How to Find Great Furniture Deals—Even with Tariffs and Rising Prices

Your stylish space doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

But it can definitely feel that way. You see other people's beautifully decorated homes, from the living room to the bathroom, and omg, you know you'd sleep better if you could decorate your bedroom on their budget.

This is one reason why we are so passionate about the Spoken website. You can find the same (or similar) items for less, and we automatically display the most up-to-date price options for over one million furniture and decor items on our website.

Why Is Furniture So Expensive Right Now?

If you’ve been furniture shopping lately and felt your jaw drop at the price tags, you’re not alone. Many people are furniture shopping on a budget, but it often feels impossible when prices seem to be increasing.

Between global shipping delays, looming tariffs on imported goods, and general inflation, furniture prices have climbed significantly over the past few years. That chic accent chair, which used to be $299, may now cost $499, and take 12 weeks to arrive. It's hard to justify, honestly.

But here’s the good news: with a little strategy (and a bit of patience), you can still furnish your home beautifully without breaking the bank. I hope this blog will inspire you to find the best possible furniture deals today, while still staying true to your amazing style.

1. Shop Smart by Timing the Market

Many people don't shop for furniture as frequently as they do for other items, such as clothing or technology. Understandably so. However, since you don't shop for furniture as often, you may not realize that furniture also has seasonal pricing patterns. Understanding these patterns can help you find the best furniture deals when shopping for furniture on a budget.

Here’s when to look for the biggest markdowns:

• January & February: Retailers clear out old stock after the holidays
• July & August: Mid-year clearance before fall collections drop
• Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are usually great times to find furniture deals!

And where to find the best furniture deals:

• Brand outlets like West Elm Outlet, Pottery Barn Outlet, etc.
• Warehouse sales from local showrooms
• Online flash sales from sites like Wayfair, Article, and Overstock. If you're on their e-mail lists, you'll likely be the first to know about these sales.

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Secondhand

Some of the best deals come from someone else’s downsizing spree. There are used furniture deals popping up every single day, every time someone decides to move, downsize, or make a furniture impulse buy. Lucky for you, that's how many of the best used furniture deals and thrifted home decor items can come into your life.

Great places to search for vintage furniture or thrifted home decor deals include:

• Facebook Marketplace (set alerts for brands or keywords)
• Craigslist and OfferUp
• Estate sales and local thrift shops

Look for quality pieces, such as solid wood, vintage styles, or unique finds that you can’t get new. A little sanding or reupholstering can make a $40 dresser look like a designer piece. Used furniture for the win!

3. Buy in Phases—and Prioritize Essentials

Furnishing a home all at once is overwhelming (and expensive). One of my favorite tips for finding affordable furniture is to buy in phases. It's easier to find budget-friendly home decor when you're focused on which essentials you want to purchase first. Instead of looking at all the things at once, you can try this approach:

• Focus on anchor pieces first—like your sofa, bed, or dining table
• Add accent furniture and decor slowly
• Use wishlists and price trackers (like Honey, Karma, or Spoken) to wait for price drops

This slower approach allows you to shop intentionally and avoid buyer’s remorse.

4. Choose Materials That Offer Better Value

Not all furniture is created equal. When money’s tight, material matters. So, you want to find furniture and decor that lasts. This is another super important budget furniture tip. Here's what to look for and what to skip when choosing new or secondhand furniture.

Look for:

• Solid wood or metal frames
• Slipcovers (for easy washing and style flexibility)
• Multi-functional designs (like storage beds or extendable tables)

Skip:

• Flimsy MDF or particleboard that won’t survive a move
• “Fast furniture” that looks good now but won’t last the year

5. Know Where Tariffs Hit—and Where They Don’t

Tariffs target furniture imported from certain countries, the steepest tariffs on items made in Asia, including China and Bangladesh. There are also tariffs on items made in Canada and Mexico, but many are exempted if they are USMCA-compliant. It can be a little tricky to figure it all out. It can be tricking understanding the ins and outs of furniture tariffs and how to shop around them.

Tariffs on imports from the EU, Vietnam, Japan, and the Phillipines have been delayed until August 1. These delays could be extended further, or they may begin to impact the cost of furniture and materials imported from these countries, as well.

Your best bet for avoiding tariffs right now is likely one of the following options:

• Shop from U.S.-based furniture companies
• Look for refurbished or upcycled furniture
• Explore smaller, independent brands that make pieces domestically
• Shop in-stock items when shopping online. If a company already has an item in their warehouse, it's possible that tariffs haven't impacted the piece's price, at least not yet.

Not only do these options avoid tariff-related markups, but they often offer faster shipping and better craftsmanship.

6. Ask Questions (and Hunt for Hidden Deals)

We're all wondering how to save on furniture right now. Sometimes the best deals aren’t listed online. You can search for local furniture deals by asking retailers directly:

• “Do you have any floor models or returns you’re discounting?”
• “Are there upcoming promotions or bundled deals?”
• “Would you be willing to discount for cash or local delivery?”

This works especially well at local furniture stores, consignment shops, and independent design showrooms.

Style Shouldn’t Be a Luxury

You don’t need a massive budget—or to wait until the economy stabilizes—to create a home you love. Whether you’re furnishing a cozy apartment or refreshing your family room, there are always creative ways to save without sacrificing comfort or personality.

Beautiful, well-made furniture is still out there. You just need to know where (and how) to look. And, you can always double-check on Spoken to ensure you're getting the best price on exact and similar items across the web.