Furniture. You have to have it in your home, but do you have to spend a fortune to buy it? Not if you know the tricks to getting great deals on furniture! These nine hints and tricks will help you fill your home with beautiful furniture while sticking to your budget.
1. Know What You Need.
When you get to the furniture store, it’s easy to get excited and start looking at things that you don’t really need. Resist the temptation to overspend and completely redecorate by taking a careful inventory of your needs.
Ask yourself what furniture you want to replace and why? Where do you need new furniture in your home? Are you absolutely certain that you need it? Remember–furniture can be functional, but it also can make a home feel crowded. Make sure that whatever you’re considering buying is something that will truly benefit your home.
Also, take the time to figure out how much space you have, so that you can focus on furnishings that are the right size.
2. Set a Realistic Budget.
Setting a realistic budget ensures smart furniture purchases. Start by evaluating your finances to allocate funds without overspending. Research average furniture costs and set spending limits, including delivery and warranties. Focus on essentials over decorative items, emphasizing functionality and durability. Use tools like spreadsheets to track expenses and avoid impulse buying. Investing in quality may cost more upfront but saves money long-term by reducing replacements.
3. Shop in Your Home.
Before you start to shop, evaluate what you already own. Do you have any items that you could repurpose or restore? Sometimes, a coat of paint on a table or new upholstery on a sofa is all it takes to reinvent a piece. Doing the work yourself can be a fun and rewarding project, not to mention a less expensive endeavor than buying something brand new.
4. Don’t Forget Taxes and Delivery.
When you look at the price tag on a piece of furniture, don’t forget that what you will actually pay is more than what you see posted there. Make sure to take taxes into consideration as well as the delivery fee. Don’t assume that free delivery is included with the price of the furniture. At many stores, this is considered an added service. There may be one fee for delivering the furniture to your door and another for actually placing it in the room where it goes. Disposing of your old furniture for you may cost extra as well.
5. Shop Online.
Shopping online for furniture can add up to big savings. Because online furniture stores do not have the overhead of running a brick and mortar location, they can often charge less than conventional furniture stores. You’ll sometimes find the same furniture online that is at your local shop for cheaper! Just make sure you take a look at the store’s policy if you’re buying furniture that you haven’t seen in person. This way, you’ll be able to send it back if it isn’t just what you wanted. Some great online furniture stores to check for deals include:
– Designer Sofas 4u
– Vidaxl
– Darlings of Chelsea
– Bensons for Beds
– Big Furniture Warehouse
– Oak Furniture Land
– Oak Furniture Superstore
6. Buy in Sets.
Buying furniture in sets is a cost-effective way to create a cohesive look for your space. Many retailers offer discounted prices on coordinated sets, like living room or bedroom collections, which are more affordable than buying individual pieces. Sets include key items, such as sofas, tables, and bed frames, and are designed to complement each other, making decorating easier. This approach saves money and ensures a polished, unified appearance.
7. Hit the Flea Market.
Before you buy brand new, be sure to see what’s available at flea markets, garage sales, thrift shops, second hand stores and bazaars. Often times, you can find gently used furniture that looks brand new or has a chic vintage vibe. Just make sure to give the furniture a thorough cleaning before you bring it into your home.
8. Check Out the Local Options.
There may be great deals to have in your local area. Independent furniture stores often discount their prices in order to compete with larger retailers. You can also check out Craigslist and other online classified sites to find people close to you who are trying to sell furniture. It’s even possible to find furniture that people are giving away for free provided you can come and pick it up. Even if you have to hire a truck to get the job done, you’re likely to still come out ahead of where you would be if you paid full price at a store.
9. Take Advantage of Special Offers.
Even when stores are running sales, there are often additional ways to save money that you don’t want to miss out on. At brick and mortar stores, look for coupons that you can print out online and bring into the store for additional savings. Find out if you can get a discount for opening a charge account, or if there is a deal on financing that would save you money on credit card interest.
