Not all office chairs are the same, and not all of them are worth keeping after years of use. But when you know which sorts of office chairs are made to survive, renovating them can make a big difference.
Not only can refurbishing a high-quality ergonomic office chair make it last longer, but it also saves money and is good for the environment. Some brands, including the Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Leap, and Humanscale Freedom, are so well-made and long-lasting that they can be fixed up to seem like new after years of use. These chairs keep their worth because they are well-made, have parts that can be replaced, and are still in demand on the resale market.
Since 2020, when more people started working from home, the need for ergonomic chairs has grown a lot. Fortune Business Insights says that the market for ergonomic chairs would expand at a rate of more than 6% per year until 2030. This is because more people are working from home and employers are focusing on health. This rise has made buying refurbished ergonomic office chairs an even better investment for both workers and businesses.
Why Refurbishing Office Chairs Makes Sense
Getting a refurbished chair is a positive long-term choice that will help you and the world, not just a method to save money.
Cost Savings Without Compromise:
A restored Herman Miller Aeron can cost up to 50% less than a new one and perform almost as well because the parts have been carefully replaced and fixed.
Environmental Impact:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that around 9 million tons of workplace furniture are thrown away every year. Buying used products is good for the environment since it reduces waste and carbon emissions from creating new things and fosters a circular economy where high-quality items are used again instead of being thrown away.
Tested for Durability:
Herman Miller and other high-end brands are built to last. These chairs can last for ten years or more if professionals fix them in the appropriate manner. Refurbishing usually includes fixing or improving the chair’s most critical parts so that it still works and supports you like it did when it was new.
Sustainability Meets Value:
Refurbishing is the finest approach to get comfort, affordable pricing, and care for the environment all in one spot. You get a product that will help your body for years to come, and you also make a choice that is beneficial for the environment and your work area.
Key Features That Make a Chair Worth Refurbishing
Not every chair should get a second chance. This is what makes refurbishable chairs worth more than disposable ones:
Strong frame and construction quality—frames made of steel and reinforced nylon that won’t bend or break over time.
You can easily replace the mesh, wheels, arm pads, seat foam, lumbar supports, and gas cylinders.
Demand for used chairs: Popular chairs like the Aeron and the Leap keep their resale value since people still know about them.
Reputation and support: High-end brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Humanscale offer parts and documentation.
Top Types of Office Chairs Worth Refurbishing
Herman Miller Aeron
The Aeron is the most ergonomic design and has been a popular choice in businesses for decades.
- Why fix it up? An iconic design, great ergonomics, and a lot of demand for resale.
- Mesh seat/back, lumbar pad, gas cylinder, and casters are all common replacements.
- Value: Refurbished Aerons can often be sold for 40–60% of their original price.
Steelcase Leap V2
The Leap V2 is very adaptable and made to last for years, making it a favorite among experts.
- Why fix up? Durability that meets commercial standards and support that can be changed.
- Common replacements include arm pads, seat foam, and casters.
- Value: Keeps its value, especially for task seating in business environments.
Humanscale Freedom Chair
- Why fix up? Strong construction, simple design, and comfort that lasts for years.
- Common replacements are seat cushions and arm pads.
- Value: A lot of designers like it, and it sells well on the resale market.
Haworth Zody
A common business item with a green background.
- Why fix it up? Famous for being eco-friendly and comfortable to use.
- Common replacements include the seat fabric, lumbar support, and casters.
Value: Many people use it to improve their offices, and there is an increasing demand for it when it comes time to sell.
Knoll Generation
A trendy, flexible ergonomic chair with a unique look.
- Why fix up? Very flexible in terms of posture.
- Seat pads, lumbar bands, and casters are all common replacements.
- Value: Works well in modern offices and co-working environments.
HON Ignition Series
An option that is cheap but surprisingly strong.
- Why fix it up? Affordable, modular, and easy to fix.
- Arm pads, gas cylinders, and casters are all things that are often replaced.
- Value: Great for businesses that are remodeling a lot at once.
Cross-check your model with the official Herman Miller website for proportions, adjustments, and color/fabric options. Major differences often signal a fake.
Refurbished Office Chairs vs New Budget Chairs
Where to Buy Quality Refurbished Office Chairs in the USA
Here are some reliable ways to upgrade in a way that is good for the environment:
Resellers with a certification—Find businesses that focus on selling refurbished Herman Miller and Steelcase furniture.
BTOD.com, Crandall Office Furniture, and Madison Seating are all online stores.
Local warehouses: Many refurbishers have regional distribution hubs where you can see the items in person.
Always ask about warranties and policies for replacing parts.
What to Avoid When Buying Refurbished Office Chairs
Not all chairs that have been fixed up are the same. Don’t fall into these traps:
- Chairs from manufacturers you don’t know about and don’t have replacement parts for.
- Sellers who don’t have a return policy or warranty.
- Stock photographs exhibiting wear and tear are a bad sign for listings that don’t have any.
Conclusion
Refurbishing high-end ergonomic office chairs is good for the environment and your wallet. When you buy from well-known companies like Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Humanscale, you are investing in comfort, the environment, and long-term value. Instead of getting new disposable furniture, choose office chairs that are good for the environment and can be fixed up over and over again.
Refurbished chairs show that making environmentally friendly choices may also be wise investments, whether you’re setting up a home office or remodeling a corporate workspace.
FAQs
Are chairs that have been restored as nice as new ones?
Yes, top brands work almost the same as new chairs when they are properly restored with new parts.
How long do Herman Miller chairs that have been reconditioned last?
They can survive another 10 to 15 years if they are refurbished well.
What are the best ergonomic chair brands that last for decades?
Herman Miller, Steelcase, Humanscale, Haworth, and Knoll are among the brands that have been around for a long time and still do well.
How much can you sell refurbished ergonomic chairs for?
A lot, usually 40–60% of the original selling price.
What are the office chairs that are comfortable and have parts that can be replaced?
Some of the most repairable brands are Aeron, Leap, Freedom, Zody, Generation, and HON Ignition.
Are you ready to make your workstation more eco-friendly?
Check out our freshly reconditioned Herman Miller Aeron chairs today.
