Best Time of Year to Buy New Furniture

Quick answer

• Major furniture sales typically occur around federal holidays like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
• End-of-season clearances can offer significant discounts as retailers make room for new inventory.
• Online retailers may have flash sales or seasonal promotions that differ from brick-and-mortar stores.
• Consider buying floor models or items with minor cosmetic damage for deeper discounts.
• Look for furniture financing deals, but be cautious of interest if not paid off promptly.
• Planning your purchase around these sale periods can lead to substantial savings.

Who this is for

• Homeowners or renters looking to furnish a new space or update existing decor.
• Individuals who are budget-conscious and want to maximize their spending power on furniture.
• Anyone planning a significant furniture purchase who can wait for optimal buying opportunities.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Budget and Financing Needs

Before you even think about when to buy, determine how much you can realistically spend. This includes considering if you’ll pay cash, use a credit card, or explore store financing. If considering financing, understand the terms, interest rates, and any promotional periods. A sudden impulse purchase without a clear budget can lead to debt.

Current Furniture Needs and Priorities

Assess which pieces of furniture are essential versus those that are desirable. Prioritize items that are broken, unsafe, or significantly impacting your daily life. This helps focus your search and prevents you from being swayed by attractive deals on items you don’t immediately need.

Retailer Reputation and Return Policies

Research the retailers you plan to buy from. Look for reviews regarding product quality, customer service, and delivery experiences. Crucially, understand their return and exchange policies. A generous policy can save you headaches if the furniture doesn’t meet your expectations or arrives damaged.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Assess your needs: Identify which furniture pieces you need to buy or replace.

• Good looks like: A clear list of rooms and the specific items required for each.
• Common mistake: Buying items impulsively without a plan, leading to clutter or mismatched styles.
• Avoid it by: Creating a room-by-room inventory of what you need.

2. Set a budget: Determine how much you can spend on each item and overall.

• Good looks like: A realistic financial limit for your furniture purchases.
• Common mistake: Overspending without considering other financial obligations.
• Avoid it by: Allocating funds for each piece and sticking to it.

3. Research furniture styles and quality: Understand the types of furniture that fit your taste and durability needs.

• Good looks like: Familiarity with different materials, construction methods, and styles.
• Common mistake: Buying based solely on aesthetics without considering longevity or maintenance.
• Avoid it by: Reading reviews and looking at product specifications for construction details.

4. Identify major sale periods: Mark your calendar for key holiday sales.

• Good looks like: Knowing that Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and end-of-year holidays are prime times.
• Common mistake: Missing out on significant savings by buying at full price.
• Avoid it by: Subscribing to newsletters from your favorite furniture stores.

5. Track prices: Monitor prices of desired items in the weeks leading up to potential sale events.

• Good looks like: Having a sense of the typical price range for items you’re interested in.
• Common mistake: Assuming a sale price is a good deal without knowing the regular price.
• Avoid it by: Using price tracking tools or noting prices manually.

6. Compare retailers: Check prices and promotions across multiple stores, both online and in-person.

• Good looks like: Finding the best overall value, considering price, quality, and delivery.
• Common mistake: Buying from the first store you visit without exploring other options.
• Avoid it by: Creating a comparison spreadsheet for your top choices.

7. Look for floor models or clearance items: Inquire about discounted items with minor imperfections.

• Good looks like: Finding quality pieces at a reduced price due to cosmetic flaws.
• Common mistake: Overlooking these items and paying more for a perfect piece.
• Avoid it by: Asking sales associates specifically about floor models or clearance sections.

8. Read reviews for specific products: Before purchasing, check customer feedback on the exact furniture pieces you’re considering.

• Good looks like: Having confidence in the product’s durability and customer satisfaction.
• Common mistake: Buying a popular item without checking its specific product reviews.
• Avoid it by: Searching for reviews of the model number or product name.

9. Understand delivery and assembly costs: Factor these into your total purchase price.

• Good looks like: Knowing the final cost including all associated fees.
• Common mistake: Being surprised by unexpected delivery or assembly charges.
• Avoid it by: Clarifying all costs upfront with the retailer.