If you’re shopping online, make sure to check to see if the store you’re intending to buy from is running any voucher code or discount code programs. Promotional codes can entitle you to perks like free delivery, to deals on certain pieces of furniture, or to discounts off the price of your entire order.
Also, look out for deals like free delivery on orders over a certain amount. With the latter, sometimes buying an inexpensive cushion or throw blanket can put you over the threshold and end up eliminating the price of expensive shipping.
Big Furniture Warehouse
Students, military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, and charities can get a 10% discount.
Boori
Students, military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, charities, loyalty members, and birthday/seniors can enjoy 15% off.
CFS Furniture
Students, military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, charities, loyalty members, and birthday/seniors can receive 17% off.
● Referral Discounts.
Lumber King Flooring, Flexispot, and Fitueyes offer £15 off via referral programs.
10. Shop at the Right Time.
Many people don’t realize that, like clothing, furniture styles can change from season to season, too. Shopping at the end of the month can often mean finding discontinued styles that are being discounted to make room for new merchandise. At the end of the month, you may also be able to talk a salesperson into a discount if you’re motivated to buy. That’s because stores often have monthly sales quotas that they need to meet.
11. Price Match.
Did you see something similar at another store for less money? Let the brick and mortar store or online store know! Many furniture stores will price match their competitors rather than miss the opportunity for a sale. Also, don’t be afraid to tell a brick and mortar store about a lower online price or vice versa. The worse that will happen is that they’ll say no. In the best case scenario, you might get a great deal!
12. Look for Floor Models and Display Items.
Many furniture stores offer significant discounts on floor models or display items. These pieces are often in good condition, and since they’ve been used as demos, they typically come with a reduced price tag. Just be sure to check for any wear and tear and inspect the item carefully. In some cases, stores may even be willing to negotiate a further discount on these items to make space for newer products.
13. Consider Custom or DIY Projects.
If you have the time and skill, consider building your own furniture or customizing existing pieces. Many online stores offer affordable furniture parts that you can assemble yourself. This can not only save you money, but it can also provide a unique and personalized touch to your home. Even if you’re not an expert DIYer, small adjustments, like adding new knobs, painting, or reupholstering, can refresh an older piece and make it feel new without breaking the bank.
14. Negotiate with Retailers.
Always ask if there are any ongoing promotions or if they can offer a discount, especially for large purchases or multiple items. Retailers may also offer extra savings if you mention competitor pricing. Be polite but firm when requesting a better deal.
15. Buy Multi-Functional Furniture.
Investing in versatile pieces like a sofa bed or a dining table with storage can save you money in the long run. These items serve multiple functions, reducing the need for additional furniture and making your space more efficient.
16. Shop Local Showrooms for Final Clearance Deals.
While online deals are convenient, don’t overlook local furniture showrooms and independent retailers. These places often offer steep discounts on floor models, last-season styles, or discontinued items sometimes up to 70% off. You can inspect the quality in person and even negotiate on the price or delivery charges. Local stores may also be more flexible with bundled offers if you’re buying multiple pieces. It’s a smart way to find hidden gems without paying full price.
17. Subscribe to Retailer Newsletters for Early Access and Exclusive Deals.
Many furniture retailers offer exclusive discounts, early sale access, and subscriber-only promotions through their email newsletters. Signing up for these can help you snag deals before they go public, especially during seasonal sales or clearance events. Some stores even provide a welcome discount typically 5–15% just for subscribing.
18. Compare Materials and Construction Quality.
Not all furniture is built the same, even if it looks similar. Pay close attention to the materials used. Solid wood tends to last longer than particleboard, and high-quality fabrics or leather can withstand wear over time. Check details like joints, frames, and finishes to ensure durability. Spending a little more on well-constructed furniture can save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs or replacement.
There you have it–sixteen secrets to getting deals on furniture. Now, you’re ready to shop and save!