The Smart Shopper's Guide to Unsold Dining Tables

Finding the perfect dining table can transform a room, but high-quality pieces often come with a high price tag. If you’re searching for a fantastic deal on a beautiful table, exploring the world of unsold inventory could be your best strategy. This guide will explain exactly what “unsold” means and where you can find these hidden gems.

What Are "Unsold" Dining Tables?

When you hear “unsold dining table,” it’s easy to think of dusty, forgotten pieces in the back of a warehouse. While that can be true, the term covers a much broader range of high-quality furniture that hasn’t been sold through traditional retail channels for various reasons. Understanding these categories is the first step to finding an incredible deal.

Overstock: Sometimes, a retailer simply orders too much of a particular model. To make room for new inventory, they need to sell these extra tables quickly, often at a significant discount. These are brand-new, perfect-condition items.
Floor Models: These are the tables you see on display in a showroom. They may have very minor signs of wear from being touched or demonstrated, but they are often sold at a steep discount to be replaced by newer designs. This is one of the best ways to get a high-end table for less.
Discontinued Lines: When a manufacturer stops making a certain style of table, retailers need to clear out the remaining stock. This is another opportunity to buy a new, flawless table at a fraction of its original price.
Scratch and Dent: These tables have minor cosmetic imperfections that occurred during shipping or in the warehouse. The damage is often minimal, like a small scuff on a leg or a faint scratch on the surface, but it results in a major price reduction.
Cancelled Custom Orders: High-end furniture stores and custom woodworkers sometimes have customers who cancel a special order after it has already been produced. Because the piece was made to specific tastes, it can be difficult to sell at full price, creating a unique buying opportunity.

Where to Find Incredible Deals on Dining Tables

Now that you know what you’re looking for, the next step is knowing where to look. Great deals are available if you are strategic in your search.

Furniture Outlet Stores

Major furniture brands often have dedicated outlet stores to sell their overstock, floor models, and discontinued items. These are excellent places to start your search for well-known brands.

Restoration Hardware Outlet: Known for its large-scale, high-quality furniture, the RH Outlet can offer substantial savings on statement dining tables.
Pottery Barn Outlet: A great source for classic, farmhouse, and rustic style tables. Inventory changes constantly, so frequent visits can pay off.
Crate & Barrel Outlet: If you love modern and contemporary design, this is a must-visit. You can find sleek, well-made tables and dining sets.
West Elm Outlet: This is another top destination for mid-century modern and contemporary furniture at a lower price point.

Local Furniture Retailers

Don’t overlook the independent furniture stores in your area. Many have a clearance section in the back of the store where they place floor models and pieces with minor blemishes. It’s always worth asking a sales associate if they have any floor models they are looking to sell.

Warehouse Sales and Liquidation Events

Keep an eye out for local warehouse sales or liquidation events. These are often advertised online or in local community groups. Businesses that are closing down, moving, or clearing out a large volume of inventory will host these sales, offering some of the deepest discounts you can find. A quick online search for “furniture warehouse sale near me” can yield surprising results.

Online Marketplaces

The internet has opened up new avenues for finding unsold furniture. The key is using the right search terms.

Wayfair’s “Open Box” Deals: Wayfair has a specific section for “Open Box” items. These are typically customer returns that are in new condition but can no longer be sold as brand new. The discounts can be significant.
Kaiyo: This online marketplace specializes in pre-owned, high-end furniture from brands like Room & Board, Design Within Reach, and Restoration Hardware. While technically “used,” many items are in like-new condition.
Facebook Marketplace: When searching here, use specific keywords like “floor model,” “new in box,” or “overstock.” You can often find individuals reselling liquidation pallets or small businesses clearing out inventory.

Tips for a Successful Purchase

Once you’ve found a potential table, there are a few things you should do to ensure you’re making a smart investment.

Inspect Everything Carefully: Look over the entire table. Check the tabletop for scratches, the legs for stability, and the joints for sturdiness. If it’s a “scratch and dent” item, make sure you’re comfortable with the imperfection.
Measure Your Space: Before you go shopping, measure your dining room, doorways, and hallways. There is nothing worse than buying the perfect table only to discover it won’t fit through your door.
Understand the Return Policy: Most unsold furniture, especially from outlets and liquidation sales, is sold “as-is” with a final sale policy. Be absolutely sure you love the piece before you buy it.
Plan for Transportation: A solid wood dining table is extremely heavy. Ask the seller about delivery options. If there are none, you will need to arrange for a truck and some help to move it safely.

By being a savvy and informed shopper, you can find a stunning, high-quality dining table that will be the centerpiece of your home for years to come, all without paying the full retail price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average discount on an unsold dining table? Discounts can vary widely, but it’s common to see prices reduced by 30% to 70% off the original retail price. Floor models and items with minor damage often have the steepest discounts.

Is there a warranty on unsold furniture? Typically, no. Most outlet, clearance, and “as-is” sales do not include a manufacturer’s warranty. This is part of the trade-off for getting a much lower price. Be sure to conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing.

What’s the best time of year to look for deals? January and February, as well as July and August, are often good times to shop. Retailers are clearing out old inventory to make room for new collections that arrive in the spring and fall. However, deals can be found year-round at outlet stores.