Buying furniture is a significant investment, and timing your purchase can help you save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Whether you're replacing a worn-out sofa, upgrading your dining set, or furnishing an entire home, knowing the best time to shop can make all the difference.
But when exactly is the best time to buy furniture? The answer depends on the type of furniture you're looking for and the sales cycles of the industry. This guide will walk you through the ideal seasons and months to buy different types of furniture, ensuring you get the best deal without sacrificing quality.
Key Takeaways:
- July and January are the best months for overall furniture deals.
- Indoor furniture is discounted in January/February and August/September before new styles arrive.
- Office furniture sees price drops in April (after tax season) and September (back-to-school sales).
- Outdoor furniture is cheapest at the end of summer (July–September).
- Used furniture is most affordable in winter (January/February) and summer (June–August).
Custom furniture pricing remains consistent throughout the year.
In this Article...
- When is the Best Time to Buy Furniture?
- Best Time to Buy Furniture by Category
- Why July & January Offer the Best Furniture Discounts
- Final Tips for Buying Furniture at the Right Time
Retailers update their furniture collections twice a year, typically in spring and fall, which means they clear out old inventory beforehand. This results in significant discounts on previous models, making it an ideal time to shop.
Beyond showroom cycles, factors like weather, consumer shopping patterns, and economic trends also influence furniture prices. For example, in July, stores often experience a summer sales slump, prompting them to offer discounts to attract buyers. In contrast, holiday weekends like Labor Day and Canada Day often bring temporary price reductions.
Understanding these trends allows you to strategically plan your furniture purchase and get the best value for your money.
Best Time to Buy Furniture by Category
While some months offer better deals across all furniture types, specific categories follow unique pricing trends. If you're looking for something specific—whether it's an indoor sofa, an office desk, or an outdoor patio set—it’s helpful to know when each type of furniture goes on sale.
Indoor Furniture: January/February & August/September
If you’re looking to refresh your living room, bedroom, or dining area, the best time to buy is at the end of winter and summer.
Furniture retailers introduce new collections in spring and fall, following the industry’s largest trade show, High Point Market. To make room for these new arrivals, stores clear out old stock, leading to substantial discounts in January, February, August, and September.
January is especially good for deals since most people focus on post-holiday budgets, and retailers compete for attention with aggressive sales. By August and September, stores are once again trying to clear inventory before fall collections arrive.
Pro Tip: Start researching furniture options one to two months before these sales periods so you can act quickly when discounts appear.
Office Furniture: April & September
If you're setting up a home office or upgrading your workspace, you’ll find the best deals during April and September.
In April, retailers reduce prices following tax season, when businesses have finalized their budgets and need to invest in office upgrades. This is an excellent time to buy items like desks, ergonomic chairs, and filing cabinets at a discount.
Another major sales window happens in August and September, aligning with back-to-school shopping. During this period, stores compete to attract students and professionals looking for affordable home office setups. By late September, retailers often clear out overstock items, offering additional markdowns.
Pro Tip: If you don’t find what you need in April, wait until mid-to-late September when stores further reduce leftover back-to-school inventory.
Outdoor Furniture: July-September
Outdoor furniture pricing follows a seasonal demand cycle, peaking in early spring when shoppers rush to buy new patio sets. If you’re looking to save, avoid purchasing in March and April, when prices are at their highest.
Instead, aim for July through September when retailers begin clearing out summer inventory to make space for fall and winter products. Discounts often start in July, with prices dropping further by August and September as stores try to eliminate remaining stock.
However, waiting too long can limit your choices, as the best designs may sell out quickly.
Pro Tip: If you have a specific outdoor furniture set in mind, shop in late July or early August to balance selection and savings.
Used Furniture: January/February & June-August
If you're open to buying second-hand furniture, winter and summer are the best seasons for finding deals. To learn more about Where to Find Used Furniture in Ottawa, take a look at this article.
Many people declutter their homes in January and February, following New Year’s resolutions, leading to a surge in second-hand furniture sales. During this time, you can find gently used sofas, tables, and dressers at significantly reduced prices.
Another peak time for used furniture deals is June through August, as people move after the school year ends and look to offload unwanted furniture before relocating. This means local marketplaces, thrift stores, and resale shops are flooded with affordable options.
Pro Tip: Check online listings in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston during these months, as people often sell furniture at low prices just to clear space.
Custom Furniture: Any Time of the Year
Unlike mass-produced items, custom furniture pricing remains stable year-round since it is made to order.
The biggest factor influencing the cost of custom furniture is the materials and design choices rather than seasonal sales. However, keep in mind that lead times may be longer during peak seasons like summer and the holidays, so plan your purchase accordingly.
If you’re interested in learning about La-Z-Boy Custom Furniture or Where to Buy Custom Furniture in Ottawa, take a look at these articles.
Why July & January Offer the Best Furniture Discounts
While Black Friday and Boxing Day might seem like prime times to buy furniture, July and January actually offer better deals for most furniture types.
Why July?
- Retailers experience a sales slump during summer, leading to bigger markdowns.
- Many stores clear out inventory ahead of August's new arrivals.
- Weather conditions are ideal for furniture delivery and moving.
Why January?
- Post-holiday sales encourage retailers to offer deep discounts to attract shoppers.
- New furniture collections debut in spring, prompting stores to discount older models.
If you’re flexible with your timing and want the best overall prices, aim to shop during one of these two months.
Final Tips for Buying Furniture at the Right Time
While you have all these tips in mind, here are some final things to remember when shopping at the right time for furniture.
1. Plan Ahead
Furniture isn’t an impulse buy, so give yourself time to research options before making a decision.
2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers
Visit different furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston to compare prices, warranties, and financing options.
3. Take Advantage of Financing Options
Many stores, including La-Z-Boy, offer financing options like Flexiti financing, which allows you to spread out payments rather than paying everything upfront.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best times to buy furniture, you can make a smart and budget-friendly purchase. Whether you're looking for a new sectional, office desk, or patio set, timing is everything when it comes to getting the best price.
Visit La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston to browse a wide selection of high-quality furniture. Our expert sales consultants are happy to help you find the perfect piece at the right time. Take advantage of our Interior design experts to see if our furniture can fit in your home!
If you’re interested in learning about La-Z-Boy furniture, take a look at this Living Room Furniture Buying Guide.
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