Best January Furniture Sales UK 2026: When & Where to Buy Sofas, Beds & More

January is genuinely THE best month to buy furniture in the UK. Not marketing hype—actual fact. Retailers clear Christmas stock, make room for spring collections, and offer the deepest discounts of the year. We're talking 30-70% off quality sofas, beds, and living room furniture.

But timing matters. Shop Boxing Day and face crowds for decent deals. Wait until mid-January and get better prices with calmer shopping. This complete 2026 guide tells you exactly when to shop where, what deals are real, and how to spot the rubbish "sales."

Why January Sales Are Actually Good (Unlike Most "Sales")

The Real Economics

Retailers NEED to clear stock in January:

Christmas inventory must go (new stock arriving February)
Slow month for spending (everyone's broke after December)
Floor space costs money (empty showrooms = wasted rent)
Tax year considerations (year-end for many businesses)

Translation: They're motivated to sell, you have leverage.

The Numbers

Average discounts by furniture type:

Sofas: 30-60% off
Beds & mattresses: 40-70% off
Coffee tables: 25-50% off
Dining sets: 30-55% off
Living room furniture: 30-50% off

These are genuine savings, not inflated RRPs marked "down."

The January Sale Timeline 2026

Boxing Day - 2 January: The Chaos Days

What's good:

Full stock availability
Online shopping avoids crowds
Some doorbuster deals (limited quantity)

What's bad:

INSANE crowds in stores
Websites crashing
Delivery times 6-8 weeks (everyone ordering)
Not actually the best prices

Our take: Shop online only, target specific items

3-10 January: The Sweet Spot Begins

What's good:

Crowds calm down
Better online stock
Same discounts as Boxing Day
Shorter delivery times

What's bad:

Popular items selling out
Some size/color options gone

Our take: Great balance of stock + deals

11-20 January: BEST VALUE PERIOD

What's good:

Second markdowns (if stock isn't moving)
Negotiation possible in stores
Staff have time to help properly
Delivery times normalizing

What's bad:

Stock getting picked over
Best-sellers may be gone
Limited size/color choices

Our take: This is when savvy shoppers buy

21-31 January: Final Clearance

What's good:

Deepest discounts (60-80% off remaining stock)
Floor models available cheap
End-of-line bargains

What's bad:

Very limited stock
Often "sold as seen" (no returns)
May have minor damage
Popular items long gone

Our take: For flexible buyers with time to hunt

Best January Sales 2026 by Retailer

DFS January Sale

When: Started 26 December, runs through January

Typical discounts: 30-50% off sofas, 4-year interest-free credit

What to buy: ✓ Fabric sofas (best deals) ✓ Corner sofas (clearance models) ✓ Sofa beds

What to avoid: ✗ Leather sofas (year-round similar prices) ✗ "Limited edition" upcharges

Insider tip: Negotiable in-store, especially mid-January. Ask for delivery discount or free protection.

Delivery: 8-12 weeks typically

Shop DFS January Sale

IKEA January Offers

When: Rolling offers throughout January for IKEA Family members

Typical discounts: 20-40% off selected ranges

What to buy: ✓ KIVIK sofas (frequent offers) ✓ MALM bedroom furniture ✓ Storage solutions (KALLAX, BILLY) ✓ Soft furnishings

What to avoid: ✗ Items not on offer (IKEA rarely does store-wide sales)

Insider tip: Join IKEA Family (free) for early access and extra discounts.

Delivery: 3-5 days click & collect, 1-2 weeks delivery

View IKEA January Offers

Best IKEA Sofas Reviewed

Dunelm January Sale

When: Started 26 December, ends late January

Typical discounts: 20-50% off homeware, 30-40% off furniture

What to buy: ✓ Curtains (huge reductions) ✓ Rugs (30-50% off) ✓ Bedding ✓ Soft furnishings ✓ Budget sofas

What to avoid: ✗ Electrical items (better deals elsewhere)

Insider tip: Clearance section in-store often better than online. Check both.

Delivery: Next-day available on stock items

Shop Dunelm January Sale

John Lewis January Clearance

When: Started 26 December, runs through January

Typical discounts: 20-50% off, final reductions late January

What to buy: ✓ Designer furniture (rare discounts) ✓ Mattresses (excellent deals) ✓ Homeware ✓ Quality sofas (but pricey even on sale)

What to avoid: ✗ Small items (Amazon often cheaper)

Insider tip: 2-year guarantee on everything. Worth paying slightly more.

