01 · Before You Buy
Used Office Desks: What to Consider Before You Buy
Buying desks for an office is rarely as simple as choosing a colour and ordering enough units for the team.
You need to think about how many people need to work in the space, how much room is available, whether employees need individual or shared workstations, where cables will go, how much storage is required and whether the furniture needs to work around your existing office layout.
For businesses buying several desks, the cost can add up quickly.
That is where used office desks can make commercial sense. Second hand office furniture can provide businesses with access to practical workplace furniture at a lower cost than buying comparable new items, while also giving existing furniture another useful life.
This guide covers the main things to consider before buying used office desks in the UK, including desk types, dimensions, layouts, condition, materials, storage, cable management, delivery and office fit-out planning.
Whether you're furnishing a startup, replacing desks during an office refurbishment, expanding a team or fitting out a larger commercial workplace, the aim is simple: help you choose office desks that actually work for your people and your space.
Before looking at individual desks, start with the workplace rather than the furniture.
A desk that looks ideal online might not be suitable once you consider the room dimensions, number of employees, storage requirements and way your team works.
Start with these questions:
How many people need desks?
Work out the number of permanent workstations required today, then consider whether your team is likely to grow.
How much space do you have?
Measure the room before buying. Don't just measure the wall where you want the desks to go. Consider circulation space, doors, windows, columns, radiators, storage and other furniture.
Do employees need individual desks or shared workstations?
A rectangular desk—also commonly called a straight desk—gives each employee their own flexible workstation. A bench desk or workstation system can seat several people in a more compact shared arrangement.
Do you need privacy?
Some workplaces benefit from screens or dividers between users. Others are designed around collaboration and open communication.
Do you need cable management?
If every workstation needs monitors, computers, docking stations, phones and other equipment, cable management becomes an important part of the buying decision.
Do you need integrated storage?
Some desk systems work alongside pedestals, filing cabinets or cupboards. Think about where employees will store documents and personal items before deciding how much desk space you need.
How will the furniture get into the building?
Large desks can be difficult to move through narrow doors, staircases and lifts. For larger orders, delivery access should be considered before purchase.
Current stock · Office desks
See the desk options currently available
Compare a small selection after working through the first buying checks, then continue into the individual desk types below.
02 · Desk Types
Which Type of Office Desk Is Right for Your Workplace?
There is no universal “best office desk”. The useful question is which configuration fits the room, the work being done and the number of people who need a workstation.
Rectangular Office Desks Also commonly called straight office desks
Rectangular office desks are the most adaptable choice for many workplaces. Their simple straight-edged shape works against a wall, in rows, as an individual workstation or grouped with other desks.
They suit businesses that want individual desks and the freedom to rearrange the office later. Before ordering, compare the desktop width and depth with the user's monitors, equipment and available floor space.
Browse rectangular office desks for standard individual layouts.
Bench Desks and Shared Workstations
Bench desks organise several working positions within one coordinated system, commonly side-by-side or back-to-back. They can use floor space efficiently when a team needs two, four, six or more matching workstations.
Check the complete footprint, not only the width of one position. Screens, shared frames, cable trays and the space needed to pull chairs out all affect the final layout.
Browse bench desks for team layouts and matching workstation banks.
What does “office workstation” mean?
It may describe one employee's complete working area or a larger furniture system with desks, screens, cable management and storage. Suppliers may also use “desk pod”, “workstation bank” or “back-to-back desk”.
Corner and L-Shaped Office Desks
Corner and L-shaped desks provide a larger working surface and can make practical use of the edge or corner of a room. They may suit employees who use several monitors, paperwork or specialist equipment.
Orientation matters. A return positioned on the wrong side may not fit the intended workstation, so confirm whether the product is left-hand or right-hand when viewed from the user's seated position.
Sit-Stand Office Desks
Sit-stand office desks allow the working height to change, either manually or through a powered adjustment system. They can be useful where employees want more flexibility in how they use the workstation.
With a used adjustable desk, test the controls through the full height range and check the frame remains stable. Confirm that power leads, control units and cable management are present where the model requires them.
