Tis the Season to Buy Furniture

If you’ve been eyeing a particular sofa or chair, now is the time to buy.

According to the American Home Furnishings Alliance, July is the best month of the year to purchase furniture. Just like retailers put summer fashions on sale to make room for fall merchandise, furniture dealers discount items to clear show rooms for new items coming in August.

Unlike fall fashions, which may look dated next year, good furniture can last decades. Some great deals are right here among furniture retailers at Clarendon Market Commons.

Ethan Allen is offering to discount $50 for every $450 you spend. If you’re in the market for a new bed, I recommend taking advantage of this sale to buy the New Country four-poster bed. Modern meets country with this versatile bed at Ethan Allen. It looks great in any room with any style. I purchased this bed 11 years ago for my stepdaughter’s room. After she went off to college I used it in a guest room. Later I gave it to my niece, who is entering her senior year in high school, and the bed still looks new. It’s available in several finishes. You can purchase it with or without the canopy. 

Although sold as part of Ethan Allen’s office furniture, the British Classics barrister bookcase is a classic design that works in a living room, dining room, bedroom, foyer or even a closet. I simply love this piece. At $1,779, you’d save almost $200. 

If you actually need to update your work space, try Pottery Barn’s Delancy Smart Technology secretary. Styled to look like a 19th century New England furnishing, the secretary has loads of storage and a power supply strip with Internet and phone connections. This item is available via catalog only, but shipping cost are also reduced in July. Some retailers wave the cost.  

Speaking of catalogs, you may not know this but William Sonoma -- yes, the same place to buy great gourmet cooking tools -- has a home catalog. If they don't have it available at the Market Commons store, ask to get on the mailing list. Right now they have a huge sale. If you want style, check out the Presidio Settee, on sale for $1,299 from $2,250. Inspired by vintage Parisian furniture, this deep-seated settee is the essence of luxury. It's deep enough to double as a daybed. Try it in a blue velvet color. 

Go glam with the Presidio settee accented by the Tux Chair at Crate and Barrel. On sale for $499 from $899, this chair can work as an accent chair in the living room or bedroom. 

Crate and Barrel has both indoor and outdoor furniture on sale. But wait to buy outdoor furniture. August is the best time to buy that.