Buying furniture is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. It’s a big commitment, but you can save money on your purchase by knowing when to buy.
There are several times of the year when it’s more likely that you will find a bargain on new or used furniture. If you know what to look for, you can find great deals on everything from indoor furniture to patio sets.
Winter
Whether you’re planning on a new kitchen set or replacing your couch, there are some specific times of the year that can help you save a bundle. Knowing when the best time to buy furniture can mean the difference between paying full price or saving a ton.
Indoor furniture, such as coffee tables, couches and reclining chairs, are typically sold at the end of winter (January and February) and the end of summer (August and September). Retailers will discount their old stock during these months to make room for new styles.
Outdoor furniture, on the other hand, is not available year-round, but it does get discounted in the summer. Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are popular times for retailers to hold sales on patio decor.
Spring
The best time to buy furniture is when new styles are on sale, which tends to be in the spring and fall. These times are also the best for outdoor furniture.
Most indoor furniture follows a biannual release schedule, and new styles hit the showroom floors in February and August. Retailers try to sell their older inventory as quickly as possible to make room for the new pieces.
In addition, retailers often have sales around two major U.S. holidays: Presidents Day in February and Labor Day in September.
Those sales typically come with steep discounts. They’re also a great way to save money on furniture, since stores are trying to make room for new items as well as clear out older inventory.
Summer
When it comes to purchasing furniture, timing is everything. There are certain times when you can get the best deals, and some days you’ll even be able to knock down the price with a few discount days or coupons.
If you’re looking to get a new couch, bed or coordinating bedroom set, the best time to buy is in summer. This is because many retailers are reducing their inventory of old styles and colorways to free up space for new arrivals.
To save on furniture, start by searching for clearance and floor sample sales. These can sometimes bring discounts down by as much as 50 percent.
Then look for holiday-driven promotions, like Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day (February). These sales can help you score big savings on furniture, both online and in stores, says Alex David, head of ecommerce at Homes & Gardens.
Fall
Whether you’re looking for a new sofa or a dining table, there’s a certain time of the year when buying furniture is more economical. Knowing the best time to buy furniture can make a huge difference in your budget, and you’ll be able to find plenty of great deals for everything from your bedroom to your living room.
Many shopping experts recommend waiting until the months leading up to spring (January, February, and March) or fall (July, August, and September) before you shop for furniture. This is because retailers will have significant markdowns on their old stock in these periods, making it easier to get the latest styles at a fraction of the cost.
As a result, autumn is a popular time to purchase indoor and outdoor furniture. Since these items aren’t as likely to sell during the summer, retailers will be motivated to drop their prices before they become stale on the shelves. This is especially true for outdoor sets, such as grills and poolside patio furniture, which are typically available at discounted rates between the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