Individual workstations
Rectangular office desks
Useful for straightforward individual layouts, rows and desks positioned against walls.
Shared workstations
Bench desks and workstations
Useful for matching team layouts, desk banks and two-, four- or six-person setups.
03 · Desk Sizes
Office Desk Sizes: What Dimensions Do You Need?
Desk dimensions are one of the most important things to check before buying. A desk that is too small can restrict the user's working area; one that is too large can make the room difficult to navigate.
There is no single perfect size. Record the desk width, depth, height, under-desk clearance and the complete workstation footprint—including screens, cable trays or pedestals.
Common desk widths
| Desk width | Potential use |
|---|---|
| Around 1200mm | Compact individual workstation |
| Around 1400mm | Individual workstation where space is limited |
| Around 1600mm | Flexible general office workstation |
| Around 1800mm | Larger individual workstation |
| 2000mm+ | Larger workspace or specialist requirements |
Desk depth
Depth matters too. A deeper desk can provide additional room for monitors, paperwork and equipment, but it also takes more floor space. Compare the usable surface with the user's equipment and leave enough space behind the chair for comfortable movement.
04 · Team Layouts
Office Desk Layouts for Different Team Sizes
Buying desks one at a time is not always the most efficient approach. For a team, plan the complete group of workstations and the routes people will use around it.
Start with the number of users, then confirm the full dimensions, chair clearance, storage and access to power. This makes it easier to compare individual rectangular desks with two-, four- or six-person bench systems.
| Team size | Possible configuration | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Rectangular desk | Flexible individual workstation |
| 2 people | Two rectangular desks or a 2-person bench | Individual flexibility or a shared team area |
| 4 people | 4-person bench workstation | Compact coordinated team layout |
| 6 people | 6-person bench workstation | Larger shared workstation bank |
| Larger teams | Multiple workstation banks | Plan circulation, power and storage |
Corner configurations
Left-hand office desks
Check the return orientation against your floor plan before ordering.
Corner configurations
Right-hand office desks
Confirm the return sits on the correct side when viewed from the user's seated position.
05 · Office Planning
How to Measure Your Office Before Buying Desks
Don't order your furniture based on the room's floor area alone.
Create a basic plan first.
Measure:
- Room length and width
- Doors
- Windows
- Radiators and fixed equipment
- Columns and structural features
- Power sockets
- Network connections
- Existing furniture
- Storage requirements
Then plan the circulation space.
Employees shouldn't have to squeeze between desks to reach their workstation.
A good office layout should allow people to enter, leave and move around the workspace comfortably.
For businesses creating computer-based workstations, it is also worth considering the UK's display screen equipment guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.
06 · Buying Options
Used Office Desks vs New Office Desks
The decision between used and new furniture often comes down to budget, availability, condition, specifications and how quickly the office needs to be furnished.
| Consideration | Used office desks | New office desks |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Often lower than comparable new furniture | Typically higher |
| Availability | Depends on current stock | Often available to order |
| Condition | Varies by item | New |
| Existing commercial quality | Can provide access to established office furniture | Depends on manufacturer/model |
| Sustainability | Reuses existing furniture | Requires new production |
| Matching sets | Depends on available stock | Easier to specify |
| Immediate availability | Can be strong when stock is available | May involve lead times |
The important point is not that used furniture is automatically better.
It's that used office desks can make sense when the furniture meets your requirements and the condition, dimensions and price are right.
07 · Condition
What to Check When Buying Second Hand Office Desks
A photograph can tell you a lot, but it shouldn't be the only thing you consider.
1. Condition
Look at desktop surfaces, edges, corners, frames and legs.
2. Dimensions
Check the actual measurements rather than relying on the product name.
3. Frame stability
The desk should be suitable for its intended use and the frame should be checked for damage or instability.
4. Cable management
If your employees use computers, check whether cable trays, cable ports or other cable management features are included.
5. Screens
If the desk has screens or dividers, check whether they're included in the advertised configuration.
6. Pedestals
Don't assume pedestals are included unless the listing says so.
7. Matching desks
If you need 20 workstations, check how many matching units are actually available.
8. Colour and finish
Make sure the colour works with the rest of your office.
