Credit: Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty ImagesAs summer draws to a close, we can't help but feel a little down—but the silver lining is the incredible Labor Day sales. Whether you're tackling a full home makeover or just sprucing up your living area, this holiday weekend is the perfect time to snag amazing discounts on home essentials.
"Labor Day weekend is a goldmine for shoppers seeking end-of-summer clearance bargains and discounts on a wide range of home products, from furniture and décor to mattresses and appliances," explains Trae Bodge, a savvy shopping expert at Truetrae.com. "Keep an eye on retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Wayfair, and Amazon for the best deals."
Discover eight home essentials to keep an eye on during Labor Day sales.
Seasonal Decor
Interior designer Emma Beryl suggests that Labor Day sales are the perfect opportunity to invest in those summer items you’ve been eyeing but hesitated to buy at full price. "Take advantage of these discounts to pick up summer decor pieces that you’ll cherish and won’t grow tired of by next year," she advises. "Items like lanterns and dinnerware, which can be used for most of the year, are a wise purchase, especially when you’re saving money in the process."
Feel free to add that stylish outdoor table lamp or the melamine lemonade pitcher to your shopping list. Depending on your location, you might still enjoy them for a few more weeks before storing them away for next summer.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture often comes with a hefty price tag, but Labor Day is the ideal time to find bargains as retailers aim to clear out their stock, notes Robin Baab Olascoaga, owner and principal designer of RMBO Studio. "Outdoor furniture typically sees significant markdowns at summer’s end, making it the perfect moment to grab those pieces you’ve been considering," she explains. "If you’re open to different colors, you can find incredible discounts on items like umbrellas, hammocks, lounge chairs, and outdoor dining sets."
Major Appliances
Is your oven acting up? Or perhaps your dishwasher needs replacing? Olascoaga highlights that Labor Day sales are an excellent opportunity to save on these expensive appliances. "Labor Day weekend often features fantastic deals on appliances, so it’s a good idea to plan your kitchen upgrades ahead of time—whether indoor or outdoor. Take measurements and list the items you need so you’re prepared to shop as soon as the sales begin," she advises.
Rugs
High-quality rugs rarely come at a low cost, so capitalizing on discounts is a smart move. "If a client is unsure about splurging on a pricier item like a rug and doesn’t see its worth at full price, I often recommend holding off until a major holiday sale, such as Labor Day," Olascoaga suggests.
Don’t overlook outdoor rugs either. Even though the season is winding down, replacing your outdoor rug now could save you from paying full price next spring.
Accent Pieces
We all have that one item we’ve been dreaming about, and Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to finally buy it. "It could be a stylish side table from Anthropologie or a striking floor lamp that’s slightly over budget," shares Cynthia Rojas, principal designer and founder of Minty Synth Interiors. "While it’s often difficult to prioritize these fun, non-essential purchases over practical ones, it’s these unique, conversation-worthy pieces that truly elevate a space. During sales, I enjoy hunting for standout items like sculptural floor lamps, artistic side tables, or even bold planters."
If your home feels like it’s missing that special touch, now is the time to visit your favorite store or browse online for inspiration.
Dorm and Apartment Furniture
Even if your dorm days are long behind you, you can still find great deals on furniture tailored for compact spaces. Bodge recommends keeping an eye out for discounts on items specifically designed for dorms or small apartments. "These pieces can also work wonderfully in a home office or during a home reconfiguration, especially if you’re adjusting to life as an empty nester," she notes.
For those living in smaller homes, consider browsing children’s furniture websites like Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids. You’ll discover pieces that are both functional and stylish, perfectly suited for adult spaces.
Linens
Are your sheets feeling rough, or have your beach towels lost their charm? According to interior designer Justin DiPiero, Labor Day is the ideal time to upgrade your linen collection. "It’s a great opportunity to replace well-worn sheets and towels that have seen a lot of use over the year," he explains. "Starting fall with fresh, soft linens is a comforting way to embrace the new season."
Small Kitchen Appliances
If you’ve been eyeing a new blender or dreaming of that high-end air fryer, now is the time to act—don’t wait until the holiday season. "It’s often the small details that transform your daily routine, particularly in the kitchen," Rojas explains. "From an espresso machine that delivers your ideal morning brew to a taco shell holder that simplifies Taco Tuesday, these compact kitchen tools can revolutionize your cooking experience. Holiday weekends often bring discounts on these gadgets, making it the ideal moment to snag those fun, perhaps non-essential items you’ve been wanting."
