Learn when to buy that perfect coffee table in order to maximize your savings.
The best times to buy a coffee table are 4th of July, 4th of July Weekend, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Labor Day Weekend, Presidents' Day, Presidents' Day Weekend, Wayfair Way Day, Black Friday, Black Friday Weekend, Cyber Monday, end of summer, end of winter, and back to school season.
Wait until end of winter
The next best time to buy a coffee table is during end of winter on Monday, February 3rd.
Why? Since new furniture is released biannually every spring and fall, the end of winter is when retailers look to make room for new spring furniture stock by running sales on last year's styles.
Now
Buy February 3rd
How often are Coffee Tables on sale?
Coffee tables are often on sale—about 30% of the year, or an average of 1-in-3.3 days.
As a new homeowner, one of the biggest thrills is filling your new space with furniture that reflects your style and personality. Among the plethora of decisions you face, choosing the right coffee table is not only about functionality and aesthetics but also about timing – specifically, finding the ideal window to scoop up that perfect piece without breaking the bank.
For homeowners on a budget, the quest for a stylish yet affordable coffee table isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it's a strategic purchase. With the average cost range of coffee tables sitting between $200 and $1,000[8], buying during a sales period is vital to ensuring you don't overpay. Let’s dive into the best times to bag a bargain on your living room centerpiece.
Coffee tables, like all furniture, have their own seasons. New models hit the showrooms in February and August, signaling that the current lines are on their way out. This makes Presidents' Day Weekend in February and Labor Day in September the best times of the year to buy a new coffee table.
Presidents' Day Weekend and Labor Day are the two best times to buy a coffee table.
Frequently, you'll find retailers start offering discounts on coffee tables before Presidents' Day and Labor Day in the hopes that lower prices will encourage customers to make their purchases, thus creating more room in their store inventory.
Historically, you can count on finding some of the steepest discounts of the year on coffee tables during Presidents' Day Weekend. Retailers are eager to use the holiday to move inventory just before new models hit the stores. It's an ideal time to find markdowns on still-trendy pieces from the previous season.
When buying a new coffee table, Labor Day Weekend is ideal. The furniture industry's seasonal cycle prompts showrooms to clear old stock for new designs, offering reduced prices on current-season tables. Labor Day sales help savvy buyers get premium pieces at discounted rates, making it one of the two best times to buy a coffee table, particularly if you're shopping for models released during the previous release period.
If you find yourself ready to purchase a new coffee table but find yourself in the middle of Presidents' Day and Labor Day, don't worry — there are plenty of other sales opportunities to help you furnish your space without breaking the bank.
Wayfair's Way Day Sale[12], usually in mid-April, has been a consistent home for hot deals on various furniture items, including coffee tables. With flash sales and significant price cuts, it’s definitely a date for your diary.
Memorial Day isn't just about remembering; it's also prime time for snagging quality furniture deals. Retailers offer competitive sales to draw in shoppers starting the summer season. For those eyeing a new coffee table, it's a great chance to grab one at a fraction of the price.
Keep an eye out for Memorial Day discounts[13] in flyers and ads, often lasting beyond the holiday. With new summer collections coming in, previous styles are marked down, allowing savvy shoppers to find great value without compromising on design or quality.
The extended weekend of Independence Day not only marks a celebration of freedom but is also synonymous with blockbuster sales events across the nation. Retailers strategically unleash a flurry of enticing promotions and discounts to captivate the attention of eager shoppers.
If you've been eyeing a specific style or product, this opportune moment presents itself as the perfect time to seize the deal and indulge in your desired purchase.
Amazon Prime Day[9], historically set in July, is an opportune time to shop for a coffee table. This exclusive event is designed for Amazon Prime members, showcasing substantial discounts that rival even the biggest retail holidays. It's smart to keep a watchful eye on Prime Day offerings as manufacturers and retailers often slash prices on a wide range of furniture, including stylish, high-quality coffee tables.
Additionally, with the convenience of online shopping and swift shipping options, you can quickly and efficiently enhance your living space while adhering to a budget.
As summer wanes and the Back-to-School season takes center stage, it's not only students who can capitalize on the deals that flood the market. This period is favorable for purchasing coffee tables that feature simple, budget-friendly designs.
If you're in the market for designer coffee tables, Back-to-School Season isn't the sales period for you. Instead, shop during one of the other sales periods mentioned on this list.
Retailers, aiming to attract parents and college students gearing up for the academic year, often extend their discounts to include various home furnishings. During this time, you’re more likely to come across basic, lower-end coffee tables that are designed to be the following:
Budget-friendly
Durable
Practical
Space-savers
Keep in mind, if you're in the market for a simple and unassuming coffee table, the Back-to-School season is a prime window of opportunity to find one at a discounted price. If you're in the market for a high-end or designer coffee table, Back-to-School Season isn't the sales period for you. You're much more likely to find a coffee table that fits your needs during other sales periods.
Thanks to the globalization of shopping events, you'll find the heavyweights of the retail world doling out colossal discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Coffee tables are often among the many heavily discounted items, with retailers offering steep discounts to entice you into making your purchase during this time.
Lastly, as the year draws to a close, it's essential not to overlook the hustle. Retailers are eager to maximize their annual revenue, turning end-of-the-year clearances into a treasure trove for individuals interested in finding that perfect coffee table to complement their living space. It's possible there won't be a wide variety of tables available as stores might see depleted inventory after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so keep that in mind as you're shopping during this time.
Understanding when to purchase a coffee table can make a significant difference for both your home decor and your finances. Timing your acquisition strategically can result in finding the ideal piece that both captivates your guests, makes your space feel more homey, and aligns with your budget.
When it comes to shopping for a new coffee table, conducting a little research before you start perusing storefronts can save you a lot of time.
