Starting a new office is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when it comes to budgeting. Whether you’re expanding your team or opening your first workspace, it helps to have a clear idea of what it actually costs to get things up and running.

Let’s take a look at what a realistic setup for 10 employees might look like, based on average 2025 pricing across office categories like furniture, stationery, janitorial supplies, and PPE.

Furniture: Desks and Chairs

Your biggest investment will likely be furniture. A sturdy desk and an ergonomic chair are essential for every employee.

For a balanced setup, expect to spend around €250–€400 per desk and €150–€300 per chair. Adding storage or small accessories might bring the total to around €600 per person.

For 10 people, that’s roughly €6,000 in total.

If you go for more premium, adjustable desks or high-end ergonomic chairs, the cost can rise closer to €8,000–€10,000, but the comfort and productivity benefits are often worth it.

Technology and Printers

Even if your team uses laptops, you’ll still need at least one or two shared printers and scanners. A reliable colour printer with toner and basic supplies comes to around €1,000–€1,200.

Shared equipment like this is a good place to save money, as one machine can easily handle the needs of a 10-person office.

Stationery and Office Supplies

You can’t have an office without the essentials—pens, paper, notebooks, and organisers.

Budget around €40 per person for an initial desk kit, plus about €600 for shared office stock (folders, printer paper, and ink refills). Altogether, stationery and general supplies will likely come to €1,000 for your first order.

Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies

Clean and tidy spaces make a big difference in employee satisfaction and health.

For a small office, a basic stock of cleaning sprays, cloths, bins, mops, and waste bags should cost around €800–€1,000. It’s worth keeping a small reserve of these items so you don’t run short between restocks.

PPE and Safety Equipment

Every workplace should have at least basic safety items on hand. Even in a typical office, items like gloves, masks, hi-vis vests, first aid kits, and signage can be useful.

A simple setup might cost around €50 per employee, plus shared items like first aid and cleaning PPE. Altogether, expect to spend around €800 to get started.

Delivery, Installation, and Setup Costs

Don’t forget the hidden extras—delivery fees, installation, cable management, bins, and minor décor touches. These small details can easily add another €500–€1,000 to your setup budget.

Total Estimated Cost

Adding it all up gives a realistic range:

That works out to about €1,000 per employee for a complete, functional, and comfortable office setup.

A more basic setup might come closer to €8,000, while a higher-end, ergonomic fit-out could easily reach €14,000 or more.

Final Thoughts

When you’re planning your office budget, think about what’s worth investing in and where you can economise. Good chairs and desks pay off in employee comfort and productivity. Shared printers, bulk stationery, and cleaning supplies are smart areas to save.

At Paperpunch, we supply everything you need to make your new workspace ready from day one, from furniture and office supplies to janitorial and PPE essentials. Whether you’re setting up for 10 employees or 100, we can help you plan, stock, and streamline your setup without surprises.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our team for a custom quote or product bundle designed around your workspace and budget. Call us now on 01-839 2232 or email us at sales@paperpunch.ie.