Private offices get furnished one room at a time, which makes it easy to overspend. A single new executive suite can cost as much as several open-plan workstations. Pre-owned private office furniture from brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel and Kimball lets you furnish ten offices for what new would cost for a handful.
This page walks through what goes in a private office, how to choose a price tier, and what to measure before you order.
The core private office kit
Almost every private office is built from the same five components. The size of the room decides how many you can fit.
- Primary desk. A straight desk, an L-shape with a return, or a U-shape with a bridge. L-shapes are the most common because they separate computer work from paperwork or visitor-facing space.
- Storage. Lateral files, mobile pedestals under the desk, a credenza behind it, or a hutch above it. Match storage to how much paper the person actually keeps.
- Task chair. The piece that matters most for daily comfort. See our pre-owned office chairs for ergonomic models.
- Guest seating. One or two side chairs for visitors. Sled-base or four-leg chairs work best on carpet.
- Meeting surface. Optional. A small round table for two to four people suits larger offices where the occupant meets often.
Sizing furniture to the room
| Office size | Desk configuration | Storage | Seating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (about 8'x10') | Straight desk or small L-shape | Under-desk pedestal | Task chair plus one guest chair |
| Standard (about 10'x12') | L-shape with return | Pedestal plus lateral file or credenza | Task chair plus two guest chairs |
| Large (about 12'x15' and up) | U-shape or L-shape with credenza | Credenza, hutch or bookcase | Task chair, two guest chairs, small round table |
These are starting points, not rules. Window placement, door swing and outlet locations often matter more than square footage.
Leave room to move
A common mistake is choosing the biggest desk the walls allow. Leave enough clearance behind the desk for the chair to roll back comfortably, and enough space in front for a guest to sit without their knees against the desk. If the occupant uses a credenza behind them, they should be able to turn and open its drawers without standing up. When a room feels tight on paper, step down one size on the desk and keep the storage.
Choosing a price tier
Office Station offers furniture at three levels. The same logic that applies to workstations applies to private offices.
Liquidation-grade
Pre-owned, sold as-is, and the lowest cost option. In-stock items can be ready in as little as 72 hours. A good fit for startups, satellite offices and rooms that need to be usable this week.
Remanufactured
Refreshed pre-owned furniture with a more uniform appearance, usually ready in 7 to 14 days. A strong middle ground when you are outfitting a row of offices and want them to match.
New
Full choice of finishes and configurations, typically 4 to 6 weeks. Worth it when a room needs a specific look or dimension that pre-owned stock cannot match.
For reference, our published workstation pricing shows how far apart the tiers sit: a 6'x6' workstation is $615 liquidation-grade, $1,245 remanufactured and $1,920 new, furniture only. Private office pieces vary more by brand and configuration, so ask for a quote on the specific suite you need.
Shop pre-owned office furniture
Condition grades for desks and storage
- Grade A, like new. Work surfaces and edges show little or no wear. Ideal for executive and client-facing offices.
- Grade B, very good. Light marks you might see up close, such as minor surface scuffs. A smart choice for most staff offices.
- Grade C, good. Visible wear but sound construction and working drawers, locks and hardware. Good for back offices and budget-driven buildouts.
Measure before you order
- Room length and width, wall to wall.
- Door width and swing direction.
- Hallway turns and elevator interior depth for large desk tops and credenzas.
- Window sill heights, if a credenza will sit beneath them.
- Outlet, data and HVAC vent locations.
- Whether filing cabinets need keys, and how many sets.
Space planning is free. Send dimensions for one office or a whole floor and we will recommend configurations that fit.
Delivery and installation
Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 for central zones or $295 for the wider metro. Freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project. Professional installation is available and saves your team from assembling desk components and leveling storage.
If you are also furnishing shared areas, pair your private offices with an open office collaborative layout. And if your old offices are full of furniture you are replacing, our office furniture liquidation service gives you a written net offer for it.
Request a private office quote
Prefer email? Reach us at hello@officestation.com.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What furniture does a typical private office need?
Most private offices need a primary desk or L-shape, a return or credenza, lateral or pedestal storage, an ergonomic task chair and one or two guest chairs. Larger offices may add a small round meeting table or bookcase.
What is the difference between liquidation-grade, remanufactured and new?
Liquidation-grade furniture is pre-owned and sold as-is at the lowest price, often in stock. Remanufactured furniture has been refreshed for a more consistent look and usually takes 7 to 14 days. New furniture takes 4 to 6 weeks and gives you full control over finishes.
Do pre-owned desks and 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. Every piece is graded A, B or C so you understand condition before buying.
Will the furniture fit through my door?
Measure door widths, hallway turns and elevator depth before ordering large desks. Many executive desks ship as components and assemble in the room, but confirm this for each piece. Our free space planning can flag fit issues early.
Can you install private office furniture?
Yes. Installation is available, and Greater Phoenix delivery runs $195 central or $295 metro. Freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
