3 Black Friday furniture mistakes to avoid

Black Friday is nearly here, and with it comes the chance to find some fantastic deals for your home. But before you get lost in the excitement of the sales, it's worth taking a moment to plan your shopping. A little preparation can save you from making a purchase you might regret. Remember, a great deal is only great if it's the right piece for you.

To help you shop smart and confidently this season, we’ve put together a guide on how to avoid the most common Black Friday furniture mistakes. Before we get into that, let’s take a second to understand what Black Friday is all about and how it all started.

What is Black Friday, and where did it all start?

No doubt you’ve heard of Black Friday, but have you ever wondered why it’s called that? The name actually has a fascinating history, and it's not quite what you might think.

The term didn't start with shopping at all. In the 1950s, police in Philadelphia, USA, began using "Black Friday" to describe the huge crowds and traffic jams that would descend on the city the day after Thanksgiving. People would flood in for holiday shopping and to attend the big Army-Navy football game on the weekend, making it a chaotic day for the police.

Retailers weren't too keen on the negative name at first. So, in the 1980s, they gave it a new, more positive meaning. They created a story that Black Friday was the day when businesses finally went "into the black" for the year—meaning they started making a profit. This clever bit of marketing stuck, and the day became officially known as the start of the holiday shopping season.

Today, Black Friday is a global phenomenon that has made its way to the UK, offering some of the best deals of the year, including furniture deals. It's a day of incredible discounts and offers, but as you know, it's also a day to shop smart.

Common Black Friday furniture mistakes, and how to avoid them

Now that you know a little more about how Black Friday came to be, you can see why it has become such a big deal for shoppers. With so many amazing black friday deals out there, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But to make the most of the day and find the perfect furniture pieces for your home, it’s important to stay focused. Here are some ways to avoid common mistakes shoppers make when buying furniture on Black Friday.

Mistake 1: Not measuring your space

This is probably the most common mistake when shopping for furniture online or in a new space. You fall in love with a sofa, a bed, or a sideboard, but you didn’t confirm the dimensions. The worst-case scenario? The piece is too big for the room, or even worse, it won't fit through the door, up the stairs, or around that tight hallway corner. This turns an exciting purchase into a logistical nightmare and, in some cases, a costly return.

The excitement of seeing a great Black Friday furniture deal takes over. Shoppers get so focused on the price and the look of the item that they skip the practical step of measuring. They often assume, "it looks about right," or "it should fit," without actually checking the numbers. This is especially true for large items like corner sofas or king-size beds.

So how can we avoid it and do things correctly?

Get a tape measure: This is your most important tool. It will make checking dimensions, spaces and even doorways much easier.
Measure your room: Carefully note the length, width, and height of the space where you want to place the new item. Think about how the furniture will sit and if there will be enough space to walk around it.
Measure your access points: Check the width and height of all doorways, hallways, and staircases that the furniture will need to pass through to reach its final destination. It’s not good to get a great furniture deal that has to stay outside.
Create a floor plan: A simple sketch on a piece of paper can help you visualise how your new piece will fit with your existing furniture. You can also use masking tape on the floor to mark out the dimensions of the new piece of furniture.

Mistake 2: The Impulse Buy

The pressure of Black Friday can make you feel like you have to make a split-second decision. You might see a huge discount and think, "I have to buy this now!" without giving it much thought. The problem is that once the excitement fades, you're left with a piece of furniture that you didn’t really need or even want, for that matter.

You might end up with a piece that doesn't match your home's style, or a sofa that isn't as comfortable as you had hoped, which can lead to buyer's remorse and a waste of money.

So, why is this so common and how do we always get caught up in the excitement? Well, retailers are masters at creating a sense of urgency during Black Friday deals. Limited-time offers, countdown clocks, and big "SALE" signs can make you feel pressured to act fast before that beautiful 4 seater sofa is gone.

You might not have done your research, and you buy something simply because the price is low, not because you've been looking for that specific item. And before you know it, you have a new 4-seater sofa all to yourself in your one-bedroom apartment. If you don’t want that to be the case, here’s some advice:

Make a shopping list: Before Black Friday begins, decide exactly what you need. Are you looking for a new bed? A set of dining chairs? Having a plan will keep you focused and keep you from wandering off.
Don't buy just because it's a deal: Ask yourself, "Would I buy this if it wasn't on sale?" If the answer is no, it's not an actual saving.
Consider your current style: Take a moment to think about how the piece will fit in with your current decor and colour scheme. A great deal on a sofa that clashes with everything in your living room isn't a bargain at all.
Research beforehand: Browse different options and read reviews from other customers before the big day. When you see a great black Friday deal on a sofa you've already researched, you can be confident you're making a smart purchase.

Mistake 3: Ignoring quality for a low price

It's natural to want the lowest possible price, but it's important not to sacrifice quality for a bargain. A piece of furniture that seems cheap might be made with flimsy materials and fall apart quickly. Was it really a great deal if you have to replace it a year later?

The main focus during Black Friday can be on the percentage discount or the final price. Shoppers get so focused on the number that they overlook the details about the materials and construction. They might assume all furniture is built the same, but the build quality can be very different from one brand to another. So before you go out and buy that top-of-the-range mattress for 90% off, consider these tips:

Check the materials: Look for details in the product description. Does the item have a solid wood frame or a cheaper particleboard one? Is the fabric a high-quality, durable weave or a thin material that is probably going to rip easily?
Read the details: A high-quality piece of furniture will often have detailed information about its construction quality. Look for specifics like cushion filling, frame type, and leg materials.
Research the brand: If you're buying from a brand you're unfamiliar with, do some quick research on their reviews. At Heatons Furniture Outlet, we take pride in offering genuine savings on big-name brands, so you know you're getting quality.
Look for warranties: A company that stands by the quality of its products will often offer a warranty or guarantee. This is a great sign that the item is built to last.

Things to consider when shopping at a furniture outlet store on Black Friday

When you're searching for Black Friday furniture deals, an outlet store can be a fantastic place to find a bargain. Unlike regular retail stores, outlets often have a unique business model that allows them to offer incredible discounts. But what should you look out for to make sure you're getting the best value?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping at a furniture outlet this Black Friday:

Look for genuine quality and brands: An outlet store's biggest selling point is a low price, but you still want quality. The best outlets offer high-quality, big-name brands. This means you can get a brand you trust for a fraction of the cost.
Check out the stock: Outlet stores source their items in different ways—from cancelled orders to ex-display models or overstock. This can be a goldmine for unique finds. It's often a good idea to visit in person if possible, as you can see the exact piece you're buying and check its condition.
Ask about services: A great deal on an armchair or sofa is one thing, but how will it get to your home? Look for outlets that offer professional delivery, especially for large items. In some cases, delivery might even be free if you’ve purchased a big-ticket item. Some outlets even offer added services like assembly or old furniture removal, which can save you a lot of hassle.
Have a look at what previous customers are saying: A good furniture outlet should have good reviews from other customers. A customer is not going to leave a good review if they have taken their new piece of furniture home only to have it fall apart the very next day. So make sure to check their Google reviews, Trustpilot or any other reviewing platform before making a purchase.

Happy shopping at Heatons Furniture this Black Friday

We hope this guide helps you shop smarter and more confidently this Black Friday. By avoiding these common black Friday furniture mistakes, you can focus on finding great deals that you'll be happy with for years to come.

At Heaton’s Furniture, we believe a fantastic deal shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. We're proud to offer genuine, high-quality furniture at outlet prices, so you can get the best of both worlds—a price that makes you smile and a piece that you can count on.

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.

Happy shopping! We can’t wait to help you find your perfect piece.