Used Office Furniture for an Upscale, New Feel

The condition of the file cabinets, desks, chairs and bookcases at Steel Casey is such that “used” doesn’t scream at you when you walk in. I thought the inventory was a combination of new and used but that’s not the case.

It’s just that most of it really looks new because local companies call Casey when they’re purchased by large corporations or close their doors. The products are from the top manufacturers of office furniture.

Designers use the term “contract quality” for solid, well-designed and long-lasting pieces. An example was a piece on the sidewalk that caused me to stop and investigate.

A handsome, four-shelf mahogany bookcase by Kimball was tagged at $375 (new ones are priced at about $1,000). I found several Herman Miller “task” chairs in mint condition, tagged at $80, that originally sold for more than $400; and a pair of Herman Miller desk chairs for $150. Anyone putting together an upscale office on a tight budget should stop in. The staff seems very agreeable, and generally there’s no charge for local deliveries.

Steel Casey, 10624 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 763-5667. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cash/check only.

Weekend Super Sale: Don’t panic when you see that Studio G, a fine photographic operation, is gone from its old location. It’s moved to a home studio. And to celebrate, a professional sitting with one 8-by-10 custom print for $39.95 is being offered. To complete the picture, there’s a framing promotion with 30% off the regular prices. By appointment.

5242 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, (818) 346-8918.