Best Time to Buy

The Best Time to Buy Area Rugs

Learn when to buy that perfect area rug in order to maximize your savings.

The best times to buy area rugs are 4th of July, 4th of July Weekend, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Labor Day Weekend, Wayfair Way Day, Black Friday, Black Friday Weekend, Presidents' Day, Presidents' Day Weekend, Memorial Day, and Memorial Day Weekend.

Area rugs are almost never on sale—about 6% of the year, or an average of 1-in-15.9 days.

almost never on sale
6%
of year on sale
12
sale periods
23
sale days
Check prices at Amazon

The best months to buy area rugs are February, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, and December.

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The best holidays to buy area rugs are 4th of July, Labor Day, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day.

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the best time to buy area rugs
Tayler Riouff's Profile Picture
Tayler Riouff
Managing Editor
10 min. read

We all strive to make the most of our budget when decorating our homes. This is especially true with the high cost of essential pieces of furniture, leaving potentially tighter budgets for other items such as area rugs. Despite potential tight budgets, the area rug industry is booming. According to Technavio[8], there’s been a distinct “consumer shift toward interior design” for several reasons, including more people working from and spending more time at home.

With the growing interest in interior design and the general state of the market, rugs can be a massive investment. Thankfully, there are a few things to know about the best time to buy an area rug. In this article, we’ll share the best times to buy area rugs as well as the top three tips and tricks to help make finding the perfect area rug feasible.

When is the Best Time to Buy Area Rugs?

If you look at most home and furniture supply stores that sell rugs, you’ll probably find a few marked down in the clearance section all year round. However, the markdowns and selection might be limited—unless you’re shopping around summertime.

The best time to buy area rugs is during summertime.

The main reason summer, specifically May through June, is the best time to buy area rugs is for several reasons. For starters, summer is the official moving season[7]. According to Move.org, summertime is considered “the best time to move with kids since they’ll be out of school,” and moving into a new house or apartment is an excellent opportunity to splurge on a new rug.

Another reason area rugs go on sale during the summer is that the general demand for indoor furniture tends to fall. As the weather warms up, more and more people shift their focus to outdoor activities, resulting in lower demand for indoor furnishings.

To capitalize on the number of people moving into new houses and to help combat the general decline in indoor furniture, retailers offer steep discounts to help drum up business. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or not, early summertime is the best time to buy a new area rug, regardless of whether you’re shopping for your patio or living room.

Other Great Times to Buy Area Rugs

Unlike other products on our website that are only on sale once or twice during the year, area rugs go on sale more frequently. If you find yourself reading this article and are nowhere near summertime, you don’t have to wait too long before the next sale date.

Small round area rug.

However, there’s one thing you should know before we get started: Generally, new rugs are released seasonally. Unlike couches, which are released twice a year, new rug releases are much less dependent on a strict, biannual schedule.

Take a peak through an industry-leading news source and record keeper like Rug News[12], and you’ll see releases scheduled based on seasons changing, color palette and material trends changing, and so forth.

With the busy new rug release schedule, there are plenty of sales periods to count on if you’re in the market for a new rug.

Presidents’ Day and Presidents’ Day Weekend

President’s Day falls on the third Monday of February and is one of the first federal holidays of the year that grants us a three-day weekend after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Presidents’ Day Weekend presents a prime occasion for retailers to host significant sales on rugs.

For most retailers and manufacturers, the aim is not only to entice customers to spend their extra day off shopping but also to clear out inventory space to make receiving new rugs easier. This makes Presidents’ Day and the corresponding long weekend the opportune time to discover exceptional deals on winter rug selections.

Wayfair’s Way Day Sale

Wayfair’s highly anticipated Way Day sale launched in 2018 in response to Amazon’s Prime Day and has become a must-watch event for savvy shoppers. In addition to the original annual sale, Wayfair expanded its offerings in 2022, introducing two sales—one in April and one in October.

Shoppers can expect savings of up to 80% off during Wayfair's Way Day sale!

According to Apartment Therapy’s contributor Sarah M. Vazques, shoppers can expect savings of up to 80% off on most home-related things, including area rugs, and these deals don’t stop at Wayfair’s website. They also extend to Wayfair’s “sister sites AllModern, Joss & Main, and Birch Lane, too.

Memorial Day and Memorial Day Weekend

Rolled up rugs.

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is more than just a federal holiday that grants us a three-day weekend—it’s also one of the best times to buy an area rug. If you’ve checked out other articles on our site, you’ll know that Memorial Day is also a great time to buy outdoor furniture when the demand for outdoor furniture is highest.

With many people interested in furnishing their patio and outdoor spaces for the summer, retailers host Memorial Day sales to increase the probability of you splurging on the perfect patio set. And what better way to tie a patio set together than with a new outdoor-friendly area rug?

4th of July and 4th of July Weekend

If you’ve read our article on when to buy patio furniture, you’ll know the 4th of July is another great time to find a reasonable price on outdoor furniture, and the same can be said for area rugs, too!

