Furniture prices decreased slightly in September, while carpets rose, 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 September 2025, unchanged from August. On a monthly basis, CPI was unchanged in September 2025, as in September 2024.
Transport made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates; recreation and culture, and food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest offsetting downward contributions.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices fall -0.2% in September, down from its rise of 0.3% the previous month, while compared to last year, prices were up from its fall of -1.2%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -0.2%, down compared to a rise of 0.6% the previous month, while up from a -0.9% fall compared to the same month last year.
The retail price of household furniture was unchanged at 0.9% in the month, up from a decline of -0.7% last year.
Garden furniture prices fell by -8.2%, compared to a decline of -7.1% on last month, and from a decline of -12.7% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased by 0.2%, up compared to a decline of -0.5% the previous month, while up from a decline of -2.5% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices rise by 2.6%, up from its rise of 2.3% the previous month, as well as higher than a rise of 0.1% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for September, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “A variety of price movements meant inflation was unchanged overall in September. The largest upward drivers came from petrol prices and airfares, where the fall in prices eased in comparison to last year.
“These were offset by lower prices for a range of recreational and cultural purchases including live events. The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks also fell for the first time since May last year. Meanwhile, the annual rise in the cost of goods leaving factories continued to increase, driven by higher food prices.”