9. Delivery
Check whether the furniture can be delivered to your location and whether there are any access restrictions.
10. Installation
For larger workstation systems, find out whether assembly or installation is included or whether you'll need to arrange it yourself.
Adjustable workstations
Current sit-stand office desks
For used adjustable desks, check the frame, controls, power lead and full height-adjustment range as well as the desktop condition.
08 · Appearance & Materials
Office Desk Materials, Finishes and Colours
Office desks can be manufactured using different materials and finishes.
The right choice depends on the environment, appearance, durability requirements and existing furniture.
MFC and laminate finishes
Many commercial office desks use manufactured board with a melamine or laminate surface.
These finishes can offer a practical balance between appearance and everyday office use.
Wood-effect finishes
Oak, beech and other wood-effect finishes can create a warmer appearance while still fitting into a commercial workplace.
White desks
White office desks can create a bright, clean appearance and can work particularly well in modern offices.
Grey desks
Grey is a versatile commercial colour and can work with a wide range of office chairs, storage and flooring.
Black and darker finishes
Darker desks can create a more substantial appearance, particularly in executive or management environments.
When buying used office desks, don't focus purely on colour. Consider the condition of the surface, edge banding, frame and overall construction.
09 · Workplace Needs
Office Desks for Different Types of Businesses
Different businesses need different combinations of individual desks, shared workstations, storage and room to grow. Start with how the workplace operates rather than choosing a desk style in isolation.
Startups and small businesses
A startup may need to furnish an office without committing a large amount of capital to furniture. Used desks can provide a practical way to establish multiple workstations while keeping the initial fit-out cost under control.
Corporate offices
Larger businesses may require matching desk systems across departments. Consistency becomes important, as does the ability to expand or replace workstations as teams change.
Call centres and customer support
These environments can require many workstations in a relatively compact area. Bench desks and workstation systems can be particularly suitable where teams need to sit together.
Professional services
Law firms, accountants, consultants and similar businesses may require a combination of individual desks, meeting tables, storage and reception furniture.
Schools and education
Education environments may need robust desks and flexible layouts that can accommodate staff offices, administration areas and other working environments.
Public sector
Councils and other public-sector organisations may need practical commercial furniture across multiple departments while managing procurement budgets carefully.
Hybrid workplaces
Hybrid offices may require fewer permanent workstations than a traditional office with every employee assigned a desk.
Growing teams
If you expect your team to grow, consider whether you can source additional matching desks later. This is particularly important with used furniture because stock availability can change.
10 · Brands
Office Desk Brands Worth Considering
Brand can be useful when comparing office desks, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.
A well-known manufacturer doesn't automatically make every desk the right choice for your workplace.
Instead, consider:
- Construction
- Dimensions
- Condition
- Ergonomics
- Cable management
- Availability of matching furniture
- Price
- Suitability for your layout
My Used Furniture's stock can include commercial office furniture from established manufacturers, depending on current availability.
Important: product brands and availability should always be checked against current stock rather than assumed from historical listings.
11 · Workspace Details
Office Desk Storage, Cable Management and Accessories
A desk rarely works in isolation.
A good workstation may need:
Pedestals
Useful for personal storage and frequently accessed documents.
Filing cabinets
Useful where employees or departments still need physical document storage.
Office cupboards
Useful for shared supplies, stationery and equipment.
Monitor arms
Can help organise desk space where compatible with the desk.
Cable trays
Useful for keeping power and computer cables away from the desktop and floor.
Desk screens
Can provide separation between employees working in shared workstation layouts.
Office chairs
The desk and chair should be considered together rather than separately.
12 · UK Buying
Buying Used Office Desks in the UK
If you're buying office furniture online, the location of the supplier can matter.
For larger orders, delivery logistics become part of the buying decision.
My Used Furniture operates from Hertfordshire and supplies customers across the UK mainland, with stock available for businesses looking for used office furniture.
Depending on the order, practical considerations may include:
- Quantity
- Desk dimensions
- Delivery address
- Building access
- Floor level
- Lift availability
- Parking/access restrictions
- Whether furniture requires assembly
- Whether multiple furniture categories are being ordered together
For larger office fit-outs, it can be more efficient to plan desks, chairs and storage as one furniture order rather than arranging each item separately.
