Finding the best furniture deals

The cost of home furnishings and decor can add up quickly. That's true if you're a first-time home buyer or shopping for your second residence.

Whether you're furnishing your home on a budget or just looking for the best furniture deals, the following tips may help.

Budgeting tips for home furniture deals

Everyone's home decor budget varies. However, these are common costs to consider while shopping for the best furniture deals.

• Delivery: Shipping and van or truck rental services can be costly. When shopping for the best furniture deals, consider the delivery fees associated with your purchases.
• Assembly: Factor assembly fees and installations into prices before committing to furniture deals.
• Restoration: Whether your purchases require repairs or restorations, consider getting a service quote before committing to any furniture deals.

8 ways to find the best furniture deals

1. Set a firm budget

It's easy to overspend on enticing furniture deals. That's why budgeting is essential. Before shopping, determine the maximum amount you can spend on furniture.

2. Be willing to settle or wait

If your wish list contains costly pieces, consider dupes made from less expensive materials. If some items don't have cheaper versions, consider waiting for the furniture deals to appear on popular reseller websites.

3. Shop online furniture deals

Shopping online is an excellent way to save money on home decor. Many stores even offer free shipping and reduced assembly fees. However, ensure you know each website's return policies and fees before committing to a deal.

4. Visit thrift shops

Secondhand stores are a great place to find furniture deals. Some even offer generous return policies. However, you may want to confirm each store's return policy and the associated shipping and restoration fees before committing to a purchase.

5. Search garage sales

Garage sales may offer cheap furniture deals. Searching websites, apps and local newspapers can help you locate them. Some listings even include inventory lists, prices and preview images. However, when shopping, consider the costs associated with shipping and assembly.

6. Wait for holiday sales

You may find furniture deals during popular holiday sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Memorial Day. You may even find free shipping and assembly fees. However, note each store's return policies because many holiday sales are final.

7. Add price alerts and comparisons

Consider setting up email notifications and price alerts while shopping online. Once your price alert is active, the company should email you if your beloved item goes on sale.

Price-comparison websites, like PriceGrabber and Honey, are excellent sale-locating resources. These tools quickly search a variety of online retailers for furniture deals.

8. Search auctions and liquidation Sales

If you're up for a DIY challenge, consider buying damaged items at furniture auctions and liquidation sales. While most furniture deals are sold as-is, you may get a great price if you're willing to handle restoration on your own. Ensure you know the company's return and shipping policies before committing to anything.

Protect your home furnishings

After finding your furniture deals, you may have more to protect. Contact your American Family Insurance agent to ensure your home policy's coverage limits still meet your needs.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.