Best time to buy furniture and when sales are real

Verdict: Wait for a known sale window, then verify the price. Many stores always look like they are on sale, so the tag proves little.

Furniture stores are known for near-constant sales. A banner says 40 percent off every week. That makes timing harder, because a sale is not always a change in price. The better approach is to check the price over time and buy at a known low.

Dates change each year, so treat these as patterns and check the retailer.

When is furniture usually cheaper?

In general:

• January. New styles arrive, and stores clear last year's floor models.
• Midsummer. Another reset before fall. Some stores run big sales.
• Holiday weekends. Long weekends in spring, summer and fall often have store-wide events.
• November sale season. Good for online stores and some bundles.

Ruling: Pick a window, then check the price for that exact piece.

How do you tell a real sale?

Use the price-history check. Look at the last 30 days, the last 90 days and the last big event. If a sofa has been 30 percent off for months, that is its price. See how to spot a fake sale before you buy.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A sofa tag says "was $1,500, now $1,000". The price history shows it at $1,000 for six months. The sale is just the price. If last year's holiday event dipped it to $850, that is your target.

Ruling: Compare with its own history, not the tag.

What about floor models and open box?

Floor models are display pieces sold at a discount. They can be a good value if the wear is minor. Check the fabric, the frame and the cushions. Ask about the warranty and the return rules. Open box items have been returned or opened. Check for missing parts.

Ruling: Buy a floor model only after you inspect it up close.

What is the full cost?

Add delivery, assembly and haul-away. Some stores charge a delivery fee on large items. Assembly can add to the cost for flat-pack pieces. Measure the room, the doors and the stairs.

Bedroom items follow the same pattern as mattresses. See best time to buy a mattress without overpaying.

When should you not wait?

Buy now if you have moved in and have no seating or bed. Daily comfort is worth more than a small saving. Also, buy now if a piece is custom-made, since lead times can be long. Plan for weeks, not days.

What are common mistakes?

• Buying from the banner instead of the history.
• Skipping the doorway and stair measurements.
• Not reading the return policy. Some furniture is final sale or has a restocking fee.
• Ignoring the cost of delivery and assembly.
• Choosing fabric from a photo. Order a swatch if you can.

How do you check quality without trying it?

Read the frame material, the weight limit and the warranty. A solid frame lasts longer than a cheap one with a nice cover. For sofas, check the cushion fill and how the seat is built. Ask about the return policy before you buy, since you cannot test comfort online.

Ruling: Frame and cushions first, fabric second.

Should you buy used?

Used furniture can be a great value, especially solid wood pieces. Check for pests, damage and smells. Measure first. For upholstered items, be careful, since cleaning is hard. Buy from a seller who lets you inspect the piece.