How to furnish a 20-person office under Rs.15 lakh
Setting up a new office does not have to break the bank. Here is our complete breakdown with a full shopping list, layout tips, and exact product recommendations, all under Rs.15 lakh.
Why budget planning matters
Most companies overspend on office furniture in one of two ways: they either buy the cheapest possible furniture that falls apart in 18 months, or they overspend on premium pieces when alternatives of equal quality exist.
After 5+ years of furnishing offices across Pakistan, we have learned exactly where to spend and where to save.
"A well-planned Rs.15 lakh budget can furnish a professional 20-person office that impresses clients and keeps your team comfortable for years."
The essential furniture list
For a 20-person office, you need these core items:
- 20 staff chairs: the single most important investment for your team's health and productivity
- 20 workstation desks or tables: open plan workstations or individual tables, depending on your floor plan
- 1 manager table with a high-back chair
- 1 reception area: a counter and 2 visitor chairs
- 1 meeting table with 6–8 chairs
- Storage: file cabinets and shelf racks
Chairs: where to spend and where to save
Your staff will sit for 6–8 hours a day. A bad chair leads to back pain, reduced focus and more sick days. This is not where to cut corners.
For visitor chairs and the reception area, you can go more affordable: around Rs.14,000–Rs.18,000 per chair works well for occasional seating.
Tables and workstations
You have two main options for 20 people:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual tables | Privacy, flexible layout | Takes more space | Rs.34,000–Rs.60,000 each |
| Open plan workstations | Space-efficient, cable management | Less privacy | Rs.33,000–Rs.55,000 per seat |
For most 20-person offices, open plan workstations are the better choice because they use space more efficiently and create a collaborative atmosphere.
Reception and common areas
First impressions matter enormously in Pakistan's business culture. Clients, partners, and recruits will judge your company the moment they walk in.
Budget around Rs.1,20,000–Rs.1,25,000 for a proper reception counter. Add 2 comfortable visitor chairs at about Rs.15,000 each. Total reception budget: around Rs.1,50,000–Rs.1,55,000.
Full shopping list
| Item | Qty | Unit price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff chairs (ergonomic) | 20 | Rs.17,000 | Rs.3,40,000 |
| Workstation seats | 20 | Rs.35,000 | Rs.7,00,000 |
| Manager table + chair | 1 set | Rs.80,000 | Rs.80,000 |
| Reception counter | 1 | Rs.1,22,000 | Rs.1,22,000 |
| Visitor chairs | 2 | Rs.15,000 | Rs.30,000 |
| Meeting table (6–8 seater) | 1 | Rs.70,000 | Rs.70,000 |
| File cabinets | 4 | Rs.30,000 | Rs.1,20,000 |
| Total | Rs.14,62,000 |
Tips from 5+ years of experience
- Always measure your floor before ordering: many offices waste money on furniture that does not fit properly
- Invest in cable management: messy cables are a safety hazard and look unprofessional
- Buy slightly more storage than you think you need: offices always accumulate more files and supplies
- Include delivery and assembly in your budget. At Shan Furniture, both are free in Karachi
- Start with neutral colours (grey, white, walnut): they age better than trendy colours
