Don’t get burned by a bargain: How to spot a quality investment this Black Friday

Black Friday is a fantastic time to find a deal, but it's important to know the difference between a cheap buy and a smart investment. We’ve all seen those Black Friday furniture deals that look too good to be true, and sometimes, they are. A bargain that falls apart in a year isn’t a bargain at all!

This Black Friday, we want to help you shop with confidence. The key is to shift your mindset from chasing a low price to making a smart Black Friday investment. Here’s how you can spot high-quality furniture that will last for years to come.

The true cost of a "Bargain"

When you buy a piece of furniture, you're not just paying for a chair or a bed—you’re paying for comfort, durability, and style. A low-cost, low-quality piece might seem like a great deal, but if it has a flimsy frame, uses cheap materials, or wears out quickly, you'll end up replacing it sooner than you think. That means more money spent in the long run and more hassle for you.

A real black friday bargain is a piece of furniture that's built to last, offering excellent value for money over its lifetime. It’s about getting a great discount on something that's genuinely high-quality.

How to spot a quality piece of furniture on Black Friday

You might not be able to physically inspect every piece of furniture, especially when shopping online. But there are still plenty of clues that can tell you a lot about its quality. Here are a few quick checks that you can do before going ahead with a purchase.

The frame: A good sofa or bed should have a strong, sturdy frame. Look for materials like solid wood, plywood, or metal. Avoid anything described as particleboard or cardboard, which won't stand the test of time.
The filling and support: For sofas and armchairs, check the cushions. High-density foam or feather-filled cushions will last longer and hold their shape better. For beds and mattresses, look for a good spring count or high-quality foam.
The fabric and finish: Is the fabric a durable, tightly woven material? Is the leather genuine? A well-made piece will have a smooth, professional finish with no loose threads, wobbly joints, or visible glue.
The weight: While you can't lift an item online, a quick look at the shipping weight can give you a clue. A heavier piece often means a sturdier, higher-quality construction.

A furniture quality checklist

Now we know what to look out for, let's go deeper to understand what goes into your furniture to help you make the most informed decision. Here is a breakdown of the most important materials you'll come across and why they matter.

What makes a strong frame?

Solid wood (Hardwood): This is the gold standard for durability. Kiln-dried hardwood (like oak, ash, or maple) is incredibly strong, resistant to warping, and can last for decades. "Kiln-dried" means the wood has been dried slowly to remove moisture, preventing cracks and warping later on.
Plywood: High-quality plywood can also be very strong, especially for curved sections or less visible parts of a frame. However, cheap plywood or particleboard should be avoided because they are prone to breaking and sagging over time.
Metal: Steel frames are common in modern designs and are exceptionally durable. Keep an eye out for any welding points and make sure that they are clean and strong.

Understanding fillings and suspensions

High-density foam:This is a popular choice for cushions and mattresses. "High-density" means it will keep its shape longer and provide better support than lower-density foams, which can quickly sag and flatten.
Fibre-fill: Often used for a softer, more plush feel, fibre-fill can be very comfortable. However, you will need to do regular plumping to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming lumpy.
Feather/Down: For ultimate luxury, feather-filled cushions offer incredible softness. They also need regular plumping to look their best. Sometimes, a combination of foam core with a feather wrap offers both support and softness.
Spring Systems: For sofas and armchairs, good suspension is crucial. Suspension gives the foundational support and comfort needed to keep your furniture looking great and prevent sagging over time.

Eight-way hand-tied springs: The absolute best, though rare and expensive. Each spring is tied to its neighbours and the frame in eight directions for supreme support.
Sinuous springs: S-shaped wires running from the front to the back of the frame. They offer good support and are pretty durable.
Webbing: Strips of elastic material stretched across the frame. While more affordable, they tend to offer less long-term support than springs.

Fabrics, leathers, and finishes

Natural fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, and genuine leather are breathable and durable. Always ask about the "rub count" for fabric—a higher number (e.g., 20,000+) indicates better durability against wear and tear.
Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are often blended with natural fibres to improve durability, stain resistance, and fade resistance. Microfibre is a good option too, being soft and durable.
Leather: Full-grain leather is the highest quality, durable and breathable. Top-grain leather is also excellent, offering a great balance of quality, comfort, and resistance to stains at a more affordable price than full-grain leather. Avoid "bonded leather," which is often made from scraps and synthetic materials and won't last.
Finishes (for wood furniture): Look for smooth, even finishes. Multiple layers of varnish can show a high attention to detail and offer better protection against spills and scratches.

Why a bargain isn't always a saving for your Black Friday investment

It’s easy to get carried away on the initial price tag, especially with a Black Friday furniture deal. But to be a smart shopper, you should start thinking about the long-term value. We call this the "Cost Per Year" mindset, and it’s how you turn a simple purchase into a savvy Black Friday investment.

