Furniture prices decreased slightly in August, while carpets declined, as overall inflation remained unchanged.
According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2025, unchanged from July. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.3% in August 2025, the same rate as in August 2024.
Air fares made the largest downward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates; restaurants and hotels, and motor fuels made large, partially offsetting, upward contributions.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices rise 0.3% in August, down from its rise of 0.8% the previous month, while compared to last year, prices were up from its fall of -1%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices rose by 0.6%, down compared to a rise of 1.2% the previous month, while up from a -1.3% fall compared to the same month last year.
The retail price of household furniture increased by 0.9% in the month, down from a rise of 1.3%, while up from a decline of -1% last year.
Garden furniture prices fell by -7.1%, compared to a rise of 5.5% on last month, and from a decline of -13% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices decreased by -0.5%, down compared to a rise of 0.1% the previous month, while up from a growth of 0.1% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices rise by 2.3%, up from its rise of 1.4% the previous month, as well as higher than a rise of 0.5% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for August, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “After last month’s increase, annual inflation was unchanged in August as various price movements offset each other.
“The cost of airfares was the main downward driver this month with prices rising less than a year ago following the large increase in July linked to the timing of the summer holidays. This was offset by a rise in prices at the pump and the cost of hotel accommodation falling less than this time last year.
“Food price inflation climbed for the fifth consecutive month, with small increases seen across a range of vegetables, cheese and fish items.”