Delivery: 7-14 days standard

Shop John Lewis Sale

Wayfair January Clearance

When: Ongoing all January, flash sales daily

Typical discounts: 30-70% off, up to 80% flash deals

What to buy: ✓ Coffee tables (huge selection) ✓ Accent chairs ✓ Rugs (best online selection) ✓ Storage furniture ✓ Smaller sofas

What to avoid: ✗ Large sofas (delivery issues, hard to return)

Insider tip: Sign up for email alerts. Flash sales at 10am daily.

Delivery: Varies, 1-6 weeks depending on item

View Wayfair Daily Deals

Made.com January Sale

When: Starts early January, runs 3-4 weeks

Typical discounts: 30-50% off selected ranges

What to buy: ✓ Mid-century modern furniture ✓ Designer-style sofas ✓ Velvet furniture (trendy, discounted) ✓ Coffee tables

What to avoid: ✗ Anything not explicitly on sale (expensive)

Insider tip: End-of-line pieces in "Outlet" section = best deals.

Delivery: 4-8 weeks (made to order)

Shop Made.com Sale

Next Home January Sale

When: Started 26 December

Typical discounts: Up to 50% off homeware and furniture

What to buy: ✓ Curtains and blinds ✓ Bedding ✓ Accessories ✓ Small furniture

What to avoid: ✗ Large sofas (limited selection)

Insider tip: Next Directory members get early access + spread cost.

Delivery: Next-day on stock items

Shop Next Sale

Furniture Village January Sale

When: Throughout January

Typical discounts: 30-50% off, clearance up to 70%

What to buy: ✓ Quality sofas (premium brands) ✓ Dining sets ✓ Oak furniture ✓ Beds and mattresses

What to avoid: ✗ Entry-level items (IKEA/Dunelm cheaper)

Insider tip: Excellent quality, worth paying more than budget retailers.

Delivery: 2-8 weeks depending on stock

Shop Furniture Village Sale

Dreams Beds January Sale

When: Throughout January, "Blue Cross Sale"

Typical discounts: 40-70% off beds and mattresses

What to buy: ✓ Mattresses (best annual deals) ✓ Bed frames ✓ Bedroom furniture

What to avoid: ✗ Bedding (Dunelm/IKEA better value)

Insider tip: Haggle. Seriously. Especially on floor models.

Delivery: 2-6 weeks

Shop Dreams Sale

What Furniture to Buy in January Sales

BEST VALUE: Sofas

Why January is perfect:

Biggest discounts (30-60% genuine)
New spring collections arriving = must clear old stock
Widest selection

What to target:

Fabric sofas (better deals than leather)
Corner sofas (take up showroom space = motivated to sell)
Last season's colors (functionally identical, £200-500 cheaper)

Budget guide:

Under £500: IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon
£500-1000: DFS, Furniture Village, Made.com
£1000+: John Lewis, Sofology, Sofa.com

Use our calculator: Sofa Size Calculator

EXCELLENT VALUE: Mattresses & Beds

Why January rocks:

40-70% discounts common
Health-focused New Year marketing = competitive pricing
Trying to hit January sales targets

What to target:

Mid-range mattresses (£300-800 range, best value)
Last year's models (technology hasn't changed)
Display models (test and buy same day)

Where to shop:

Dreams: Best selection, negotiable
IKEA: Budget options
John Lewis: Quality + 2-year guarantee

GOOD VALUE: Coffee Tables & Side Tables

Why January works:

25-50% off
Small items = easy to clear
Complement sofa purchases

What to target:

Solid wood (will last decades)
Storage coffee tables (functional)
Matching sets (side table + coffee table)

Where to shop:

Wayfair: Huge selection
IKEA: Budget solid options
Made.com: Designer styles

DECENT VALUE: Rugs

Why January is good:

30-50% off
Takes up floor space retailers want back
Pairs with furniture purchases

What to target:

Large rugs (200×290cm+) - biggest savings
Natural materials (wool, cotton)
Neutral colors (won't date)

Where to shop:

Dunelm: Best UK selection
Wayfair: Online variety
Rugs Direct: Clearance section

Complete Rug Buying Guide

MAYBE VALUE: Dining Sets

Why it's hit-and-miss:

Discounts exist (30-40%)
But dining furniture often same price year-round
Only buy if you were planning to anyway

