Furniture prices increased slightly in January, while carpets and overall inflation fell.
According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3% in the 12 months to January 2026, down from 3.4% in the 12 months to December 2025. On a monthly basis, CPI fell by 0.5% in January 2026, compared with a fall of 0.1% in January 2025.
Transport, and food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest downward contributions to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices rise 0.1% in January, from its fall of -0.9% the previous month, while compared to last year, prices were down from its rise 0.3%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -0.3%, up compared to a decline of -1.4% the previous month, while down from a 0.5% increase compared to the same month last year.
Garden furniture prices fell by -8.4%, compared to a decline of -9.7% on last month, and from a decline of -11.3% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased by 1.1%, down compared to a rise of 2% the previous month, while up from an increase of 0.6% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices fall by -0.2%, compared to its fall of -0.2% the previous month, and from a rise of 0.3% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for January, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation fell markedly in January to its lowest annual rate since March last year, driven partly by a decrease in petrol prices.
“Airfares were another downward driver this month with prices dropping back following the increase in December. Lower food prices also helped push the rate down, particularly for bread & cereals and meat. These were partially offset by the cost of hotel stays and takeaways.
“The cost of raw materials for businesses fell over the past year, driven by lower crude oil prices, while the increase in the cost of goods leaving factories slowed.”