13 · Order Planning
Delivery, Collection and Planning Your Office Furniture Order
Large office desks are not always easy to transport.
Before ordering, consider how the furniture will reach its final location.
Check access
Can the desk fit through entrance doors, internal doors, staircases, lifts and corridors?
Check the delivery location
Commercial buildings can have restrictions on delivery times, loading bays, parking, security and goods lifts.
Consider the whole order
If you're buying desks alongside chairs, storage, meeting tables and reception furniture, planning everything together can make the fit-out easier. For businesses moving premises, this can also be coordinated alongside the wider office move.
14 · Sustainable Choices
Used Office Desks and Sustainable Office Fit-Outs
Buying used office furniture is not just a financial decision.
It can also be part of a broader approach to keeping existing products in use.
Office furniture can often remain useful long after the first business no longer needs it. Reusing desks means the furniture can continue serving another workplace instead of being unnecessarily discarded.
This fits into the wider principle of resource efficiency and keeping products in use for longer.
For UK businesses interested in waste prevention and reuse, the UK Government's Waste Prevention Programme for England provides useful background on reducing waste and maximising resources.
WRAP's circular economy work also provides information about keeping products and materials in use for longer.
The key point for businesses is straightforward:
If a commercial office desk is still suitable for work, reusing it can be a practical alternative to replacing it with new furniture.
15 · Final Check
Used Office Desk Buying Checklist
Before ordering, run through this checklist.
Office requirements
- How many people need desks?
- Are employees permanently assigned to desks?
- Do you need individual desks or shared workstations?
- Will the team grow?
Room planning
- Have you measured the room?
- Have you measured doors and access points?
- Have you accounted for windows, radiators and fixed features?
- Is there enough circulation space?
- Have you planned storage?
Desk requirements
- Is the desk the right width?
- Is the desk the right depth?
- Is the desk height suitable?
- Does it have the required cable management?
- Are screens included?
- Are pedestals included?
Condition
- Have you checked the desktop?
- Have you checked edges and corners?
- Have you checked the frame?
- Are the desks suitable for your intended use?
Order and delivery
- How many matching units are available?
- Can the furniture be delivered to your location?
- Can it get into the building?
- Does the order require assembly?
- Have you planned when the furniture needs to arrive?
16 · FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Office Desks
Are used office desks worth buying?
Used office desks can be a practical option when the condition, dimensions and price suit your requirements. They can allow businesses to furnish workplaces without automatically paying new-furniture prices.
Where can I buy used office desks in the UK?
Used office desks are available from specialist used office furniture suppliers, office clearance businesses and other commercial furniture resellers. My Used Furniture supplies used office furniture to customers across the UK mainland.
What is the difference between used and second hand office desks?
In most buying situations, the terms are used interchangeably. Both generally refer to office furniture that has previously been owned or used rather than being sold as brand-new furniture.
What size office desk should I buy?
It depends on the user, equipment, room and layout. Common commercial desk widths include approximately 1200mm, 1400mm, 1600mm and 1800mm, but you should always check the actual dimensions of the specific desk.
Are 1200mm desks suitable for offices?
They can be suitable where space is limited or where employees have relatively compact workstation requirements. Check the available desktop area against the user's equipment before buying.
Are 1600mm office desks a good size?
A 1600mm desk can provide a useful balance between workspace and floor space for an individual workstation. Whether it is suitable depends on the room and the employee's working requirements.
What are bench desks?
Bench desks are shared workstation systems designed to accommodate multiple employees, often side-by-side or back-to-back. They may also be described as workstation banks, desk pods or team desks.
Are bench desks suitable for small offices?
They can be. Two-person and four-person configurations can provide several workstations within one organised layout, although the overall dimensions should always be checked against the available room.
What is an office workstation?
An office workstation is a working area designed for an employee, often consisting of a desk and potentially associated screens, cable management and storage. The exact configuration varies.
Should I buy straight desks or bench desks?