10. Make the purchase: Buy during a sale period or when you find a price that fits your budget.

• Good looks like: Completing the transaction with confidence in your decision.
• Common mistake: Procrastinating and missing out on a limited-time deal.
• Avoid it by: Being ready to buy when you find the right offer.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Buying furniture without a plan	Overspending, clutter, mismatched styles, buyer’s remorse.	Create a room-by-room inventory and style guide before shopping.
Ignoring financing terms	High-interest debt, unexpected fees, damaged credit score.	Read all financing agreements carefully; prioritize paying off balances quickly.
Not checking return policies	Being stuck with unwanted or damaged furniture, financial loss.	Always verify return windows, restocking fees, and conditions for returns.
Buying based solely on aesthetics	Furniture that is uncomfortable, wears out quickly, or is hard to maintain.	Research materials, construction, and read reviews on durability and comfort.
Missing major sale events	Paying significantly more than necessary for furniture.	Track major holiday sales (Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday).
Not comparing prices across retailers	Overpaying for the same or similar items.	Use price comparison tools and check multiple online and local stores.
Forgetting delivery and assembly costs	Exceeding your budget, unexpected financial strain.	Get a clear quote for all associated fees before finalizing the purchase.
Buying without measuring the space	Furniture that doesn’t fit, is too large, or too small for the room.	Measure your space accurately and compare dimensions before buying.
Not inspecting furniture upon delivery	Difficulty proving damage that occurred in transit, potential denial of claims.	Inspect all items immediately and document any issues with photos before signing for delivery.
Rushing into a purchase	Buyer’s remorse, settling for less than ideal options, overpaying.	Take your time, do your research, and wait for a deal that meets your needs and budget.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need furniture immediately due to a broken essential item, then prioritize functionality and look for quick delivery options, even if it means a slightly higher cost.
• If your budget is very tight, then focus on end-of-season sales and clearance items for the best potential discounts.
• If you are furnishing an entire home, then create a phased approach and buy key pieces during major holiday sales to spread out costs and maximize savings.
• If you are considering store financing, then ensure you understand the promotional period and have a plan to pay off the balance before interest accrues to avoid significant costs.
• If you find a piece you love but it’s not on sale, then sign up for email alerts from the retailer to be notified of future promotions or price drops.
• If you are buying larger items like sofas or beds, then always check the dimensions against your room and doorways to ensure they will fit.
• If you are buying from an online-only retailer, then pay extra attention to their return policy and shipping costs, as these can be more complex than with brick-and-mortar stores.
• If you are buying floor models, then inspect them thoroughly for any damage and be prepared to accept minor imperfections for a discount.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, then research the retailer and product carefully to avoid scams or low-quality items.
• If you are buying a set of furniture, then consider if you truly need every piece or if buying individual items might be more cost-effective and tailored to your space.

FAQ

What are the biggest furniture sales events in the US?

The most significant furniture sales typically happen around major federal holidays: Presidents’ Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Labor Day (September), and Black Friday (November). End-of-year sales are also common.

Is it better to buy furniture online or in-store?

Both have pros and cons. Online offers wider selection and convenience, but in-store allows you to see, touch, and test the furniture’s comfort and quality. Always compare prices and policies.

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Similar to furniture, mattresses are often heavily discounted during holiday weekends like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Some retailers also have specific mattress sales events throughout the year.

What does “floor model” mean for furniture?

A floor model is a piece of furniture that has been on display in the store for customers to view and test. These are often sold at a discount due to minor wear or cosmetic imperfections.

Should I worry about delivery fees?

Yes, delivery fees can significantly add to the total cost of your furniture. Always inquire about delivery charges, minimum purchase requirements for free delivery, and any additional fees for specific services like in-home assembly.

How can I ensure the furniture quality is good?

Look for solid wood construction, quality upholstery fabrics, and sturdy joinery. Read customer reviews, check product specifications, and if possible, test the item in person.

What if I need furniture urgently?

If you have an urgent need, you might miss out on the absolute best sale prices. Focus on retailers offering quick delivery or in-stock items, and be prepared to pay a bit more for immediate availability.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific advice on interior design trends and coordinating furniture styles. (Consider consulting an interior designer or browsing design magazines/websites.)
• In-depth analysis of specific furniture materials and their long-term durability. (Research material guides or consult furniture experts.)
• Detailed comparisons of specific furniture brands and their product lines. (Look for independent product reviews and brand comparisons.)
• Guidance on selling or donating old furniture. (Explore local charities, consignment shops, or online marketplaces.)