What the Haworth Improv is
The Improv is a task chair from an earlier generation of Haworth seating. It was sold in large volumes to corporate offices, which is why it appears so often when those offices close or refresh. It is not a showpiece. Its reputation comes from solid construction and straightforward adjustments that keep working after years of daily use.
You will usually see Improv chairs with a fabric seat and back, a five-star base on casters and a set of basic controls. Some carried variant designations in the product family, and arm styles vary from fixed to height-adjustable to armless. Because it is a legacy model, the configuration of each chair matters, so ask exactly what controls a specific lot has.
Who a used Improv makes sense for
A used Haworth Improv chair is a strong choice when you need a lot of dependable seats and the budget matters more than the newest ergonomic features.
- Call centers and shared desks where chairs take heavy, multi-shift use.
- Training rooms that need matching seats in quantity.
- Back-office and warehouse offices where appearance is secondary to function.
- Startups furnishing fast with pre-owned cubicles and a limited seating budget.
If your team sits eight or more hours a day and people have specific ergonomic needs, compare it with a newer model like the Haworth Zody before deciding.
How condition grades apply to Improv chairs
Every pre-owned chair Office Station sells carries a condition grade. On an older model like the Improv, the grade tells you mostly about cosmetics and upholstery, since the chair must be functional to be sold in any grade.
| Grade | Label | What you can expect on an Improv | Good fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Like new | Clean upholstery with no stains or pilling, base and arms with little or no scuffing | Reception-adjacent and client-visible desks |
| B | Very good | Light wear such as minor pilling or small base scuffs, no tears | Most private and open-plan offices |
| C | Good | Fully usable with visible wear, possible fading or worn arm pads | Training rooms, shared desks, budget rollouts |
A five-minute inspection for each chair
If you are looking at chairs in person, run each one through these checks. It takes a few minutes and catches nearly every problem worth worrying about.
- Cylinder. Sit down firmly and raise the seat to the top. It should hold height with no slow sinking over a minute or two.
- Tilt and tension. Lean back through the full range. Movement should be smooth and quiet, and the tension knob should noticeably change resistance.
- Tilt lock. If the chair has one, engage it upright and lean back hard. It should not slip.
- Arms. Adjust height-adjustable arms through every stop. Check for cracked pads and wobble at the mount.
- Base and casters. Roll the chair. Look for cracks at the base spokes and casters that drag or are clogged.
- Seat and back. Press into the foam. It should rebound, with no flattened areas or bottoming out.
- Odor and stains. Fabric chairs hold smells. Check seams and the underside of the seat.
Keeping a used Improv in service longer
A legacy chair rewards a little maintenance. None of this requires tools beyond a vacuum and a cloth, and it can add years of use to a group of chairs.
- Clean casters every few months. Hair and carpet fiber wrap around the axles and make chairs drag, which strains the base.
- Vacuum fabric regularly. Dust grinds into upholstery and speeds up pilling and fading.
- Use chair mats on carpet if chairs roll constantly. It reduces wear on casters and flooring alike.
- Retire chairs with failing cylinders. A seat that will not hold height is a comfort and safety problem, not a cosmetic one.
Buying a matching set
Improv chairs usually arrive in lots from a single office, so a group of the same color and arm style is realistic when inventory lines up. A few tips for getting a uniform set:
- Tell us the minimum quantity you need to match, not just the total.
- Be flexible on grade. A mixed B and C lot of one color often looks more uniform than an all-A group of mixed colors.
- Decide on arms early. Armless and armed versions of the same chair look different in a row.
Browse pre-owned office chairs
What to know about buying from an independent reseller
Office Station sells pre-owned Haworth furniture as an independent reseller. We are not an authorized Haworth dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned chairs. Our condition grades exist to set clear expectations up front, so you know what you are getting before the chairs arrive.
If you are pairing chairs with workstations, see used Haworth cubicles or our broader pre-owned office furniture selection. Have a room full of old chairs to clear out? Our office furniture liquidation service gives you a written net offer on the whole lot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Haworth Improv still a good chair to buy used?
For many offices, yes. It is a legacy model, so you are buying for durability and value rather than the latest features. A well-kept Improv with working controls can serve full-time desk use, especially for training rooms, call centers and back-office seating.
Does a used Improv chair come with a Haworth warranty?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized Haworth dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Ask about the condition grade and inspect the controls instead.
What is the difference between grade A, B and C?
Grade A is like new, with little or no visible wear. Grade B is very good, with light cosmetic wear from normal use. Grade C is good, meaning fully usable with more visible wear such as scuffed bases or faded upholstery.
Can I get replacement parts for an Improv chair?
Some common wear parts such as casters and arm pads are often available through aftermarket sources, but availability for a discontinued model is not guaranteed. That is why checking the mechanism and cylinder before you buy matters more than it would for a current model.
How do I order used Improv chairs in quantity?
Email hello@officestation.com with the quantity, preferred grade and any upholstery or arm preferences. Matching sets depend on what is in inventory, so the earlier you ask, the better your odds of a uniform group.