Choose based on how your team works. Straight desks offer greater individual flexibility, while bench desks can be useful when several employees need to share a team workstation layout.
Are used office desks good for startups?
They can be particularly useful for startups that need several workstations while keeping furniture costs under control. The business should still assess condition, dimensions and availability carefully.
Can I buy matching used office desks?
Yes, matching sets can be available, but stock depends on what is currently available. If you need a large quantity, check how many matching units are available before planning the complete office.
Do used office desks come with chairs?
Not necessarily. Office desks and office chairs are often sold separately. Always check the individual product listing to confirm what is included.
Do used office desks come with pedestals?
Some configurations may include pedestals, while others don't. Check the product description and photographs before buying.
Do used office desks have cable management?
Some do, while others may not. Look for cable trays, cable ports or other integrated cable-management features if your team uses computers.
Are used office desks suitable for computer work?
Many commercial office desks are designed for computer-based working, but the specific dimensions, cable management and workstation setup should be checked before purchase.
What should I check when buying a second hand office desk?
Check its dimensions, condition, desktop surface, frame, cable management, screens, included accessories and delivery requirements.
Can I buy used office desks for a whole office?
Yes. Depending on current stock, businesses can source multiple desks or workstation systems. For large requirements, confirm stock quantities and matching configurations before planning the fit-out.
Can I buy used office desks in London?
Yes. Businesses in London can source used office furniture from suppliers serving the UK market. For larger orders, delivery access and building restrictions should be considered in advance.
Can I buy used office desks in Hertfordshire?
Yes. My Used Furniture operates from Hertfordshire and supplies used office furniture across the UK mainland.
Can I buy used office desks in Cambridge or Cambridgeshire?
Yes. Businesses in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire can purchase used office furniture from suppliers serving the region. Delivery requirements should be checked based on the order.
Can I buy used office desks in Essex?
Yes. Used office desks can be sourced by businesses in Essex from suppliers serving the UK mainland.
Are used office desks more sustainable than buying new?
Reusing suitable existing office furniture can help keep products in use for longer and avoid prematurely treating usable furniture as waste. Sustainability should be considered alongside the furniture's condition and suitability.
How do I choose office desks for a growing team?
Consider how many workstations you need now, how quickly the team may grow and whether you will be able to source additional matching furniture later.
Should I buy desks before office chairs?
Ideally, plan them together. Desk dimensions and chair requirements affect the overall workstation, so considering both at the same time can produce a more practical office layout.
How do I measure for office desks?
Measure the room, access points and existing furniture first. Then compare the desk's width, depth and height with the available space, allowing room for circulation and storage.
What are the best office desks for open-plan offices?
Bench desks and workstation systems can be particularly useful in open-plan offices because they allow multiple employees to work within a coordinated layout. Individual straight desks can also work where greater flexibility is needed.
What are the best desks for a small office?
The best option depends on the room. Compact straight desks can work well for individual workstations, while two-person or four-person bench desks can be useful where several employees need to share a smaller area.
17 · Continue Exploring
Related Buying Guides
Once you've chosen your desks, the rest of the office becomes much easier to plan.
Buying Guide
Used Office Chairs
Choose seating that complements your desk setup and supports the way your team works.
Buying Guide
Bench Desks
Compare shared workstation layouts for two, four, six or more employees.
Buying Guide
Reception Furniture
Plan the first impression your visitors see, from reception desks to seating and storage.
Buying Guide
Office Storage
Find practical storage solutions to complement your desks and keep the workplace organised.
Buying Guide
Meeting Tables
Choose tables for meetings, collaboration and shared workplace areas.
Buying Guide
Used Office Furniture
Explore the wider range of used commercial furniture available for UK businesses.
18 · Shop
Shop Used Office Desks
The right office desk depends on your space, team size, working style and budget.
Whether you're furnishing a small business, expanding a team, moving offices or planning a complete commercial fit-out, buying used can give you another route to professional office furniture without automatically paying new-furniture prices.
Browse the current selection of used office desks from My Used Furniture to compare available styles, sizes and configurations.
Furnishing an office? Start with the desks.
Browse our current used office desk stock and find practical furniture for your next workplace project.
