Whether you’re getting ready to move to a new home or upgrading the furnishings in your current property, buying new furniture can be expensive. Depending on the time of the year, you can spend hundreds of more dollars than you should on a new couch or bed. However, furniture often goes on sale, which means that you can get great deals if you know when and where to shop.
The best month to buy furniture can vary based on the type and season. For example, the ideal month to purchase a sofa doesn’t necessarily align with the best time to buy a bed. Before you purchase new furniture for your home or apartment, make sure you time it right. In this seasonal guide, you’ll discover how to save on furniture.
Major Sales Events Throughout the Year
Many of the largest retail sales occur during the holiday season. Furniture retailers push significant discounts during holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, President’s Day, and Black Friday. In the days following Thanksgiving, you can find some great deals on furniture. If you don’t want to spend time looking at furniture websites and ads to get the latest sales, plan your shopping trips around these holidays.
Monthly Breakdown for Optimal Furniture Purchases
Below is a comprehensive monthly breakdown of the best times to shop during the year. From January to the end of the fall season, you can find steep discounts on all types of furniture.
January
January is a decent time to shop for furniture if you know where to look. After the holiday season, many stores offer sales and discounts. If the weather isn’t too bad, you may be able to find the piece of furniture you’re looking for at a 40% or 50% discount. Keep in mind that this is also the time of year when current models are phased out in preparation for new ones, which means that you should have access to more deals throughout January and February.
February
President’s Day occurs on the third Monday in February. Most retailers use this day to extend their January deals in an attempt to boost sales. This shopping period has grown considerably in recent years, which is why you should keep an eye on it.
March
While March isn’t the busiest month for sales, many retailers use this month to transition to spring trends. If you’re ready for a refresh, the warmer weather that arrives in March pushes retailers to offer lower prices on furniture items since demand doesn’t outstrip supply until April and May.
April
If you’re looking to buy furniture for your office, April is the best time to do so. Office furniture often goes on sale during the tax season. Once taxpayers get their refunds in the mail, they may be willing to spend their extra money on office furniture. This furniture can be itemized as a deduction if you work from a home office. Your business can also deduct these purchases.
May and June
May and June serve as the end of the school year and an introduction to the summer. Families start preparing for vacations and other recreational activities, which means that people will be shopping more often. Sales are also commonly held during these months because people tend to get out more once the weather warms up.
Couples and families who want to entertain during the summer might be looking for outdoor furniture for their patios and verandas. These factors push many retailers to reduce the pricing of furniture and offer sizable discounts.
There are, however, a couple of additional reasons why May and June provide shoppers with more sales opportunities. First, June is a very popular month for weddings. Retailers understand that couples who are looking to furnish their new homes don’t want to overspend when dealing with a wide range of other expenses. Second, families make big moves once kids get out of school.
If you’re searching for deals on multiple pieces of furniture, look for sales during May and June. You may even be able to find discounts at local furniture stores. It’s highly recommended that you start looking for deals as early as possible. These months represent some of the highest demand for furniture retailers, which means that you may miss out on low pricing if you wait too long.
July
The Fourth of July is the premier summer event for anyone who’s shopping for furniture. You’ll have access to mega sales with steeper discounts than you might believe. You’ll also benefit from being able to shop in warm weather. If you can’t find what you want at one store, you can easily travel to another retailer without encountering inclement weather and low temperatures.
When it’s warm outside, it’s also considerably easier to transport your furniture to your home or apartment. Retailers use this time to offer substantial discounts because they’re about to stock new furniture styles in August. If you notice a piece of furniture online that appeals to you, now’s the time to buy it. Otherwise, it could be phased out of circulation in August.
If you end up purchasing outdoor furniture, you’ll also be able to use it for a couple of months before the temperatures begin to drop. After July, outdoor furniture doesn’t become widely available until the following March.
Late Summer and Fall
As touched upon previously, a great time to shop for furniture is during the late summer and early fall seasons. Retailers want to make enough room for the fall furniture collection. Any summer stock that they still have will likely be priced at a significant discount. While all furniture should be discounted at this time, outdoor furniture will likely have the best sales. When demand isn’t high, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to purchase furniture pieces at a low price.
It’s also common for office furniture to be discounted during these seasonal sales. Look for Labor Day sales that start at the end of August and last through the first week of September. Some retailers also post clearance sales towards the end of a fiscal year or quarter, which may allow you to find office furnishings at low prices.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Finding the best deals isn’t always easy. While you can shop during the holidays and back-to-school events, demand is at its highest during these sales. If you need furniture soon and don’t want to wait for specific sales events, it’s highly recommended that you research local furniture dealers.
These companies don’t have thousands of customers looking to buy furniture at the same time. However, they still post sales during the year, which allows you to get furniture at a discount. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on trends and sales in your area. Look through newspapers and online forums to discover sales that you didn’t even know about.
To get the best discounts, you need to be a savvy shopper, which requires strategies like checking clearance sections and negotiating prices. It’s possible to negotiate discounts at local brick-and-mortar stores. Many retailers are happy to have these discussions if they can move inventory at a quick rate.
One way you can save money is by selecting pieces that will last for years. Even if the upfront costs are high, not having to replace the piece for a decade or longer allows you to save money in the long run. During non-holiday events, consider asking about future sales and promotions that the public has yet to be informed of.
It’s also highly recommended that you consider resellers. There are many reselling sites that provide access to unique furniture pieces at reasonable prices. If you’re moving to a new home and want all-new furniture, consider buying in stages. Invest in the most important pieces first before moving to items you believe will enhance your home’s interior design.
If you have a home office, upgrade it during the tax season, Labor Day, or Black Friday. You may also be able to get discounts in the first two weeks of the new year. While you can access numerous sales when you shop in person, it’s also advantageous to search for furniture at online retailers. Along with convenience, you’ll benefit from a wider selection of furniture pieces. On the other hand, in-person visits give you the opportunity to evaluate the furniture before you buy it.
Conclusion
From end-of-year discounts to holiday sales events, there are many times during the year when you can buy furniture at a discount. The best times include the tax season, July 4th, and Black Friday. However, furniture retailers host sales regularly, which is why it’s crucial that you do your research when you need a new piece. Be patient and strategic to make purchases that maximize your savings.