What Month Is Sales the Highest for Furniture?

Ever wondered when furniture stores throw out their lowest prices? You're not alone—timing can make or break your budget when it comes to buying a new sofa or bed. Most folks don't realize there's a sweet spot in the year when sales hit their highest. Knowledge like this can save you hundreds, sometimes even more, if you play your cards right.

This isn’t just rumor—industry data backs it up. For example, retailers tend to clear out their old stock in late winter and summer, just before the new season's designs roll in. That means big discounts and a ton of choices. If you're eyeing something expensive, just waiting till the right month could make all the difference.

• When Do Furniture Sales Peak?
• Why Timing Matters for Furniture Deals
• Major Sales Events That Boost Discounts
• Hidden Patterns: Off-Season Steals
• Tips for Scoring the Best Prices
• What to Avoid When Furniture Hunting

When Do Furniture Sales Peak?

There's a clear pattern to when furniture sales really heat up. The biggest spikes happen twice a year: during late winter (especially Presidents’ Day in February) and at the end of summer around Labor Day in September. Retailers are eager to clear out last season’s floor models and make room for new arrivals, so they knock prices down, often by 20%–40% or even more.

Let’s look at a quick breakdown of sale activity throughout the year:

So, when is furniture sale activity at its highest? The data shows Labor Day and Presidents’ Day see the most aggressive deals across most big brands and stores. Online retailers, like Wayfair or Amazon, also jump into the game using these months as an excuse for massive markdowns.

It’s not just buzz. Market analysts from the National Retail Federation have reported furniture sales surge by up to 30% in February and September, compared to quieter months like March or April. If you're hunting for the absolute lowest prices, target these sale windows.

Why Timing Matters for Furniture Deals

If you’re out to save serious cash, picking the right month to buy furniture isn’t just some sales gimmick – it’s a proven money-saver. Stores don’t discount furniture at random; they follow a schedule based on inventory cycles, holidays, and the need to make room for new stuff. You might notice that the furniture sale peaks right before the launch of fresh collections, and that’s no coincidence.

Here’s the deal: new furniture styles usually hit showrooms in February and August. To get rid of last season’s designs, retailers start marking down current stock a few weeks earlier. That’s why shopping in January-February and July-August can score you the fattest discounts. According to a National Retail Federation report from 2024, stores see up to a 30% bump in sales during these peak months as shoppers pounce on deals.

Holiday weekends add another tasty layer. Think Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. During these times, stores compete hard with extra markdowns and flash sales.

Knowing this, you can plan your buys around high-discount periods and skip paying full price. No more panic shopping just because your old recliner finally died—wait a bit, and your wallet will thank you.

Major Sales Events That Boost Discounts

Furniture stores don’t just drop prices on a whim. The biggest savings often hit during specific sales events tied to holidays or clearance cycles. Most people think about presidents’ birthdays just for the day off, but in February, Presidents’ Day marks a high point for furniture sale discounts. Retailers are trying to clear out the last season’s floor models, so you’ll find sofas and beds marked down fast.

Next comes Memorial Day in May, another favorite for furniture shoppers. Spring means stores are prepping for summer arrivals, so they’re eager to move big-ticket items out the door. If you miss those deals, keep an eye out for Fourth of July and Labor Day—these weekends are packed with price cuts, and stores often advertise some of the lowest prices you’ll see all year on dining sets and mattresses.

Don’t forget about Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November. Yes, electronics get the spotlight, but these events are major for home goods too. More retailers now throw flash sales or bundle deals on sectionals, tables, and even outdoor furniture as everyone preps for holiday guests. There’s been a real trend—since 2021, Black Friday furniture sales have been up about 15% each year, which means more stores are fighting for your attention.

Here's a look at how major U.S. sale events play out each year for furniture discounts:

If you want to make the most of your budget, aim to shop right at the start of these events. Stock sells out fast, especially on the best-reviewed items. Signing up for store emails or alerts can also give you a head start, since some retailers drop early-bird coupons just for email subscribers.

