well and signals a formal space. It needs periodic conditioning and does not love direct sun.
- Wood arms and legs: Attractive but show dings. Inspect edges closely on pre-owned pieces.
- Metal frames and sled bases: Durable and easy to clean. Check welds and glides.
Most commercial upholstery carries a cleaning code on the tag. A code of W means water-based cleaners, S means solvent-based, WS allows either and X means vacuum only. Share the code with whoever cleans your office.
Checklist before you buy lobby chairs
- Measure the room and mark the door swing, reception desk and main walkway.
- Count peak visitors, not average visitors, and add a few seats for companions.
- Decide how many chairs need arms and whether any need a higher seat.
- Pick upholstery based on who visits and how often you sanitize.
- Confirm the condition grade and ask for photos of any wear on pre-owned pieces.
- Confirm quantity available so your set matches.
- Check the lead time against your opening or move-in date.
- Plan delivery access, including elevators, docks and building hours.
Furnishing a reception area on a short timeline
If you are opening a new office in a few weeks, work backward from the date. New seating typically needs 4 to 6 weeks, so it only works if you order right away. Remanufactured pieces usually land within 7 to 14 days. When you need the lobby ready this week, in-stock liquidation-grade chairs can move in as little as 72 hours.
A practical approach is to furnish with in-stock pieces now, then upgrade the most visible seats later if you want a specific finish. If you are also moving the rest of your team, our corporate relocation service can coordinate the timing, and our cubicle quote builder prices workstations for the open office behind the lobby.
Leaving an old office with furniture you no longer need? A written net offer through office furniture liquidation subtracts removal cost from resale value, and when the number is positive, you get paid. For more planning ideas, visit our guides or browse the full range of pre-owned office furniture.
Frequently asked questions
Are pre-owned lobby chairs a good idea for a client-facing space?
They can be, as long as you buy the right grade. Grade A pieces look like new and suit a front-of-house lobby. Grade B and C pieces often work better in staff break areas or secondary waiting spaces where minor wear matters less.
How fast can I get lobby chairs?
Pieces already in stock in liquidation grade can move in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured items usually take 7 to 14 days, and new seating typically runs 4 to 6 weeks. Confirm the timeline for the exact chairs you choose before you schedule an opening.
Do pre-owned lobby chairs come with a manufacturer warranty?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Inspect the grade carefully and ask questions about any specific piece before you buy.
What upholstery holds up best in a busy lobby?
Coated fabrics, vinyl and polyurethane wipe clean easily and resist stains, which helps in medical, legal and high-traffic offices. Tightly woven commercial fabrics also wear well. Check the manufacturer cleaning code on the tag so your cleaning crew uses the right method.
Can you help me plan how many lobby chairs I need?
Yes. Space planning is free. Send your floor plan or a few photos and measurements of the reception area and we can suggest a layout that leaves clear walkways and room for mobility devices.
