Are furniture prices going down? What’s really happening in 2026

Furniture Deal Finder Calculator

Find Real Discounts in 2026

Based on article research: Prices aren't dropping broadly, but specific items have discounts. Calculate your potential savings.

Use this calculator to see potential savings based on your purchase timing and furniture type. Results are based on current 2026 clearance trends.

Pro Tip:

Real deals happen when stores need to clear inventory (late Jan-Feb). Check for clear reasons like "End of season" or "Overstock"—avoid vague "Special Offer" tags.

If you’ve been waiting to buy a new sofa, dining table, or bed because you thought prices would drop, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: furniture prices aren’t falling-yet. In fact, in early 2026, they’re holding steady after two years of volatility. What’s changed isn’t the cost, but the timing, the deals, and the way stores are clearing old stock.

Why prices didn’t crash like everyone expected

Back in 2022, furniture prices jumped 25% overnight. Shipping delays, lumber shortages, and inflation hit hard. By late 2023, things started calming down. But instead of dropping, prices stabilized. Why? Because manufacturers learned to build smarter. They switched to modular designs, used more recycled materials, and cut out middlemen. That meant they could keep costs predictable-even when inflation ticked up again in 2025.

What you’re seeing now isn’t a price drop. It’s a reset. Stores aren’t marking things down because they’re desperate. They’re doing it because they’ve overstocked from last year’s rush. And that’s your opening.

Where you’ll actually find discounts right now

Not all furniture is the same. Some pieces are sitting on warehouse floors. Others are flying off shelves. Here’s where to look for real savings in January 2026:

  • End-of-season outdoor sets-Even though it’s winter in New Zealand, stores are clearing last year’s patio furniture to make room for spring arrivals. You’ll find 40-60% off on wicker, aluminum, and teak sets.
  • Display models-Showrooms are replacing their floor samples with newer styles. These items are fully assembled, never used, and often come with free delivery. Look for signs that say “Floor Sample” or “As-Is.”
  • Overstocked color variants-That navy blue sectional you love? If it’s not selling, they’ll slash it. Neutral tones sell faster. Bold colors? They’re sitting. Check the back of the store.
  • Older model year bedroom sets-If you don’t care about the latest drawer glide or headboard design, last year’s bed frames and dressers are often 30% cheaper. Brands like IKEA and Freedom regularly update styles every 12-18 months.

What’s NOT on sale (and why)

Don’t waste your time waiting for discounts on these:

  • Smart furniture-Think beds with built-in massage, sofas with wireless charging, or desks that adjust height automatically. These are still in high demand. Prices haven’t budged.
  • Custom-made pieces-If it’s built to your size, fabric, or finish, it’s not sitting in a warehouse. No overstock here. No discounts.
  • High-end brands-BoConcept, Roche Bobois, and local artisans like Wellington’s Studio 12 don’t run sales. Their value is in craftsmanship, not clearance.

These items aren’t going on sale because they’re not overproduced. They’re made to order, and people are still buying them.

Overstocked bold-colored sofas and chairs tucked away in a warehouse aisle, with an employee holding a clearance list.

How to spot a real deal vs. a fake discount

Stores love to play games with pricing. That “Was $1,299, Now $899” tag? It might’ve been $899 all along. Here’s how to tell:

  1. Check the original price on the brand’s official website. If it’s the same or lower, the discount is fake.
  2. Look for price history tools like PriceTracker NZ or browser extensions like Honey. They show you if the price dropped in the last 90 days.
  3. Ask: “Is this price locked in today, or could it drop again next week?” If they hesitate, it’s a red flag.
  4. Real sales come with clear reasons: “End of season,” “Overstock clearance,” or “Model update.” Vague claims like “Special Offer” mean nothing.

In Wellington, stores like The Warehouse, Freedom, and local showrooms like The Design Collective are transparent about their clearance events. They’ll even show you the stock numbers-how many of that exact item are left. That’s your sign it’s real.

Timing matters more than price

The best time to buy furniture isn’t Black Friday. It’s late January to mid-February. Why? Because:

  • Stores have just closed their books for the year and need to clear inventory to hit targets.
  • Manufacturers are shipping new stock in, and old stock gets pushed to the front.
  • After the holiday rush, demand drops. Sales teams are desperate to move units.

By mid-February, most of the best deals are gone. If you wait until March, you’re paying full price again.

Split scene showing AI inventory systems and local furniture being loaded for delivery, representing smarter production.

What’s coming in 2026 that could change prices

There are two big shifts happening behind the scenes:

  • Local manufacturing is rising-New Zealand-made furniture from companies like Kākahi Workshop and Hutt Valley Furniture Co. is growing fast. They’re cutting import costs, and that’s starting to lower prices on solid wood pieces.
  • AI-driven inventory-Big retailers are using AI to predict exactly how many sofas to order. No more guessing. That means less overstock… and fewer sales.

So yes-prices might drop a little in 2026, but not because of a market crash. They’ll drop because we’re making furniture smarter, locally, and more efficiently. That’s good news for buyers who know when to act.

What to do right now

If you’re ready to buy:

  • Visit three stores in person. Don’t just browse online. See the quality, feel the fabric, check the joints.
  • Ask for the “clearance list.” Most stores have a hidden spreadsheet of discounted items. They won’t show it unless you ask.
  • Bundle your purchase. Buy a sofa and two side tables together. Many stores give 10-15% off for multi-item orders.
  • Don’t pay extra for delivery unless you need it. Pick up yourself and save $80-$150.

If you’re not ready? Wait until mid-February. But don’t wait longer. The next big wave of new inventory hits in March-and prices will climb again.

Final thought: It’s not about waiting for cheaper-it’s about knowing when to move

Furniture prices aren’t going down because the market collapsed. They’re going down because smart buyers are acting at the right time. The deals are real. The timing is tight. And if you wait for the perfect price, you’ll end up paying more.

Are furniture prices going down in 2026?

Not overall, but specific items are on sale. Prices have stabilized after the 2022-2023 surge. What you’re seeing now are clearance events on overstocked items, seasonal goods, and older models-not broad price cuts. The real discounts are on outdoor sets, display models, and unpopular colors.

When is the best time to buy furniture in New Zealand?

Late January through mid-February is your best window. That’s when stores clear last year’s inventory to make room for spring stock. After February, prices start rising again as new shipments arrive. Avoid waiting for Black Friday-furniture sales there are often smaller than in early winter.

Should I wait for a bigger sale later this year?

No. The next big wave of new furniture arrives in March, and stores won’t discount it. If you wait, you’ll miss the current clearance deals and pay full price for the same items. The best deals happen when stores have too much stock-not when they’re running low.

What furniture types are most likely to be discounted?

Outdoor furniture, display models, furniture in bold or unusual colors (like navy, emerald, or mustard), and older model year bedroom sets. These items sit on shelves longer and are the first to be marked down. Avoid discount hunting on smart furniture, custom pieces, or high-end brands-they rarely go on sale.

How can I tell if a discount is real or fake?

Check the original price on the brand’s official website. Use price-tracking tools like PriceTracker NZ. Ask if the price is locked in today. Real sales have clear reasons: “End of season,” “Model update,” or “Overstock.” Avoid vague tags like “Special Offer.” If the store won’t show you how many units are left, walk away.