Ex-Display Furniture: What to Know Before You Buy | UK Guide

If you've ever walked through a furniture showroom or a brand-new show home and thought "I want my house to look exactly like this", you're not alone. And the good news? You can, for a lot less than you'd think.

Ex-display and ex-showhome furniture is one of the UK's best-kept interiors secrets, and it's something we've built our entire business around. So let me walk you through exactly what it is, what to check before you buy, and why customers come back to us again and again.

What is ex-display furniture?

Ex-display furniture is exactly what it sounds like: pieces that have been on display rather than in someone's home. That might be a floor model in a furniture showroom, a piece from a trade exhibition, or something used for a catalogue shoot. It has been looked at, occasionally sat on, and moved around a bit. It hasn't been lived with.

Because it can't be sold as brand new, it's discounted. In our ex-display collection you'll typically save 25 to 60% against the original price, on pieces from brands like Richmond Interiors and Hills.

And ex-showhome furniture?

When property developers build new housing estates, they furnish a handful of plots as show homes, the ones you walk around when deciding whether to buy. Every piece is chosen by professional stylists to make the rooms feel aspirational and beautifully put together.

Once the estate sells out, all of that furniture needs a new home. That's where we come in. We work directly with developers and styling houses across the UK to source these pieces before they hit the open market.

The difference between the two is simply where the piece has been. Both come to you professionally selected, in excellent condition, at a serious discount.

Why is it such good value?

It's been styled, not lived in. These pieces were placed in a room for visitors to admire. Most arrive with us in near-perfect condition. We're talking about sofas that have never been sat on for more than five minutes at a time.

The original spec is high. Developers and showrooms don't cut corners on display pieces. They're selling a lifestyle. That means solid wood, quality upholstery and finishes that photograph beautifully because they are beautiful.

The pricing reflects the supply chain, not the quality. Because this stock needs clearing quickly, we can pass on genuine savings rather than pretending the discount is a favour.

What to check before you buy ex-display furniture

Wherever you buy from (and obviously we'd love it to be us), here's what to look for:

An honest condition note. A good seller tells you exactly what state each piece is in, per item, before you pay. Every product in our ex-display collection has its condition described on the page. If a seller is vague about condition, walk away.

A photo of any marks. "Minor wear" means nothing without a picture. If there's a scratch, you should be able to see it before you buy, not discover it in your hallway.

Dimensions, twice. These are one-off pieces, so there's no exchanging it for the smaller size. Measure your space, then measure your doorways.

Delivery details for large pieces. Ask how it will arrive and who's carrying it. Our larger pieces come on a two-person delivery service.

Your return rights. Buying online in the UK, you keep your 14-day cancellation right on ex-display purchases just as you would buying new. Ours is set out in our refund policy.

What kind of furniture can you find?

Honestly, everything. Dining tables and chairs, sideboards, storage cabinets, sofas and armchairs, mirrors, coffee tables, and full outdoor sets in season. Because these are one-off pieces, the range changes constantly. That's part of the fun. Every visit, and every look at the collection online, is different.

Can I see it before I buy?

Absolutely, and we'd recommend it. Our showroom is at Buzzards Valley near Tamworth, set in the grounds of Buzzards Valley Vineyard and styled like a series of real rooms, so you can see how pieces work together rather than lined up in a warehouse. Plan your visit here. The showroom also holds ex-showhome pieces that never make it online, so the treasure hunt is worth it either way.

What about your online shop?

This is where people sometimes get surprised. Alongside the ex-display pieces, the vast majority of our online shop is brand-new premium furniture from names we genuinely love: Richmond Interiors, Wilde Java, Light & Living, Hills and our own Xshowhome Originals range, all priced to be market-leading because we buy direct and keep our overheads low.

Think of it this way: the ex-display collection is where the one-off gems live. The rest of the site is our full new furniture range at prices that are hard to beat.

How do I know the quality is good?

Every piece, ex-display or brand new, is inspected when it arrives with us. If something isn't up to standard, it doesn't make it to the showroom floor or the website. Simple as that. And don't just take our word for it: our customers have given us a 4.9-star rating across more than 200 independent reviews. You can read them here.

Frequently asked questions

Is ex-display furniture second-hand?

Technically it's been owned before, but "second-hand" doesn't really capture it. These pieces have stood in a showroom or styled show home, not been lived with day to day. Most arrive in near-new condition.

How much cheaper is ex-display furniture?

In our collection, typically 25 to 60% below the original price. The exact discount depends on how long the piece was on display and its condition, which we state on every product page.

Can I return ex-display furniture?

Yes. Buying online, you have the same 14-day cancellation right as with new furniture. Full details are on our returns policy page.

Is it worth buying ex-display furniture?

If you want premium furniture without the premium price tag, absolutely. You're getting pieces hand-selected by professional stylists, honestly described, at a genuine discount. Just move quickly: when a one-off sells, it's gone.

Where can I buy ex-display furniture in the UK?

You're in the right place. Browse our ex-display and ex-showhome collection online, or visit our Tamworth showroom to see the range in person.

Got a question I haven't covered? Drop us a message, we're always happy to help. Love, Gemma x