This is especially true if you’re looking for an outdoor rug. While you can find sales on both indoor and outdoor rugs during the 4th of July, you’ll be very likely to find sales on rugs that are perfect for covered and uncovered outdoor areas. So if your patio needs a spruce with a new rug, the 4th of July is the best time for you.

Amazon Prime Day

Another fantastic time to buy area rugs is during Amazon Prime Day, typically during the second week of July. This exclusive two-day sale is reserved for Amazon Prime members, offering massive discounts across a wide range of product categories, including area rugs.

Outdoor rug.

Sarah Saril and Brendan Griffiths, two experts at Reviews, highlight the dynamic nature of Prime Day deals, with discounts announced and available only while the deals are live during the event.

The best way to take advantage of Prime Day is to keep your Amazon notifications turned on!

Because of the touch-and-go nature of the sales, Saril and Griffiths say it’s crucial to stay vigilant and keep a close eye on your Amazon notifications[3]. That’s the best way to make the most of these limited-time deals to maximize your savings.

Labor Day and Labor Day Weekend

Another federal holiday that creates a three-day weekend for us is Labor Day. Labor Day takes place on the first Monday of every September, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather before it disappears. It’s also a great time to find a good price on area rugs.

Labor Day is one of the last sales periods of the summer season, which means new rugs will be released alongside new fall items. This makes Labor Day the perfect opportunity for retailers to move stock and create inventory space.

How to Shop for Area Rugs

Rugs in a basket.

Area rugs are not only functional pieces that add warmth, comfort, and personality to our living spaces, but they also serve as powerful design elements that can tie a room together. However, finding the perfect area rug can sometimes feel daunting with the myriad of options available. It might not be enough for you to know the best time to buy area rugs; you might also need to know how to shop.

Here are three tips that will help you find the area rug of your dreams.

1. Indoor vs. outdoor rugs: The key difference

According to Outdoor Living Style’s article, What’s the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Rugs? “The main difference between indoor and outdoor rugs comes down to materials.” Indoor rugs are about the feel as much as they are about the design, featuring materials as durable as soft on bare feet. Outdoor rugs place function before feel, favoring durable, weather-resistant materials meant to withstand different types of weather.

As you start shopping and exploring the different types of materials available on the market, try to keep the space you’re shopping for in mind. You don’t want to purchase and throw an indoor rug outside, as the first sign of inclement weather could ruin the fibers.

2. Measure your existing space

Thankfully, it usually doesn’t matter where you shop for rugs because the sizing is usually the same. According to the article, What are Standard Rug Sizes? “Small rugs usually less than 5’, medium rugs measure between 5’1”–8’6”, and large rugs are between 8’7”–12’.”

Most rugs are categorized based on square footage.

Before exploring different rug sizes in-store or online, start by measuring the space you want to buy a rug for. A large rug will be perfect for you if you’re trying to buy a rug for an open space or an entire room. If you’re searching for a rug to place beneath a dining table set or a desk, a medium rug is what you want to search for. Small, more narrow areas like hallways and entryways are perfect for small rugs.

3. Know your piles

Area rug with a dog.

If you’re even somewhat familiar with rugs, you’ve probably encountered the word ‘pile.’ According to Living Spaces[10], pile refers to the length of the fibers that make up the rug. When used to describe rugs, pile refers to how thick the rug is.

Different piles are suitable for different areas of the house. For example, high-pile rugs are soft, thick, and very cozy, but the long fibers of the rug can be challenging to clean, making them perfect for low-traffic rooms like offices, guest rooms, and seating nooks. Low-pile rugs, on the other hand, feature shorter fibers, making them easy to clean and great for high-traffic areas like dining rooms, living rooms, and hallways.

4. Bonus Tip: Explore different rug designs before you shop in-person

Exploring the diverse styles of area rugs available on the market can not only make shopping for a new rug easier, but it can also make it a lot faster, too. For starters, there are a ton of designs available on the market, ranging from Moroccan rugs to Persian Qashqai rugs, to name a few on the Nazmiyal Collection website[9]. And most rugs have unique variations within each category, so spending a little time ahead of your shopping spree will help cut down on time spent perusing a store’s wares.

When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck, knowing the best time to buy area rugs is crucial in furnishing your home. Now that you know summertime is the best time to get an awesome deal on a new rug, you’re ready to go out there and start exploring your options.

Is there a product you’d love to learn about? We’re constantly expanding the items on our site, so make sure you’re staying in the loop by subscribing to our monthly newsletter!

FAQ

Let's recap by answering some key questions:

When is the best time to buy area rugs?

The best times to buy area rugs are 4th of July, 4th of July Weekend, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Labor Day Weekend, Wayfair Way Day, Black Friday, Black Friday Weekend, Presidents' Day, Presidents' Day Weekend, Memorial Day, and Memorial Day Weekend.

Why 4th of July is a good time to buy area rugs:

Along with the normal furniture sales that take place on the 4th of July, area rugs (especially outdoor area rugs) are deeply discounted during this time!