What to target:

Solid wood sets (investment pieces)
Extendable tables (flexibility)

Where to shop:

Furniture Village: Quality options
IKEA: Budget extending tables
Oak Furniture Land: Solid wood specialists

How to Spot Fake Sales

Red Flags

❌ "Was £999, Now £499" with no previous selling history ❌ "72-hour flash sale" that's been running for weeks ❌ "RRP £1500" when item is new to market (what RRP?) ❌ "Up to 70% off" (one item is 70%, rest are 10%) ❌ "While stocks last" on made-to-order items

Green Flags (Genuine Sales)

✓ Specific % off specific items ("30% off KIVIK sofas") ✓ End of line clearly stated ✓ Previous prices verifiable (check price tracking sites) ✓ Limited stock on floor models ✓ Clearance section separate from main stock

Tools to Check Real Prices

CamelCamelCamel (Amazon price history) PriceRunner (Price comparison) Google Shopping (Compare retailers) Wayback Machine (Check historical website prices)

Negotiation Tips (Yes, You Can Haggle!)

Where You Can Negotiate

✓ DFS (in-store, especially mid-January) ✓ Furniture Village ✓ Dreams (massively) ✓ Sofology ✓ Independent retailers

Where You Can't

✗ IKEA (fixed prices) ✗ John Lewis (rarely budge) ✗ Dunelm (not typical) ✗ Online-only retailers

How to Negotiate

1. Go mid-week, mid-January (quiet, sales pressure on staff)

2. Show you're serious:

"I'm buying today if the price is right"
Have measurements ready
Know exactly what you want

3. Ask for extras, not just price reduction:

Free delivery (usually £50-100)
Free fabric protection (£50-150 value)
Upgraded cushions
Earlier delivery slot

4. Use competitors:

"Wayfair has similar for £X"
"I saw this cheaper at..."

5. Target floor models:

"What's your best price on the display sofa?"
"Any marks/damage I should know about?"
Often 40-60% off + negotiable further

6. Be nice:

Sales staff want to help nice people
Aggressive haggling backfires
"Is there any flexibility on price?" beats "That's too expensive"

Delivery & Returns: Know Before You Buy

Typical Delivery Times January 2026

IKEA: 3-5 days (click & collect), 1-2 weeks (delivery)
Dunelm: Next day (stock items), 1-2 weeks (order)
DFS: 8-12 weeks (made to order)
Wayfair: 1-6 weeks (varies by item)
Made.com: 4-8 weeks (made to order)
John Lewis: 1-2 weeks (stock), 4-8 weeks (order)

Expect delays in January - everyone's ordering.

Returns Policies

Check before buying:

IKEA: 365 days, original packaging required
John Lewis: 35 days online, 90 days in-store (some items)
DFS: 14 days (legal minimum)
Wayfair: 30 days, return shipping cost varies
Dunelm: 28 days
Made.com: 14 days

Sale items often have different returns policies - read carefully!

Delivery Costs

Standard:

IKEA: £35-95 (depending on size)
DFS: Often included or £50
Wayfair: Varies (£4.99-£100+)
Dunelm: £3.95-£40
John Lewis: Free over £50

Room of choice:

IKEA: £35-£75 extra
DFS: Usually included
Premium service: £50-150 extra

Assembly:

IKEA: TaskRabbit from £45
DFS: Usually included
Wayfair: Available, varies

Budget Planning: How Much to Spend

Living Room Refresh Budgets

Minimal (£200-500):

Budget sofa OR quality sofa covers: £150-350
Rug: £50-100
Cushions + throws: £40-60
Lamp: £20-40

Moderate (£500-1000):

Good sofa: £400-600
Rug: £100-150
Coffee table: £100-150
Accessories + lighting: £100-150

Complete (£1000-2000):

Quality sofa: £700-1000
Large rug: £150-250
Coffee table: £150-250
Accent chair: £200-300
Lighting + accessories: £200-300

Premium (£2000+):

Designer sofa: £1200-1800
Premium rug: £250-400
Statement coffee table: £300-500
Pair of chairs: £500-800
Full lighting package: £300-500

Complete Refresh Guide

January Shopping Strategy

Week-by-Week Plan

Now - 5 January:

Research what you want
Measure your space (Use Layout Calculator)
Set firm budget
Check prices across multiple retailers
Create shortlist

6-12 January:

