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If you’ve ever stared at a recliner in a showroom and thought, “I could get this cheaper later” - you’re not alone. Recliners aren’t like groceries; they don’t go on sale every week. But there is a right time to buy one, and knowing when can save you hundreds. The best month to buy recliners isn’t random. It’s tied to retail cycles, holidays, and how stores clear out old stock. Here’s exactly when to pull the trigger - no guesswork, no fluff.
January is the #1 Month to Buy Recliners
Right after New Year’s, furniture stores are clearing out last year’s models. Why? Because they need space for spring collections, and they’re chasing sales targets after the holiday rush. Recliners, especially higher-end ones with power lift, massage, or heated features, drop hard in January. You’ll see discounts of 30% to 50% on models that were priced at £800+ in December. Stores like DFS, Furniture Village, and even online retailers like Wayfair UK push big January sales to hit quarterly goals. Don’t wait for Black Friday - January is when the real deals start.
Why July and August Also Work
If you missed January, don’t panic. Summer is the second-best window. Why? Because people are focused on outdoor spaces - gardens, patios, BBQs. Indoor furniture gets sidelined. Retailers start preparing for autumn collections and begin moving summer stock. Recliners, especially those in lighter fabrics or pastel tones, get marked down. You’ll also find end-of-season clearance on discontinued colors or outdated styles. July and August are especially good for buying recliners with fabric upholstery. Leather recliners hold value better, so discounts are smaller, but you’ll still find deals.
What About Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday gets all the hype, but for recliners, it’s not always the best bet. Many retailers use it to push low-end models - thin padding, cheap frames, plastic mechanisms. You’ll see £300 recliners advertised as “premium,” but they won’t last five years. The real value is in mid-to-high-end models, and those rarely drop below January prices. If you do shop Black Friday, look for last year’s top-rated models - not this year’s “new arrivals.” Check reviews from late 2024 to find which recliners actually performed well. Then compare those to January clearance prices.
How to Spot a Real Deal
Not every “sale” is a bargain. Here’s how to tell if you’re getting real savings:
- Check the original price from 3 months ago - use tools like PriceHistoryUK or keep a screenshot of the product page.
- A 20% discount on a £500 recliner is £100 off. A 40% discount on a £900 recliner is £360 off. Focus on absolute savings, not percentages.
- Look for models that have been in stock for 6+ months. Stores mark down slow-movers.
- Ask if the price includes delivery. Many retailers charge £50-£100 extra. A “sale” price with delivery included is better than a lower price with shipping added.
What to Avoid
Some months are worse than others. Avoid buying recliners in:
- November - Retailers are holding inventory for Black Friday. Prices are at their highest.
- December - Holiday demand spikes. Shipping delays are common, and you’re paying premium prices for last-minute gifts.
- February - After January’s big sales, stores restock. Prices rise again.
Also skip “limited-time offers” that pressure you to decide in 24 hours. Recliners aren’t concert tickets. There’s always another sale coming.
Brand Matters - But Not as Much as Timing
Some brands hold their value better. La-Z-Boy, for example, rarely goes on sale - and when they do, it’s minimal. But brands like Bensons for Beds, Hartman, and even IKEA’s newer recliner models drop significantly in January. Don’t fixate on brand names. Focus on frame quality: hardwood frames last longer than particleboard. Look for double-doweled joints and eight-way hand-tied springs. A £600 recliner with a solid frame will outlast a £900 one with a flimsy one.
Online vs. In-Store: Where to Buy
Online retailers like Wayfair and Amazon often have lower prices, but you can’t test comfort. In-store shows let you sink into the cushion, check the recline angle, and test the armrests. The smart move? Use in-store to find your perfect fit, then search for the exact model online. Many stores match online prices if you show them a screenshot. DFS and Furniture Village have price-match guarantees - use them.
Don’t Forget the Warranty
Recliner mechanisms break. It’s not rare. A good warranty covers the frame for at least 5 years and the mechanism for 2-3 years. Some brands offer 10-year frame warranties - that’s a sign of confidence. Avoid anything with a 1-year warranty unless it’s a budget pick you’re okay replacing in 3 years. Always ask for the warranty in writing. Don’t rely on a salesperson’s word.
Final Tip: Set a Price Alert
Use Google Shopping or PriceTrackerUK to set alerts for your preferred recliner model. When the price drops, you’ll get an email. This works even if you’re not ready to buy yet. You’ll know when the next dip comes - and you won’t miss it. In 2024, one reader in Birmingham saved £420 on a La-Z-Boy Grand Recliner by waiting until January 12. She didn’t even know it was on sale until her alert popped up.
Bottom Line: When to Buy
January is your best shot. July and August are solid backups. Avoid November and December. Whether you’re shopping online or in person, focus on real savings - not fake discounts. A recliner is an investment in comfort. Don’t pay full price for something you’ll sit in for a decade.
Is it better to buy a recliner in January or during Black Friday?
January is almost always better. Black Friday pushes low-quality, entry-level recliners with inflated original prices. January clears out last year’s top models at 30-50% off, often with better frames and mechanisms. You’ll get more comfort and durability for your money in January.
Do recliner prices drop after Christmas?
Yes, significantly. After Christmas, stores need to make room for spring inventory. Recliners, especially those with fabric upholstery or discontinued colors, drop hard in early January. Some models see price cuts of up to 50%. This is the biggest discount window of the year.
Should I wait for a sale to buy a leather recliner?
Leather recliners don’t drop as much as fabric ones, but you can still find deals in January. Look for discontinued colors or older models. A leather recliner that was £1,200 in November might drop to £850 in January. Don’t expect 50% off - but 20-30% is common. Leather holds value, so the discount is smaller, but the quality lasts longer.
Are online recliner sales trustworthy?
Yes, if you stick to major retailers like Wayfair, DFS, or Bensons for Beds. Check return policies - you should have at least 30 days to return if it doesn’t fit. Read reviews for the exact model. Avoid unknown brands on Amazon with no customer photos or reviews. Stick to sellers with 4.5+ ratings and 100+ reviews.
What’s the average lifespan of a good recliner?
A well-made recliner with a hardwood frame and quality mechanism lasts 10-15 years with regular use. Cheaper models with particleboard frames and plastic gears may break in 3-5 years. Always check the warranty - a 5-year frame warranty is a good indicator of durability.
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