What Month Are the Biggest Furniture Sales?

If you’re waiting to buy new furniture, you’re not alone. Most people know there’s a better time to shop-but when exactly? The truth is, the biggest furniture sales don’t happen just once a year. They roll out in waves, tied to holidays, inventory shifts, and retail calendars. And if you’re in Australia, the timing is different than what you’ll see in the US or Europe. So let’s cut through the noise and show you exactly when the deepest discounts hit.

January is the quiet giant of furniture sales

Right after New Year’s, furniture stores in Australia clear out last year’s stock to make room for new collections. This is when you’ll find the biggest markdowns of the year. Why? Because retailers have hit their annual sales targets and need to free up warehouse space. Showrooms are packed with last season’s sofas, dining sets, and bedroom suites. Prices drop 30% to 50% on items that were full price just weeks before. Don’t be fooled by the cold weather-this is the prime time to upgrade your living room or replace a worn-out mattress.

Stores like IKEA, Harvey Norman, and Freedom often run January clearance events with no promo code needed. Just walk in. Some even offer free delivery on orders over $500. The catch? Selection is limited. If you’re after a specific style or colour, you might need to act fast. But if you’re flexible, January gives you the most bang for your buck.

Labour Day long weekend (March)

March isn’t just the start of autumn-it’s also Labour Day in most Australian states. That three-day weekend triggers one of the year’s biggest furniture promotions. Retailers use it to kick off their spring collections. You’ll see discounts on outdoor furniture, patio sets, and lighter fabrics. It’s also a great time to buy bookcases, TV stands, and storage units as people shift from winter clutter to spring cleaning.

What makes Labour Day special? Unlike Black Friday, there’s no rush. Stores don’t overhype it, so you won’t get fake discounts. The markdowns are real. You’ll find 20% to 40% off across the board. And because it’s not as crowded as December, you can actually test a sofa without waiting in line.

End-of-financial-year sales (June)

June is the end of the financial year in Australia. For businesses, that means they need to clear inventory to hit profit targets before July 1. Furniture retailers are no exception. This is when you’ll see deals on high-ticket items like bedroom sets, dining tables, and sectional sofas. Many stores offer 0% interest for 12 months, which makes big purchases more manageable.

Don’t ignore this window. If you’ve been saving for a new bed frame or a custom-made dining table, June is your window. Some retailers even throw in free assembly or delivery. It’s not as deep as January, but it’s more consistent. And if you’re buying multiple pieces, you can often negotiate an extra 5% off.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November)

Yes, Black Friday is an American import-but in Australia, it’s now a major event. Starting in late October and peaking in November, retailers from Kmart to Rebel Sport roll out furniture discounts. The deals are real, but they’re not always the deepest. You’ll see 20% to 35% off, mostly on mid-range items. High-end brands like Città or B&B Italia rarely participate.

The trick here? Compare prices. Many stores inflate prices in October, then drop them to "Black Friday" levels. Use a price tracker like PriceSpy or Google Shopping to see if the discount is real. Also, don’t assume everything online is cheaper. Some stores offer the same deals in-store with free delivery. And remember: if you buy on Cyber Monday, you’re often locked into a 30-day return policy. That’s a good safety net.

Why December isn’t the best time

You might think Christmas is the best time to buy furniture. It’s not. While there are promotions, most are designed to push gift cards and small items like lamps or side tables. Big furniture? Stores hold onto it. Why? Because they know people are spending on gifts, not home upgrades. Plus, delivery slots fill up fast. You could wait six weeks for a sofa to arrive.

Also, retailers don’t want to clear inventory before the new year. They need stock for January sales. So if you’re looking for a 50% off deal, December is the wrong month. Save your money. Wait for January.

What to look for beyond the discount

A 40% off tag doesn’t mean you’re getting a bargain. Here’s what actually matters:

• Frame quality: Solid wood or engineered wood? Avoid particleboard unless it’s covered by a 10-year warranty.
• Warranty length: The best stores offer 5 to 10 years on frames and 2 years on fabric or leather.
• Delivery and assembly: Free delivery and setup? That’s worth more than 10% extra off.
• Return policy: Can you return if it doesn’t fit? Some stores charge restocking fees. Avoid them.

Also, check the manufacturer. Many Australian stores sell the same sofas made by the same factories. A Freedom sofa might be identical to one sold at IKEA-but priced 30% higher. Use reverse image search to find the original brand.

Pro tip: Track the cycle

The pattern is simple: January > June > Labour Day > November. If you miss January, June is your next best shot. If you’re patient, wait for both. Most people buy in December. Smart buyers wait. Keep an eye on email newsletters from your favourite stores. Sign up for price alerts. Some retailers even send a discount code if you’ve been browsing but haven’t bought in 30 days.

And if you’re replacing something worn out? Don’t wait for the "perfect" sale. If a piece is falling apart, buy it now. A $200 couch that lasts a year is worse than a $600 one that lasts ten.

What about online vs in-store?

Online deals are tempting, but in-store shopping still wins for furniture. Why? You can sit on it. You can feel the fabric. You can check if the legs wobble. Most big discounts happen in both places, but in-store you can often negotiate. If you’re buying a full set, ask for free delivery, assembly, or an extra 5% off. Many sales staff have discretion to make that happen.

Online? Stick to brands with free returns. If you’re buying a sectional, test it in person first. Then buy it online if it’s cheaper. But don’t assume the website price is always lower.

Final advice: Timing beats temptation

The biggest furniture sales aren’t about flashy ads or limited-time offers. They’re about timing. January gives you the deepest cuts. June gives you flexibility. Labour Day gives you a quiet, stress-free shopping experience. November? It’s a bonus, not a breakthrough.

Don’t get distracted by holiday hype. Don’t fall for "limited stock" lies. The best deals aren’t loud-they’re quiet, predictable, and come when you least expect them. Wait for January. Wait for June. And when you’re ready, walk in, test the pieces, and take what you need. You’ll save hundreds, and your living room will thank you.