Why 4th of July Weekend is a good time to buy area rugs:

Along with the normal furniture sales that take place on the 4th of July Weekend, area rugs (especially outdoor area rugs) are deeply discounted during this time!

Why Amazon Prime Day is a good time to buy area rugs:

Prime Day is a two-day-long sales event that boasts massive discounts on items across the site. Look for excellent deals on all kinds of area rugs.

Why Labor Day is a good time to buy area rugs:

Labor Day creates a three-day weekend and is one of the best times to shop for end-of-summer deals. Expect to find excellent deals on seasonal summer area rugs, which retailers will be extra motivated to sell before the weather turns.

Why Labor Day Weekend is a good time to buy area rugs:

Labor Day Weekend creates a three-day weekend and is one of the best times to shop for end-of-summer deals. Expect to find excellent deals on seasonal summer area rugs, which retailers will be extra motivated to sell before the weather turns.

Why Wayfair Way Day is a good time to buy area rugs:

Wayfair’s Way Day sale began in 2018 as a response to Amazon’s Prime Day. In 2022, Wayfair added two sales to the year: one in April and another in October. On top of the normally reasonable Wayfair prices, you can expect to find discounts of up to 80% on all kinds of furniture, area rugs included.

Why Black Friday is a good time to buy area rugs:

One of the biggest sales of the year, Black Friday can be a great time to snag a serious deal on area rugs. With the end of the year quickly approaching, many retailers will use Black Friday Weekend to discount freshly released inventory and meet annual sales quotas.

Why Black Friday Weekend is a good time to buy area rugs:

One of the biggest sales of the year, Black Friday can be a great time to snag a serious deal on area rugs. With the end of the year quickly approaching, many retailers will use Black Friday Weekend to discount freshly released inventory and meet annual sales quotas.

Why Presidents' Day is a good time to buy area rugs:

Presidents' Day is an ideal time to buy area rugs as retailers often host substantial sales during this holiday weekend, offering unbeatable discounts on last year's inventory.

Why Presidents' Day Weekend is a good time to buy area rugs:

Presidents' Day Weekend is an ideal time to buy area rugs as retailers often host substantial sales during this holiday weekend, offering unbeatable discounts on last year's inventory.

Why Memorial Day is a good time to buy area rugs:

Memorial Day presents a great opportunity to buy area rugs as retailers offer enticing sales and promotions during this holiday, allowing you to find significant discounts on a variety of rug styles and sizes. Take advantage of the Memorial Day sales to enhance your home decor with stylish and affordable area rugs.

Why Memorial Day Weekend is a good time to buy area rugs:

Memorial Day Weekend presents a great opportunity to buy area rugs as retailers offer enticing sales and promotions during this holiday, allowing you to find significant discounts on a variety of rug styles and sizes. Take advantage of the Memorial Day sales to enhance your home decor with stylish and affordable area rugs.

How often are area rugs on sale?

Area rugs are almost never on sale, approximately 23 days each year, spanning 12 distinct sale periods—that's 6% of the year.

What are the best months to buy area rugs?

The best months to buy area rugs are February, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, and December.

What are the best holidays to buy area rugs?

The best holidays to buy area rugs are 4th of July, Labor Day, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day.

Why 4th of July is a good holiday to buy area rugs:

Along with the normal furniture sales that take place on the 4th of July, area rugs (especially outdoor area rugs) are deeply discounted during this time!

Why Labor Day is a good holiday to buy area rugs:

Labor Day creates a three-day weekend and is one of the best times to shop for end-of-summer deals. Expect to find excellent deals on seasonal summer area rugs, which retailers will be extra motivated to sell before the weather turns.

Why Presidents' Day is a good holiday to buy area rugs:

Presidents' Day is an ideal time to buy area rugs as retailers often host substantial sales during this holiday weekend, offering unbeatable discounts on last year's inventory.

Why Memorial Day is a good holiday to buy area rugs:

Memorial Day presents a great opportunity to buy area rugs as retailers offer enticing sales and promotions during this holiday, allowing you to find significant discounts on a variety of rug styles and sizes. Take advantage of the Memorial Day sales to enhance your home decor with stylish and affordable area rugs.

  1. "The state of the Presidents Day sale" (Marketplace)
  2. "When Do Furniture Store Sales and Events Happen?" (The Spruce)
  3. "What is Amazon Prime Day? 7 tips to find the best deals and how the event works" (Reviews)
  4. "What to Know About Wayfair's Second Way Day 2022 Sale" (Consumer Reports)
  5. "Ready-Made vs Custom Furniture: Which Is Better?" (Houzz)
  6. "Furniture e-commerce in the United States - statistics & facts" (Statista)
  7. "What Is The Best Time to Move?" (Move)
  8. "Area Rugs Market by Product, Application, Distribution Channel, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027" (Technavio)
  9. "What Are Different Types of Rugs Called?" (Nazmiyal Collection)
  10. "High Pile Rugs vs. Low Pile Rugs – and Why It Matters" (Living Spaces)
  11. "What are Standard Rug Sizes?" (Plush Rugs)
  12. "Rug News" (Rug News)

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