Furniture prices decreased slightly in March, while carpets rose and overall inflation increased.
According to the latest Office for National for National Statistics (ONS) data, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to March 2026, up from 3.0% in the 12 months to February. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.7% in March 2026, compared with a rise of 0.3% in March 2025.
Motor fuels made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates; clothing made the largest, partially offsetting, downward contribution.
For furniture, furnishings and carpets, the combined figure saw prices fall -0.4% in March, from its decline of -0.3% the previous month, while compared to last year, prices were down from its rise 0.2%. Sectors within the category are detailed below.
Furniture and furnishing prices fell by -0.8%, compared to a decline of -0.9% the previous month, while down from a 0.9% increase compared to the same month last year.
Garden furniture prices fell by -8.9%, compared to a decline of -9% on last month, and from a decline of -11.6% compared to last year.
Carpets and other floorcoverings prices increased by 1.5%, compared to a rise of 1.8% the previous month, while up from a decline of -1.8% last year.
Other household textile prices, including furnishings fabrics, curtains and bedding, saw prices fall by -0.8%, compared to its fall of -0.8% the previous month, and from a rise of 1.2% on last year.
Commenting on the inflation figures for March, ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said: “Inflation climbed in March, largely due to increased fuel prices, which saw their largest increase for over three years. Airfares were another upward driver this month, alongside rising food prices.
“The only significant offset came from clothing costs, where prices rose by less than this time last year. The monthly cost of both raw materials for businesses and goods leaving factories rose substantially, driven by higher crude oil and petrol prices.”
