Furnishing an office can be costly, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can be frugal while furnishing an office. Keep the following tips in mind when shopping for new items.
Shop Discount and Thrift Stores
Check out local options for used furniture. Thrift stores and discount shops can be goldmines for cheap office finds. Look for used desks, chairs, filing cabinets, shelves, and other essentials at thrift stores. Discount stores also offer affordable options for basic furniture and organization solutions. Shop their clearance sections for even better deals.
Scope Out Office Liquidations
When companies go out of business or move offices, their furniture and equipment are often liquidated at a major discount. Look for office liquidation sales through auction houses, Craigslist, and liquidation websites. You can find high-quality pieces for a fraction of the retail price if you don’t mind buying used.
Buy Used Furniture Online
Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace feature loads of great, inexpensive office finds. Expand the search by browsing eBay and other online marketplaces as well. Make sure to inspect any used furniture thoroughly for damage prior to purchasing.
Repurpose and Upcycle
Give new life to old furniture with a fresh coat of paint, new knobs or handles, or creative modifications. Upcycling thrift store or curbside finds is an inexpensive way to outfit an office with one-of-a-kind pieces. Repurpose items like bookcases as storage and old trunks or dressers as file cabinets.
Go Minimalist
Stick to bare essentials when furnishing an office. Focus on pieces that serve multiple purposes and avoid non-necessities. For example, a simple folding table or desk can often suffice instead of a bulky, expensive executive desk.
Choose Multifunctional Pieces
Look for furniture and accessories that serve various needs so you get more bang for your buck. An ottoman that opens for storage, shelves that double as room dividers, and stools that function as side tables are just a few examples of multifunctional furnishings.
Use Wall Space
Take advantage of vertical storage and organization by mounting shelves, pegboards, and bins on the office walls. Wall-mounted accessories are space-savers that also help keep the floors and surfaces clutter-free.
Go Monochromatic
Sticking to one cohesive color scheme when furnishing an office creates a polished look for less. Choose neutral hues like black, gray, and white as they match almost any style. Inject pops of color with wall art, plants, throw pillows, and other affordable accents.
Go Green by Going Paperless
Slash paper costs by transitioning the office to a paperless system. Invest in digitizing paperwork and utilize cloud-based filing, as well as multiple computer monitors for viewing documents. This cuts down on the need for extensive filing systems and storage furnishings.
Utilize Cost-Effective Storage
When evaluating storage options, look for the most cost-effective solutions to organize the office. For example, open-wire shelving is far cheaper than a full cabinet or closet. Canvas cubbies offer affordable open storage as well. Only invest in closed storage when truly necessary.
By following these budget-conscious tips when outfitting an office space, you can create a fully functional and professional environment without overspending. Get creative with repurposing, upcycling, borrowing, and minimizing. Shop smart by hunting for bargains and focusing on multifunctional, cost-effective furnishings. In no time, you will have an office you love, all while sticking to a frugal budget.
