Instructions
Visit antique shops and search through the furniture section for used office chairs. Before attempting any restoration, consult a professional appraiser to avoid reducing the value of an antique chair.
Contact local businesses. Most offices replace their furniture periodically. Focus on small businesses, older businesses, and businesses located in residential areas or former homes and institutions. These are more likely to have a variety of interesting old furniture. Repair or renovate the chairs as necessary.
Browse through Internet and newspaper advertisements. Look for individuals, groups or organizations that have office furniture for sale and contact them. Purchase or trade for old office chairs in usable condition.
Go to garage sales, yard sales, and flea markets. This is often the last resort for an single, unmatched chair. They may be inexpensive, but be prepared to reupholster or repaint.
Contact friends and relatives. Look through their attics for antique office furniture that has been inherited and stored. Restore chairs as needed.