Furniture prices fell during May, as carpets rose, while overall inflation held steady.
According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to May 2026, unchanged from the 12 months to April. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.2% in May 2026, the same rate as in May 2025.
Transport made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates; food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest, partially offsetting, downward contribution.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices rise 0.1% in May, compared to its increase of 1.3% the previous month, while from last year, prices were down from its rise of 1.3%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -1.1%, compared to a rise of 0.8% the previous month, while down from a 1.7% increase compared to the same month last year.
Garden furniture prices fell by -9.1%, compared to a decline of -7.4% on last month, and from a rise of 0.2% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased by 4.4%, compared to a rise of 2.7% the previous month, while up from a rise of 0.2% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices fall by -1.2%, compared to its rise of 0.8% the previous month, and from a rise of 1.7% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for May, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “After last month’s slowdown, inflation held steady in May as various price movements offset each other. The main upward movement came from transport with airfares, vehicle taxes and petrol prices all pushing up inflation.
“These were offset by lower food prices, with decreases in inflation seen across a range of meat, dairy and vegetable items compared to last month, as well as the cost of domestic heating oil, which fell back after climbing in recent month.
“The annual cost of raw materials continued to increase, led by rises in the cost of chemicals, while the increase in the costs of goods leaving factories slowed, partly due to a drop in the cost of domestically produced cars.”
