8 household items to buy during the Labor Day sales

Summer is almost over, and we’re not particularly happy about it—but if there’s one thing to look forward to as this season comes to a close, it’s Labor Day deals. Whether you’re in the middle of a major renovation or just freshening up your space, Labor Day is one of the best times of the year to save money on household items.

“This long weekend is a great opportunity to snag summer sales and save on a variety of home items, including furniture, home decor, mattresses, and appliances large and small,” says Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com. “Retailers to keep an eye on include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Wayfair, and Amazon.”

Here are eight household items to look for during the Labor Day sale.

Seasonal decoration

Labor Day sales are a great way to finally buy the things you’ve had in mind all summer but didn’t want to buy at full price, says interior designer Emma Beryl. “Take advantage of these sales to buy summer decor items that you know you’ll love and that you won’t get bored of until next summer,” she says. “Decor items like lanterns and tableware that you can still use nine months later are a smart buy, especially when you know you’re saving a little money in the process, too.”

So feel free to put that garden table lamp or that melamine lemonade jug in your shopping cart. Depending on where you live, you might be able to use it for a few more weeks before putting it away until next summer.

Garden furniture

Outdoor furniture is rarely cheap, and around Labor Day, retailers quickly clear their inventory, says Robin Baab Olascoaga, owner and lead designer of RMBO Studio. “Outdoor furniture is usually heavily discounted toward the end of summer, so it’s a great time to snap up any items you’ve been eyeing,” she says. “If you’re flexible on color, you can score some great deals on umbrellas, hammocks, outdoor lounge seating and dining room furniture.”

Large appliances

Is your oven broken? Do you need a new dishwasher? Olascoaga says Labor Day sales are the perfect time to snag these pricey items. “Labor Day weekend is usually a great time to snag appliance deals, so it’s wise to plan your indoor or outdoor kitchen upgrades in advance — including measuring and noting the parts you need — so you’re ready to act once the sales start,” she says.

Carpets

A good rug is rarely cheap, so it’s smart to take advantage of any discounts you can find. “If a customer likes a more expensive item like a rug but isn’t sure and doesn’t see it as worth the full price, I sometimes suggest waiting until a big holiday sale like Labor Day,” says Olascoaga.

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

Accent pieces

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

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

Dorm and apartment furniture

Even if you’re long out of dorm life, you can still score bargains on items designed for small spaces. Bodge suggests looking for discounts on home items designed for a dorm or small apartment. “These discounted items could also be ideal for your home office or any remodel you’re doing if you’re new to empty nesting,” she says.

If you’re short on space, check out kids’ furniture websites like Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Kids for great pieces for smaller spaces that are perfect for adults.

Bed linen

Are your sheets a little scratchy? Have your beach towels seen better days? Interior designer Justin DiPiero says Labor Day is a good time to refresh your linen closet. “It’s the perfect time to update those sheets and towels that have been through a lot of wear and tear all year long,” he says. “Plus, it’s a cozy way to welcome fall with a fresh set of linens.”

Small kitchen appliances

If you need a new blender or are dreaming of a 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,” says Rojas. “Whether it’s an espresso machine that makes you the perfect cup of coffee every morning or a taco shell holder that makes Taco Tuesday an effortless event, small kitchen appliances can make all the difference. Plus, these appliances often go on sale during holiday weekends, making it the perfect time to pick up those fancy and maybe not-so-essential items you’ve been eyeing for a long time.”