Estimated furniture budget
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How much does office furniture cost?
Furniture is usually the second-largest cost of moving into a new office after construction. A realistic budget depends on three things: how many workstations you need, which quality level you choose and how many shared rooms you furnish. FitOut uses typical US prices for new furniture in three tiers – budget (online and big-box retail), mid-range contract furniture from established dealers, and premium designer or high-end ergonomic brands.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|
| Fixed desk | $150 – $300 | $400 – $700 | $900 + |
| Standing desk | $300 – $450 | $600 – $900 | $1,200 + |
| Ergonomic task chair | $120 – $250 | $350 – $600 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Meeting table (per seat) | $80 – $150 | $200 – $350 | $450 + |
| Reception desk & seating | $1,000 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $8,000 + |
Where to spend and where to save
Spend on chairs
Employees sit for seven or more hours a day. A good task chair with adjustable seat depth, lumbar support and armrests reduces back and neck complaints and lasts ten years or more. Look for BIFMA X5.1 certification, a weight rating matched to your team and a warranty of at least 10 years on mechanisms.
Consider height-adjustable desks
Sit-stand desks cost more but are now standard in many offices. Dual-motor frames with a height range of roughly 60 – 125 cm (24 – 49 in) fit almost everyone. A cheaper middle ground is to buy standing desks only for those who request them.
Save on meeting and break rooms
Tables, lounge seating and break-room furniture see less intense use. Quality refurbished furniture, often 40 – 70 % cheaper than new, works well here. Leasing or furniture-as-a-service plans spread the cost over 24 – 60 months and simplify upgrades.
Don't forget the extras
- Delivery and installation: usually 8 – 15 % of the furniture price for contract dealers; more for after-hours work in city buildings.
- Monitor arms ($60 – $250 each), keyboard trays and footrests.
- Acoustic panels and phone booths ($3,000 – $15,000 per booth) for open-plan offices.
- Lockers for hybrid teams using hot desks.
- Power and data – desks with power modules or floor boxes may require an electrician.
- Lead time: contract furniture can take 6 – 12 weeks; plan the order early.
Buy, lease or rent?
Buying is cheapest over the life of the furniture and furniture can often be depreciated over seven years. Leasing preserves cash and is common for fast-growing companies. Short-term furniture rental makes sense for temporary offices or project teams but costs much more over time. The lease estimate in the calculator uses a 36-month term at your chosen rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to furnish an office per employee?
Roughly $1,000 – $2,500 per employee for budget furniture, $3,000 – $6,000 for mid-range contract furniture and $8,000 or more for premium furniture, including shared areas.
How much should I spend on an office chair?
For full-time use, $350 – $900 buys a durable ergonomic chair with a long warranty. Very cheap chairs often wear out within two to three years.
Is it cheaper to lease office furniture?
Leasing costs more in total because of interest but spreads the cost over several years and can include upgrades and removal.
How long does office furniture delivery take?
In-stock items arrive in one to three weeks; custom contract furniture typically takes six to twelve weeks.
Is used office furniture a good idea?
Refurbished contract-grade furniture from established brands can cost 40 – 70 % less than new and is often more durable than new budget furniture.
About FitOut
FitOut is an independent, free budgeting calculator for office furniture. Prices are typical US market ranges for new contract-grade furniture and are reviewed regularly. We are not a furniture dealer or manufacturer.
Every formula on this page runs entirely in your web browser. The numbers you type are never uploaded, stored or shared. Our goal is simple: give you an honest starting point so you can compare product specifications with confidence and avoid paying for capacity you do not need – or buying something too small to do the job.
The methodology combines widely published engineering rules of thumb, manufacturer data sheets and the electrical code practices that installers use every day. We review the assumptions regularly and update the calculator when typical product specifications change.
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Last updated: October 28, 2026
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Nothing on this site is professional engineering, electrical or financial advice. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical codes, and have permanent installations, transfer switches and grid-connected systems designed and installed by a licensed electrician or qualified installer. Never operate fuel-burning generators indoors or in enclosed spaces – carbon monoxide can kill within minutes.
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