Furniture prices rose in May while carpets also increased as overall inflation experienced a slight decline.
According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to May 2025, compared with 3.5% in the 12 months to April. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.2% in May 2025, compared with a rise of 0.3% in May 2024.
The largest downward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates came from transport; the largest, partially offsetting, upward contributions came from food, and furniture and household goods.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices rise 1.3% month-on-month, while on the last year prices were up compared to its fall of -2.4%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices rose by 1.7% in May, compared to a rise of 0.2% in April, while up from a -2.8% fall compared to the same month last year.
The retail price of household furniture increased by 1.8% in the month, up from a rise of 0.5%, while also up from a decline of -2.7% last year.
Garden furniture prices rose 0.2%, compared to a fall of -1.4% on last month, and from a decline of -22.4% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased 0.2%, compared to a fall of -0.2% the previous month, while up from -0.3% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices rise by 1.7%, higher than its rise of 0.3% the previous month, as well as from a rise of 1.3% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for May, ONS acting Chief Economist Richard Heys said: “A variety of counteracting price movements meant inflation was little changed in May. Air fares fell this month, compared with a large rise at the same time last year, as the timing of Easter and school holidays affected pricing. Meanwhile, motor fuel costs also saw a drop.
“These were partially offset by rising food prices, particularly items such as chocolates and meat products. The cost of furniture and household goods, including fridge freezers and vacuum cleaners, also increased.”
