Thinking about upgrading your living room or replacing that worn-out mattress? Timing your furniture purchase right can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Most people don’t realize that furniture prices fluctuate throughout the year, creating perfect windows of opportunity for savvy shoppers.
The best times to buy furniture are typically at the end of winter (January-February), end of summer (August-September), and during holiday weekends like Black Friday, when retailers offer their deepest discounts.
Indoor furniture often goes on sale in January and July as stores clear inventory for new releases, while outdoor pieces see price drops in August and September when the summer season winds down.
You can also score great deals by shopping during weekdays, especially mid-week, when furniture stores are less busy.
Many salespeople have more flexibility to negotiate during these slower periods, potentially saving you even more on your purchase.
With a little planning, you can furnish your home beautifully without breaking the bank.
How Furniture Pricing Cycles Work
Furniture retailers follow predictable pricing patterns throughout the year. Understanding these cycles can help you save significant money on your purchases.
Most furniture stores operate on a twice-yearly schedule for introducing new inventory. New collections typically arrive in February and August, which means January and July become prime clearance months.
Monthly Cycles Matter Too. The end of any month can offer unexpected deals. Salespeople often need to meet monthly quotas, so shopping during the last few days of the month might give you extra negotiating power.
Holiday Sales Patterns Major holidays create reliable discount opportunities:
- Presidents’ Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day (September)
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November)
January offers particularly good deals as retailers clear out holiday inventory and prepare for new spring arrivals.
Floor Model Timing: Floor models are typically marked down when new inventory arrives.
Ask store managers when they expect new shipments if you’re interested in display pieces at discount prices.
Your buying strategy should align with these cycles when possible.
However, remember that the best time to buy is when you find a piece that meets your needs and budget, regardless of seasonal timing.
Plan your furniture shopping 2-3 months before you actually need the items. This gives you flexibility to wait for the right sales cycle.
When is the Best Time to Buy Furniture?
Shopping for furniture at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars.
Knowing when to buy is almost as important as knowing what to buy.
January through April is considered one of the best periods to purchase furniture.
According to Albert Lee, founder of Home Living Lab, “The best time to shop for furniture would be between January to April,” as retailers clear out inventory from the holiday season.
Holiday weekends offer excellent opportunities for furniture deals. Look for significant discounts during:
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Presidents’ Day
The post-Thanksgiving period is particularly noteworthy. “Post-Thanksgiving is an amazing time to shop,” says design expert Laura Williams, highlighting Black Friday as a major event for furniture sales.
Summer months can be surprisingly good for bargain hunters. Mid-week shopping during summer can be advantageous as these are typically slower times for furniture stores, giving you more negotiating power.
For end-of-season clearance, July is ideal as retailers make room for new inventory.
Many stores offer substantial markdowns during this time to clear floor space for incoming collections.
When planning your purchase, consider combining seasonal timing with end-of-month shopping, when salespeople may be more motivated to meet quotas and willing to negotiate better prices.
Holiday Sales Worth Waiting For
If you’re looking to save money on furniture, timing your purchase around major holidays can lead to significant savings.
Presidents Day and Labor Day weekends offer excellent furniture deals. These holidays are known for deep discounts as retailers clear inventory for new seasonal items.
Memorial Day and Fourth of July sales are perfect times to shop. Many furniture stores offer storewide discounts during these summer holidays, making them ideal for outdoor furniture purchases.
January sales after the holiday rush can be particularly rewarding. Many retailers offer significant post-holiday markdowns as they make room for new inventory.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to be shopping powerhouses.
These post-Thanksgiving sales often feature the year’s best furniture deals, especially on big-ticket items like sofas and bedroom sets.
Key holidays for furniture shopping:
- Presidents Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day (September)
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November)
- After-Christmas sales (late December/January)
Plan your furniture shopping around these key dates for the best value.
Set price alerts a few weeks before these holidays to track when prices start dropping and to compare offers between different retailers.
Tips For Getting The Best Deals Year-Round
You don’t need to wait for major holidays to find furniture bargains. With smart shopping tactics, you can score good deals anytime.
Negotiate the price whenever possible. Many furniture retailers expect haggling and build room for discounts into their pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal.
Ask about upcoming sales if you’re not in a rush. Sales associates often know when the next promotion is coming and might even honor the future discount.
Join email lists for your favorite furniture stores. They often send exclusive discounts to subscribers before announcing public sales.
Consider these additional money-saving strategies:
- Buy floor models or slightly damaged pieces for steep discounts
- Look for bundle deals when purchasing multiple items
- Check outlet stores for discontinued styles
- Compare prices across different retailers
- Ask about price matching policies
Shopping at resellers can yield significant savings. Consignment shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces often have quality pieces at fraction of retail prices.
When buying expensive items, make purchases in stages rather than all at once.
This approach helps you budget better and take advantage of different sales throughout the year.
Sign up for store credit cards only if you’ll pay the balance in full. The initial discount (often 10-15%) can be substantial on large furniture purchases.
When To Avoid Buying Furniture
Holiday weekends might seem like the perfect time to shop for furniture with all the sales, but these can actually be tricky times.
During major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday, prices may appear discounted but are often marked up beforehand.
You should avoid buying furniture at the beginning of a new season. This is when retailers introduce their newest collections at premium prices.
For example, outdoor furniture is most expensive in early spring when demand is highest.
Before moving is another time to avoid furniture shopping. The stress of relocation might push you to make hasty decisions you’ll regret later.
Wait until you’re settled in your new space to better understand your needs.
Consider skipping furniture purchases during peak moving seasons (May-September).
During these months, demand for furniture rises as many people relocate, often driving prices higher.
Avoid shopping when you’re:
- Feeling pressured or rushed
- Without proper measurements
- Unable to verify quality in person
- In between seasonal sales
The worst months for furniture shopping tend to be:
- March-April (before spring sales)
- October (before holiday discounts)
- December (limited inventory)
If possible, try not to buy when you’re facing strict deadlines. This puts you at a disadvantage for negotiating and comparing options across different retailers.
Conclusion
Timing your furniture purchase can save you significant money. The best months to shop are January after the holidays and February around Presidents Day when stores clear inventory.
Major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday also offer excellent opportunities for discounts.
Experts suggest the period between January and April is particularly favorable for furniture shopping.
Remember to research prices beforehand so you can recognize a genuine deal.
Sign up for retailer newsletters to get early access to sales and consider floor models for additional savings.
Plan your purchases around these key times, and you’ll furnish your home beautifully without breaking the bank.
Your patience in waiting for the right moment to buy will reward you with both quality pieces and substantial savings.