Hidden Patterns: Off-Season Steals

Most people wait for the big holiday sales—like Black Friday or Memorial Day—but there’s a less obvious trick to scoring amazing deals: shopping off-season. Here’s the deal: furniture stores get new inventory twice a year, usually in February and August. To make space for the new styles, shops start slashing prices on older pieces a few weeks before the shipments arrive.

For example, January and July are classic months for sneaky-good bargains. Not only are folks recovering from holiday spending or heading off on summer break, but retailers are desperate to clear their floors. If you poke around during these months, you’ll find deep discounts without fighting crowds.

Check out the numbers below. They show the average markdowns on sofas and beds month by month, based on a 2023 report from the National Home Furnishings Association.

So what's the takeaway? Don’t just rely on big, well-known sales events. Aim for those quiet times—just before and after new inventory. Stores need to move older furniture sale stock fast, so you get a shot at prices others miss entirely.

One more thing: talk to store staff. They usually know about hidden deals or upcoming mark-downs and sometimes offer extra savings if you ask. Timing isn’t everything, but it sure helps when you combine it with a little inside info.

Tips for Scoring the Best Prices

Everyone wants to stretch their dollar, especially with big buys like furniture. So how do you make sure you’re not paying more than you should? The trick is to shop smart and know a few insider moves retailers don’t advertise totally upfront.

First off, shop during the months when furniture sale events peak—think January, February, and late July. Stores usually want to clear out inventory before bringing in new collections. Here’s a breakdown of when and why prices usually drop:

Waiting for holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day can really pay off—some stores drop prices by half or more on big-ticket items. Don’t sleep on end-of-season clearance, either. That’s when floor models and overstock have to go.

• Compare prices online first: Lots of retailers price-match or will negotiate if you have proof of a better deal elsewhere.
• Sign up for store alerts: Brands send out coupons and exclusive discounts to email subscribers that aren’t advertised openly.
• Go for last year's models: These aren’t “old”—they’re just being replaced, and the savings can be huge with no loss in quality.
• Pick up yourself: Avoid pricey delivery fees if you can grab your new couch or table yourself.
• Ask to see scratch-and-dent items: If you don’t mind a tiny flaw, you can score major deals on pieces not perfect enough for the showroom but still totally usable.

If you’re shopping in person, try negotiating. A lot of store managers can nudge the price down, toss in free delivery, or throw in accessories, especially when they’re desperate to move stock.

One last thing: check if your credit card or local hardware store runs special financing or rebate offers, especially around the holidays. Every little bit adds up, and with some planning, you can lock in real furniture deals without breaking the bank.

What to Avoid When Furniture Hunting

When you’re out there shopping for furniture, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy sales and big promises. But there are some classic traps and costly mistakes that can turn a great deal into a regret. Here’s how to avoid them and make sure your money’s working for you.

• Impulse buying during flash sales. You see a big "today only" sale and feel the urge to jump before you think. Stores use this to move slow-selling stock fast. Take your time. Check reviews and dimensions. A lot of people end up with sofas that don’t fit through their door.
• Missing the warranty fine print. Many furniture pieces come with limited warranties that don’t always cover accidental damage or normal wear. If the warranty looks vague or too short, ask the store for details before you buy.
• Paying extra for unnecessary add-ons. Retailers will often push pricey fabric protection or assembly when the basic item already covers your needs. If you’re buying anything big, check whether delivery or assembly fees are included in the price.
• Ignoring return and exchange policies. Some stores have strict "all sales final" rules, especially on clearance. Get a clear answer about returns, in case that big purchase doesn’t work out once you get it home.

One more thing—never forget to measure your space. You’d be surprised how often folks buy something because of the furniture sale sign and end up taking the whole door off its hinges just to get a couch in. Always check your room dimensions and the entryway. It’ll save you from headaches and extra costs later.