8 Home Items to Shop During Labor Day Sales

Summer is almost over, and we’re not too happy about it—but if there’s one thing we can look forward to whenever this season comes to an end, it’s the Labor Day sales. Whether you’re in the middle of a major renovation or simply refreshing your space, Labor Day is one of the best times of the year to save money on home items.

“This long weekend is an excellent opportunity to score end-of-summer clearance deals and save on a multitude of items for the home, including furniture, home décor, mattresses, and appliances big and small,” Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com says. “Retailers to watch include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Wayfair, and Amazon.”

Here are eight home items you should look out for during Labor Day sales.

Seasonal Decor

Labor Day sales are a great way to finally buy those items you were thinking about all summer but didn’t want to buy at full price, interior designer Emma Beryl says. “Use these sales to purchase summer decor items you know you’ll love and won’t get tired of by next summer,” she says. “Decor pieces like lanterns and dinnerware that you can use nine months later are a smart buy, especially when you know you’re saving a little money as well.”

So go ahead and add those outdoor table lamp or that melamine lemonade pitcher to your cart. Depending on where you live, you can still use them for a few more weeks before putting them away until next summer.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is rarely cheap, and around Labor Day, retailers are eager to clear their inventory, says Robin Baab Olascoaga, owner and principal designer of RMBO Studio, “Outdoor furniture is usually deeply discounted at the tail end of summer, so it’s a great time to jump on any items you’ve been eyeing,” she says. “If you’re flexible with color, you can score amazing deals on umbrellas, hammocks, outdoor lounge seating, and dining pieces.”

Major Appliances

Is your oven on the fritz? Do you need a new dishwasher? Labor Day sales are the perfect time to score on these high-ticket items, according to Olascoaga. “There are usually great appliance sales during Labor Day weekend, so it’s wise to strategize your indoor or outdoor kitchen upgrades in advance—including taking measurements and noting the pieces you’ll need—so you’re ready to act once the sales go live,” she says.

Rugs

A good rug rarely comes cheap, so it’s smart to take advantage of any discounts you can find. “If a client likes but is on the fence about a bigger ticket item like a rug and doesn’t see the value at full price, I sometimes suggest waiting until a big holiday sale like Labor Day,” Olascoaga says. 

Don’t forget to look for outdoor rugs as well. While you might not be thinking about replacing your outdoor rug since the season is almost over, you might regret it when you have to pay full price next May.

Accent Pieces

We all have that one piece we’ve been eyeing for ages, and Labor Day is an ideal time to add it to your cart. “Maybe it’s a super chic side table from Anthropologie or a statement floor lamp that’s just a little out of budget,” says Cynthia Rojas, principal designer and founder at Minty Synth Interiors. “Normally, it’s hard to justify spending on these fun, non-essential items when there are more practical purchases to make. But sometimes, it’s these unique, conversation-starting pieces that bring the most character to a room. Especially during a sale, I love searching for larger, one-of-a-kind items, like a sculptural floor lamp, an artful side table, or even an eye-catching planter.”

So, if you feel like your home needs a little something extra, now’s the time to head to your local store or do a thorough search online.

Dorm and Apartment Furniture

Even if you’re far past your dorm days, you can still score deals on pieces designed for small spaces. Bodge suggests looking for discounts on home items that are designed to fit in a dorm or small apartment. “These sale items could also be ideal for your home office or any reconfiguring you’re doing if you’re a new empty nester,” she says.

If you live in a small space, check children’s furniture sites, like Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids. You can find great pieces for smaller spaces that are perfectly suitable for adults.

Linens

Are your sheets a little scratchy? Have your beach towels seen better days? Interior designer Justin DiPiero says Labor Day is a great time to refresh your linen closet. “It’s the perfect time to update the sheets and towels that have been heavily used throughout the year,” he says. “Plus, heading into fall with a fresh set of sheets is a cozy way to welcome the season.”

Small Kitchen Appliances

If you need a new blender or you’ve been dreaming of that fancy air fryer, don’t wait until December. “Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference in your day-to-day life, especially in the kitchen,” Rojas says. “Whether it’s an espresso machine that gives you that perfect cup of coffee each morning or a taco shell holder that turns Taco Tuesday into an effortless event, small kitchen gadgets can be game-changers. Plus, these gadgets are often on sale during holiday weekends, making it the perfect time to pick up those quirky and maybe not-so-essential items you’ve been eyeing.”