Unlock Exclusive Deals on Floor Samples with Insider Design Tips
How to Find Discounts on Floor Sample Sales
Looking to snag chic furniture pieces from your preferred brands at a reduced price? One of the top yet often overlooked methods to achieve this is by taking advantage of floor sample sales, which many retailers hold in-store throughout the year. This means that the very chair you might have tried out recently could now be up for immediate purchase at a significantly discounted rate.
What should you be aware of before making such purchases? We chatted with Allyson McGrath, the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Serena & Lily, one of our beloved brands, to get the lowdown on how they handle selling floor samples. She shared some insider tips on a designer’s go-to tactic for securing discounts.
Know the Schedule
Floor sample sales are strategic ways to clear out seasonal stock. McGrath reveals that Serena & Lily stores undergo two major design shop overhauls—bringing in new inventory—in both January/February and August/September each year, along with two minor refreshes earlier in the summer and for the holiday season.
Build Connections
The easiest way to find out what’s up for grabs is by contacting or dropping by one of Serena & Lily’s 17 design shops across the nation.
“Each store varies in terms of the style and quantity of products on display—and consequently, which items are available as floor models—so it’s beneficial to check with the local teams who are in the know,” McGrath advises. However, she points out that stores showcase a wide array of items on the floor, including dining chairs, beds, sofas, lounge chairs, outdoor furnishings, case goods, lamps, tables, rugs, and more.
Be Prepared to Make a Decision
Typically, floor samples are marked down to between 30 and 50 percent of their original retail price, McGrath notes. Nevertheless, bear in mind that these sales are final and not eligible for promotions, and customers must pay in full at the time of purchase. “Floor model purchases should be picked up on your designated pickup date, unless Serena & Lily has authorized an alternative date,” McGrath emphasizes. “You are responsible for collecting and transporting your floor model purchase.”
The primary allure of shopping for floor models, indeed, lies in the “instant satisfaction of products with longer lead times, such as custom upholstery,” McGrath points out. “And, of course, a great deal!”
Celebrate Your Triumphs!
Serena & Lily isn’t the only retailer offering fantastic floor deals. Here, House Beautiful contributors share their own experiences of scoring remarkable sample pieces.
“I snagged my CB2 mirror from aptdeco.com, and it was a floor sample! Remember to explore resellers like AptDeco because they carry floor samples.” —Marina Liao
Contour Chair at dwr.com
“I purchased a set of four dining chairs from Design Within Reach on Kaiyo (RIP) that were floor samples—they still
“Sarah Lyon was delighted to find a flawless, discounted piece that garnered her numerous compliments. In the 1990s, Eleni Gage’s mother purchased a sofa and armchairs from Laura Ashley on 57th street, a deal she still boasts about decades later. For more inspiration, follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok. Discover 15 home bar gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and 32 low-light indoor plants that thrive in dark corners, along with the 50 best paint colors for your living room.”
