What Month Has the Highest Furniture Sales?

If you’re waiting for the best deal on a new sofa, dining set, or bedroom suite, timing matters more than you think. Furniture sales don’t just happen randomly - they follow a clear calendar pattern shaped by holidays, tax refunds, and seasonal shifts. So, what month is sales the highest? The answer isn’t just one month, but a few key windows where discounts hit their peak - and knowing them can save you hundreds, sometimes over a thousand dollars.

January is the biggest month for furniture sales

Right after New Year’s, furniture stores clear out last year’s inventory to make room for new arrivals. This is when you’ll find the deepest discounts of the year. Why? Because retailers need to hit annual sales targets before the fiscal year ends, and they’re stuck with unsold stock from the holiday season. Many stores offer 30% to 50% off entire collections, and some even throw in free delivery or extended warranties. In 2025, major chains like IKEA, Ashley Furniture, and Raymour & Flanigan reported their highest sales volume in January, with online traffic spiking 68% compared to December.

Don’t be fooled by the cold weather - January is when people are most motivated to redecorate after the holidays. New Year’s resolutions include fixing up the living room or replacing that worn-out couch. Retailers know this, and they price accordingly. If you’re flexible and can wait until mid-January, you’ll catch the last wave of post-holiday markdowns before stock runs out.

July and August are the second-biggest window

While January leads, summer isn’t far behind. July and August bring another major sales surge, mostly because of Independence Day (July 4th) and back-to-school prep. Furniture stores run aggressive promotions around the 4th of July weekend, often matching or beating January’s discounts. Why? Because summer is when families move more often - whether for jobs, schools, or downsizing. That means demand for new furniture spikes, and retailers respond with flash sales.

Also, many manufacturers release new models in late summer. To clear out old inventory before the new line hits, stores slash prices on items like patio sets, outdoor dining tables, and bedroom furniture. In 2024, a survey by the National Retail Federation showed that 42% of furniture buyers made their biggest purchase between July 1 and August 15. And if you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, this is the absolute best time - clearance racks are filled with last year’s models at 50% off or more.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday still matter

You’ve probably heard that Black Friday is the best time to buy electronics. But it’s also one of the top months for furniture sales - especially for online shoppers. While in-store discounts aren’t as deep as in January, the online deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be wild. Free shipping, bundle deals (like a sofa + two armchairs for the price of one), and limited-time coupons make this a serious contender.

What’s changed? In 2025, many furniture retailers started their Black Friday sales as early as October 20, with extended deals running through the end of November. This means you can start shopping before Halloween if you’re patient. But don’t wait until December 1 - the best deals vanish by Thanksgiving weekend.

Why not December? Or May? Or October?

December seems like a logical choice - everyone’s buying gifts, right? But here’s the catch: December is when people spend on holiday decor, not big-ticket furniture. Retailers know this, so they don’t discount sofas or beds. Instead, they push accent chairs, lamps, and throw pillows. If you’re looking for a new bed frame or dining table, December is one of the worst months to shop.

May and October? These are quiet months. There’s no major holiday driving demand, and stores aren’t under pressure to clear inventory. You might see minor sales - maybe 10% off - but nothing close to what you’ll find in January or July. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for one of the big windows is always smarter.

How to spot the real deals (and avoid fake discounts)

Not all "sales" are created equal. Some stores inflate the original price just to make the discount look bigger. Here’s how to tell if a deal is real:

• Check the price history using tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Honey (for most U.S. retailers). These show you how the price has changed over the last 90 days.
• Compare prices across three different stores. If every store has the same "original" price and discount, it’s likely fake.
• Look for terms like "final sale," "clearance," or "end-of-season." These usually mean real markdowns.
• Call the store and ask: "Is this item part of your January clearance?" Staff often know what’s still in stock and what’s being pushed out.

Also, pay attention to delivery timelines. A huge discount means nothing if you have to wait 12 weeks for delivery. January and July sales usually have faster turnaround because stores are clearing stock, not building new orders.

What furniture sells best during these months?

Not all pieces drop in price equally. Here’s what to target during peak sale months:

• Sectional sofas - these are high-ticket items and get the biggest markdowns because they take up the most warehouse space.
• Dining sets - especially if they’re 6-piece or larger. Stores want to clear these before new collections arrive.
• Bed frames and mattresses - January and July are prime times for mattress sales, often bundled with free pillows or sheets.
• Outdoor furniture - July and August are king. Patio sets, umbrellas, and loungers get slashed.
• Bookshelves and entertainment centers - these sell fast during tax refund season (February-March) and again in July.

On the flip side, accent chairs, side tables, and decorative mirrors rarely go on sale. They’re low-cost items used to fill space, not move inventory.

Pro tip: Sign up for email lists - but only in January

Most furniture stores send out 3-5 emails a week. But if you sign up in January, you’ll get a 10%-20% off coupon just for joining. Do it early - within the first week of January - and you’ll get the best offer. By February, the welcome discounts are gone. Same goes for July: sign up right before the 4th of July, and you’ll likely get an exclusive early-access code.

Final advice: Don’t wait for "the perfect deal"

It’s easy to think you’ll catch the next big sale. But furniture prices don’t keep dropping. Once a piece sells out, it’s gone. And if it’s a popular style - like a mid-century modern sofa or a white oak dining table - it might not come back for years. The best strategy? Be ready. Know what you want. Track prices. And when January or July rolls around, pull the trigger.

Bottom line: January is the undisputed winner for the highest furniture sales. July and August are a close second. If you’re patient, you can save 40% or more. If you’re not, you’ll pay full price - and that’s money you won’t get back.