Monitor for second markdowns
Visit stores mid-week if possible
Negotiate on big-ticket items
Place orders (decent delivery times still)

13-20 January:

BEST DEALS this week
Stock still decent
Negotiate aggressively
Buy if you find the right item

21-31 January:

Final clearance hunting
Floor models available
Flexible on color/style? Great deals here
Limited stock, damaged items possible

Online vs In-Store

Shop Online When: ✓ You know exactly what you want ✓ You've measured properly ✓ Better price than in-store ✓ Reviews are good ✓ Easy returns policy

Shop In-Store When: ✓ First sofa purchase (need to sit on it) ✓ Fabric/color critical ✓ Want to negotiate ✓ Can collect yourself (save delivery) ✓ Floor model deals

Red Flags: When NOT to Buy

Warning Signs

❌ Pressure tactics ("Sale ends today!" - it won't) ❌ No price history (likely inflated "sale" price) ❌ Delivery 16+ weeks (will you even want it then?) ❌ No returns on sale items (legal minimum is 14 days online) ❌ "Interest-free credit" hiding higher base price ❌ Can't find ANY reviews (new/rebadged product) ❌ "Final sale, sold as seen" with no viewing

When to Walk Away

Price is only 10-15% off (wait for more)
High-pressure sales environment
Can't verify quality (no reviews, can't see/touch)
Delivery time is ridiculous (12+ weeks)
Returns policy is terrible
Your gut says no

There will ALWAYS be another sale.

Top 10 January Sale Buys 2026

Based on value, quality, and genuine discounts:

1. IKEA KIVIK 3-Seater (£440, normally £499)

Pocket springs
Removable covers
10-year guarantee
Full review here

2. Dunelm Large Rugs (30-50% off)

Quality wool/cotton
Multiple sizes
Excellent sale prices

3. DFS Fabric Sofas (30-50% off)

4-year interest-free credit
Genuine discounts
Negotiable in-store

4. Dreams Mattresses (40-60% off)

Best annual deals
Try in-store
Massively negotiable

5. Made.com Outlet Items (40-60% off)

Designer styles
End of line
Limited stock but great value

6. Wayfair Coffee Tables (30-70% off)

Daily flash sales
Huge selection
Check reviews carefully

7. John Lewis Designer Furniture (20-40% off)

Rare discounts
2-year guarantee
Quality investment pieces

8. Next Home Curtains (30-50% off)

Good quality
Decent selection
Fast delivery

9. Furniture Village Dining Sets (30-50% off)

Solid wood
Quality construction
Worth the investment

10. IKEA Storage Solutions (20-30% off)

BILLY bookcases
KALLAX units
Always useful

Common January Sale Mistakes

Mistake #1: Buying First Thing Boxing Day

The trap: FOMO makes you buy immediately

Reality: Better deals come mid-January

Fix: Research now, buy 10-15 January

Mistake #2: Ignoring Measurements

The trap: "It'll fit, probably"

Reality: Delivery nightmare + return costs

Fix: Measure twice, buy once. Use our calculator

Mistake #3: Impulse Sale Purchases

The trap: "70% off!" (on something you don't need)

Reality: Clutter + wasted money

Fix: Shopping list BEFORE browsing

Mistake #4: Ignoring Total Cost

The trap: "Only £499!" (+ £100 delivery + £50 protection)

Reality: £649, not £499

Fix: Calculate full cost before committing

Mistake #5: Interest-Free Credit Trap

The trap: "Only £40/month!"

Reality: Paying £960 for £800 sofa if you miss payments

Fix: Pay cash or ensure you'll clear credit on time

The Bottom Line

January 2026 furniture sales are genuinely good IF:

✓ You shop smart (mid-month = best deals) ✓ You know what you want (research first) ✓ You've measured properly (no guessing) ✓ You check real prices (not fake discounts) ✓ You're patient (don't impulse buy Boxing Day)

Best strategy:

Research NOW (30 December - 5 January)
Shortlist 3-5 options per item
Monitor prices 6-12 January
Buy 13-20 January (sweet spot)
Or hunt bargains 21-31 January (flexible buyers)

The January sales are real. Use them wisely.

Ready to shop the January 2026 sales?

→ Free Sofa Size Calculator → Room Layout Planner → Best Budget Sofas Guide → New Year Refresh Guide

Last updated: 30 December 2025. Sale dates verified with UK retailers for January 2026. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.