How to Furnish Your Small Business Without Going Broke

Starting a small business is tough enough without having to take out a second mortgage just to furnish the place. Between desks, chairs, decor, and everything else you need to create a functional and inviting workspace, costs can really add up. But with some savvy shopping and creative thinking, you can furnish your startup on a shoestring budget.

Take Inventory of What You Already Have

Before you start shopping, take a look around at what you have on hand that could work for your new office space. You may be able to repurpose furniture from your home, like a dining table that can double as a conference table or bookcases that can hold files. Ask friends and family if they have any old office furniture they’re looking to get rid of too. You’d be surprised what people are willing to give away for free when they’re doing a basement purge. With a fresh coat of paint or new knobs, these hand-me-downs can look as good as new.

Shop Discount and Used Furniture Stores

Once you’ve exhausted your current supplies, hit up discount furniture outlets like Ikea, Costco, or Walmart for affordable desks, filing cabinets, and shelving units. Also check out used office furniture stores, which sell gently-used pieces at a fraction of the retail price. Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great for finding local used furniture too. And don’t forget to ask for a discount or deal when you’re purchasing – it never hurts to ask!

Prioritize Must-Haves Over Nice-to-Haves

When budgeting, focus first on the essentials like desks, chairs, and filing storage. Hold off on splurging on decorative items like artwork, plants, and throw pillows. Concentrate your funds on pieces that fulfill a functional purpose first. Once you have the necessities covered, then you can add in stylistic flourishes if you have any leftover budget.

Choose Multipurpose Furniture

To maximize your limited space, look for furniture that can serve multiple functions. For example, ottomans can pull double-duty as extra seating during meetings. Sofas or benches can provide additional seating for guests. Coffee tables with storage compartments allow you to stow items out of sight. Dual-purpose furniture like this allows you to meet multiple needs with fewer pieces.

Shop Secondhand for Decor

When it comes to wall art, lamps, rugs, and other decorative accessories, check out thrift stores, garage sales, and online resale sites. You can often find chic decor items pre-owned for a fraction of retail prices. Or get creative and make your own wall art – frame inspirational quotes printed on pretty paper or create an inexpensive gallery wall with photos and prints. Handmade touches like this add personality without blowing your budget.

Choose Low-Cost Flooring

If your office needs new flooring, skip pricey options like hardwood or tile. Affordable vinyl plank flooring starts at just $1/sq. ft. and comes in wood and tile looks. Or you can paint the existing floors with porch and floor paint for an instant facelift. Area rugs are another budget-friendly way to spruce up worn out carpeting.

Buy Commercial Grade Furniture

While home furniture may look nice, it likely won’t stand up to the wear and tear of daily office use. Opt for commercial grade pieces made with durable fabrics and materials. Major retailers like Office Depot offer affordable commercial furniture lines designed for small business use.

Accept Hand-Me-Down Technology

When it comes to computers, printers, phones, and other tech gear, consider accepting cast-offs from family members or colleagues upgrading their equipment. Or look for off-lease refurbished tech, which can save 40-60% over new. As long as the equipment is in good working order, used tech is a smart way to get fully functional devices without overspending.

Rent Big Ticket Items

If you need pricier furniture and electronics like photocopiers or servers, consider renting instead of buying. Rental centers like Rentacomputer.com allow you to rent equipment on flexible month-to-month terms, so you aren’t stuck with expensive purchases. This prevents you from tying up precious capital in equipment when you’re just starting out.

Buy Floor Models and Open Box Items

Check for floor models, open box, and returned items which are often steeply discounted at office supply stores. There may be a scratch or missing part, but minor cosmetic flaws can be overlooked when the savings are substantial. Just inspect carefully to ensure items are in good working condition.

Partner With Other Local Businesses

Team up with other new and small businesses in your area to save on furnishings. Offer to split the cost of pricier items like conference room projectors and copiers that you can share. Or see if an established business with extra space would be willing to rent out desks or offices they aren’t using. Partnering up makes equipping a space more affordable.

Starting a new business requires a lot of grit and creativity. But with resourcefulness and smart shopping, you can furnish your office without draining your accounts. Focus on finding functional pieces at the lowest cost. And don’t be afraid to ask for help sourcing furnishings from your personal and professional networks. By following these tips, you’ll have your startup fully outfitted in no time – without breaking the bank.