To better help you understand this “Cost Per Year” idea, let's have a look at a real example:

Sofa A: Costs £400 on a Black Friday discount. It's made with a particleboard frame and low-density foam cushions. It looks good initially, but after 3 years, the cushions sag, the frame starts creaking, and the fabric looks worn. You need to replace it.

Cost Per Year: £400 in total over 3 years = Roughly £133 per year.

Sofa B: Costs £1000. It’s a higher-quality piece with a kiln-dried hardwood frame and high-density foam wrapped in fibre. It's also on a fantastic Black Friday deal, saving you a few hundred pounds on its original price. This sofa is built to last. With proper care, it comfortably lasts for 15 years.

Cost Per Year: £1000 in total over 15 years = Roughly £66 per year.

Even though Sofa B was more expensive on the day, it’s significantly cheaper in the long run. This is why making a decision based on quality instead of just the price tag is so important.

4 questions to ask before you commit to a Black Friday bargain

Before you click “add to cart” or say “I’ll take it!”, take a moment to ask some important questions based on what we’ve learned in this blog today. Taking a moment to have some internal dialogue before making an impulse purchase could potentially save you a significant amount of time and money in the long run.

What is this piece of furniture made of?

Don't settle for vague descriptions. Ask for specifics about the frame materials, the cushion fillings, and the fabric. It might be handy to write down some of the materials that we discussed today, just to make sure you know what you’re looking for.

What kind of warranty or guarantee does it come with?

A company or outlet store that is confident in its products will offer a good warranty. This is a pretty good indicator of quality and the confidence they have in what they are selling you. Longer warranties (e.g., 5-10 years on frames) are a definite green flag for durability.

Does this piece of furniture or business have good reviews?
- When shopping at an outlet, reviews are your best friend. A quick check of what other customers are saying can tell you everything you need to know about the store's trustworthiness and the quality of their products. So keep an eye out for those reviews, they're a great way to spot a green flag or even a red flag in some cases.
How do I look after it to make sure that it lasts?
- This shows you're thinking long-term. Knowing the recommended care for the fabric, wood, or leather will help you protect your new investment. A good retailer or outlet should be able to give you some good tips and tricks on how to best take care of your furniture piece.

Simple care and maintenance tips

And since we are on the topic of care, let's take a look at some ways you can go the extra mile and make sure that you’re properly looking after your furniture. By following a few simple care routines, you can extend the life of your new black friday bargain and keep it looking fantastic for many years to come.

Protect your furniture from the sun and the heat

Direct sunlight can fade fabrics and crack leather over time. Try to position furniture away from direct, prolonged sunlight or use curtains to filter rays. Keep wooden furniture away from direct heat sources, such as radiators.

Make sure that you are regularly cleaning your furniture

A clean piece of furniture is a happy piece of furniture. Cleaning it regularly will give that piece more longevity and mean more value for your money. Here are some ways to ensure you’re taking care of your furniture.

Vacuum fabrics

Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and crumbs.

Wipe down wood

Use a soft, damp cloth for regular dusting. For deeper cleaning, use a furniture polish specifically designed for the type of wood and do your best to avoid harsh chemicals.

Take care of your leather

Dust regularly with a soft cloth. Use a specialist leather cleaner and conditioner a few times a year to keep it supple and prevent cracking. For more information on cleaning your leather furniture, have a look at our sofa guide on “How to Clean a Leather Sofa”.

Fluff and rotate cushions

For sofas and armchairs, regularly plump and rotate your seat and back cushions to maintain their shape. This is going to help them stay in the shape you bought them and stop them from sagging.

Mind the weight

Don't let children (Or adults, even) jump on sofas or use dining chairs as tools to reach the top shelf. Over time, this kind of stress can weaken frames and joints, even on high-quality pieces.

Address spills immediately

Accidents happen! Clean up spills immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for specific fabrics. If you need a bit more advice on cleaning a fabric sofa, we have you covered with our sofa guide on “How to clean a fabric sofa”.

Making an excellent Black Friday investment this year with Heatons Furniture

Shopping at a trusted outlet is one of the best ways to ensure you get quality furniture on Black Friday. At Heatons Furniture Outlet, we specialise in providing genuine savings on big-name brands. We believe you should never have to choose between a good price and a high-quality product.

Our pieces are carefully sourced, so you can be confident that you’re getting a Black Friday bargain that will stand the test of time and provide comfort and style for years to come.

So, if you’re in the market for a new sofa, mattress, bed, or armchair this Black Friday, why not come on down and see our incredible range for yourself? Or, if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, our deals are just a click away.

If you have any questions, you can always give us a call or drop us an email.