However, with the coffee table market expected to grow exponentially by 2030[5], finding the right table for the right price could be a challenge. Now that you know the best time to buy a coffee table, let's look at some other useful tips to help first-time buyers and seasoned furniture purchasers navigate a busy market.
There are a ton of design options available on the market, so taking some time to explore different styles can save you time when you start perusing store inventories. Wayfair has a handy guide[7] that describes (and includes pictures) some of the common styles available on the market.
By doing a little research before shopping, you’re more likely to find something that still aligns with your vision at an unbeatable price.
Before any shopping expedition, know the dimensions of your space and the ideal size for your coffee table. Knowing the dimensions of the space you're outfitting with furniture can also help you decide on the shape of the coffee table you'd like.
There are 5 common coffee table shapes that you'll see on the market.
Rectangular - According to Joss and Main[6], rectangular coffee tables are the most popular coffee table shape. They're best suited for living rooms with a longer sofa or a living room with a larger seating area.
Round - Round coffee tables are an excellent option for smaller living rooms or seating areas.
Square - Square coffee tables are good options for living rooms or seating areas that feature a large number of seats.
Oval - Oval coffee tables are similar to rectangular ones in that they are best suited for seating areas with longer couches.
Abstract Shapes - While there might not be as many options available on the market as the four listed above, abstractly shaped coffee tables include any shape that falls outside the common shapes.
Determine your budget and where you're willing to be most flexible. Maybe the savings from your coffee table can be reallocated to a more crucial purchase elsewhere.
While physical stores might have sales that aren’t advertised online, e-commerce platforms offer convenience and often have a broader selection. Regardless of which store option appeals to you, both frequently host sales on the holidays listed above.
Hold out during non-sales periods. The brief wait for an upcoming sale could save you significantly. We've made this easy by listing out the best times to buy a coffee table, so don't be afraid to window shop during non-sales times because, chances are, they'll be on sale soon.
A coffee table isn’t just furniture; it’s a reflection of your home, your daily routines, and your personal style. It's also a piece of furniture in one of the rooms where Americans spend an average of 20% of their time at home[11]. Therefore, the hunt for the perfect one should match the thoughtfulness of its eventual place in your home. Whether you’re looking for your first-ever table to round out your living room or if you’re a seasoned homeowner aiming to refresh your space without depreciating your investment, timing your purchase to align with these sales seasons can be your most invaluable tool.
So, remember this guide, and as the year unfolds, be strategic, patient, and ready to leap when the prices are right. With these insider tips, you’re well on your way to finding your perfect coffee table at an enviable price. Your living room — and your wallet — will thank you.
The best times to buy a coffee table are 4th of July, 4th of July Weekend, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Labor Day Weekend, Presidents' Day, Presidents' Day Weekend, Wayfair Way Day, Black Friday, Black Friday Weekend, Cyber Monday, end of summer, end of winter, and back to school season.
With the release of new pieces on the horizon, retailers start considering the best way to create space for new inventory, and the 4th of July creates the perfect sales opportunity.
With the release of new pieces on the horizon, retailers start considering the best way to create space for new inventory, and the 4th of July creates the perfect sales opportunity.
Prime Day is a two-day-long sales event that boasts massive discounts on items across the site. Look for excellent deals on smaller pieces of furniture like shelves, bookshelves, coffee and side tables, lamps, and decor.
New furniture is released biannually every spring and fall. At the end of summer, retailers run massive sales to clear out old stock and make room for new fall designs.
Since new furniture is released biannually every spring and fall, the end of winter is when retailers look to make room for new spring furniture stock by running sales on last year's styles.
Labor Day creates a three-day weekend and is one of the best times to shop for end-of-summer deals. With the release of new furniture right around the corner, retailers are motivated to make room in their inventories. Expect to find excellent deals on seasonal summer pieces, outdoor furniture, and dining room sets as people look ahead and start finalizing their plans for the upcoming holiday season.
Labor Day creates a three-day weekend and is one of the best times to shop for end-of-summer deals. With the release of new furniture right around the corner, retailers are motivated to make room in their inventories. Expect to find excellent deals on seasonal summer pieces, outdoor furniture, and dining room sets as people look ahead and start finalizing their plans for the upcoming holiday season.
Presidents’ Day and Presidents’ Day Weekend is the best time to find a deal on last year’s pieces. Retailers hope you will spend one of your additional days off shopping while using the sale to make room for the release of new styles.
Presidents’ Day and Presidents’ Day Weekend is the best time to find a deal on last year’s pieces. Retailers hope you will spend one of your additional days off shopping while using the sale to make room for the release of new styles.
Wayfair’s Way Day sale began in 2018 as a response to Amazon’s Prime Day. In 2022, Wayfair added two sales to the year: one in April and another in October. On top of the normally reasonable Wayfair prices, you can expect to find discounts of up to 80% on furniture such as rugs, decor, lighting, side tables, and more.
To coincide with the tax-free holiday that brings in more shoppers, retailers will often feature sales on dorm room and apartment-friendly furniture (though these items are still taxed). Keep an eye out for sales on items like limited mattresses, bedframes, desks, chairs, bookshelves, and small dining sets.
Some of the biggest sales of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to snag some serious deals on furniture. With the end of the year quickly approaching, many retailers will use Black Friday Weekend to discount freshly released inventory and meet annual sales quotas.
Some of the biggest sales of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to snag some serious deals on furniture. With the end of the year quickly approaching, many retailers will use Black Friday Weekend to discount freshly released inventory and meet annual sales quotas.
Some of the biggest sales of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to snag some serious deals on furniture. With the end of the year quickly approaching, many retailers will use Black Friday Weekend to discount freshly released inventory and meet annual sales quotas.
